Haghartsin monastery

Haghartsin monastery is a spiritual and cultural center of medieval Armenia, located 12 km from Dilijan, surrounded by thick woods, beautiful landscapes. It is considered to be a unique example of architecture and nature harmony. The Haghartsin monument is located on a plateau surrounded by forested mountains, far beyond the settlements, with remarkable architectural value monuments and over hundreds of inscriptions, which contain rich material on the socio-political history of medieval Armenia. 

Together with Goshavank, Haghpat and Varagavanq, the Haghartsin monastery participated in a long and stubborn struggle for the promotion of education in the country and the preservation of the Armenian Church’s religion. Historical sources, however, give very poor information about this remarkable monument. The exact date of Haghartsin’s monastery construction is unknown. It is only known that in the middle of the 12th century it already existed. 

Haghartsin monastery is connected with the name of Khachatur Taronatsi, a prominent figure of the medieval, virtuous and well-educated, musician. During his leadership, Haghartsin monastery flourished, new constructions were built, and a remarkable monastic school was opened. He died and buried in front of the Cathoghike Church in Haghartsin monastery. St. Astvatsatsin Church is the main and largest church of the monastery, with a rectangular cross-country structure with a square plan. Facing stone is made of blue basalt and yellow limestone. In Haghartsin monastery complex there is also St. Grigor church, St. Cathoghike church, St. Stepanos church, a refectory etc.