Haghpat Monastery sits in glorious Armenian countryside in northern Armenia. Armenia has numerous monasteries so there are a ton to choose from but this one is special for many reasons, including its glorious views.
Inside the monastery.
Haghpat Monastery Built dates back to approximately the year 976, however over the next 2 centuries other buildings were added to it to expand the area. The main building is known as the Surp Nishan, which is the oldest part of the structure. It’s a World Heritage Site but there is no entrance fee. Donations are welcomed and inside the main church is a small stall selling souvenirs.
I loved the views from Haghpat. Remember to admire the scenery as well as the Monastery. Remember, there was a reason they chose to build it here! Below, Surp Nishan — the main church building in the middle.
The main part of Haghpat seems to be Surp Nishan.
Surp Astvatsatsin. A smaller chapel inside Haghpat.
Unusual holes in the floor inside.
There is also the option to stay near Haghpat Monastery, a local family could arrange a homestay for sure, or there’s the Gayane B and B further down the hill. Most people do a day trip, but you can also take in Sanahin in the same region. If you’re in the Debed Canyon or northern Armenia, check Haghpat out!!
Jonny Blair is a self confessed traveling nomad who founded and blogs at Don’t Stop Living. He sees every day as an adventure. Since leaving behind his home town of Bangor in Northern Ireland ten years ago he has traveled to all seven continents, working his way through various jobs and funding it all with hard work and an appetite for travel. Don’t Stop Living, a lifestyle of travel’ contains over 1,000 stories and tips from his journeys round the globe. He wants to show others how easy it is to travel the world, give them some ideas and encourage them to do the same but most of all he aims to constantly live a lifestyle of travel. He is currently based in Hong Kong and on Twitter @jonnyblair.
