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The architectural complexes of Sanahin and Haghpat are among the outstanding works of medieval Armenian
architecture. In their artistic merits they transcend the limits of
national culture.
The monasteries are situated in the north of Armenia, in the Tumanian
district. Sanahin is now within the limits of Alaverdi city, and Haghpat
is to the north-east of it, in the village of the same name. Standing on a
high plateau, amidst low structures, they rise sharp against the
background of steep forest-grown slopes of Bazum ridge. The ensembles are
complemented by small churches built near them.
The exact date of the foundation of Sanahin and Haghpat is unknown.
Documentary evidence and monuments of material culture suggest that these
structures date back to the middle of the 10th century. The formation of
Tashir-Dzoraget kingdom of the Kyurikids in 979 and the great attention
paid to Sanahin and Haghpat by various rulers of Armenia and their vassals
favored the construction of many religious and civil structures there. In
these monasteries, especially in Sanahin, humanitarian sciences and
medicine were studied, scientific treatises written and paintings, most
miniatures, created. |