Haghpat Monastery

　　During the flourishing period of the Kiurikian dynasty (approximately from the 10th to the 13th century), these two Byzantine-style monasteries in the Tumanian region were important centers of learning at the time. The Sanahin Monastery was world-renowned for its school of commentary and calligraphy. These two monastic complexes blend Byzantine ecclesiastical architectural styles with the indigenous traditions of the Caucasus, forming a unique artistic style that represents the pinnacle of Armenian religious architecture.

　　The renowned Haghpat Monastery complex is located in the Lori Province, about 3 kilometers away from the Sanahin region. It was founded during the reign of King Ashot III Bagratuni (928–951). The Sanahin and Haghpat complexes are not only striking for their innovative approach to religious and especially secular architecture, but they also serve as typical examples of urban architecture reflecting the high craftsmanship of Armenian medieval building techniques. Their awe-inspiring harmony and compactness, demonstrated through asymmetrical layouts, have had an immeasurable and profound influence on the development of medieval Armenian architecture.