Haghpat Monastery, UNESCO, Armenia 

One of the most ancient sights of Lori, Haghpat Monastery was built in the 10th through 13th centuries. Haghpat Monastery was once one of the largest centres of science, with a rich collection of manuscripts. It had premises for copying library manuscripts, plus cafeterias and universities. Of all the structures only the main church of St. Nishan with sculptural images on the outside and frescos inside, St. Gregory Church, the small dome church of St. Astvatsatsin, the 13th-century cafeteria, the 13th-century book depository, the belfry, and khachkars have survived.

All structures were made from stones in accordance with the strict rules of temple architecture. Small niches were made so that the stones fit together like puzzle pieces, which helped keep the churches standing during an earthquake. Small architectural details, like triangles around the cupolas in the center of buildings and some remaining faint frescoes, are the main decoration. Overall, the spare beauty was meant to keep the monks from getting distracted, and to keep the focus on God. Even the location of the monastery, only halfway up the hill rather than at the top, was a gesture of humility.

Epic Armenia Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound

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