Site Visits:
Site Visit #1 Report:
Fall, 2000 

Sanahin Monastery Complex is situated in the province of Lori, near the village of Sanahin. The monastery is 195 km far from Yerevan and 5 km far from the nearby Haghpat Monastery Complex.

The Monastery comprises several churches and chapels built during the reign of Queen Khosrovanush.

The picture above shows the western view of the complex.

On the right side of the picture the entrance to the belfry is visible. Next to it is the "gavit" of St Astvatsatsin. Adjoined to the latter is the "gavit" of Amenaprkich.

This is a close-up view of the "gavit" of Amenaprkitch. The church is situated at the back of the "gavit".

The Church of Amenaprkich (The Savior) is the principal church of the monastery, constructed between 966 and 972 AD, located next to the Church of  St Astvatsatsin (Mother of God).

This is the open hall, which adjoins the "gavit" of Amenaprkitch the "gavit" and church of St Astvatsatsin.

The picture above shows the southern side of the Amenaprkitch church. 

 

This picture shows some other parts of the Sanahin Monastery complex.

Parts of the book depository, the latter's gallery and the chapel of St. Grigor are visible behind the tree.

Sanahin’s book depository is a unique work of medieval Armenian architecture. Its influence can be seen in various architectural forms of Armenia’s civil buildings.

A few graves also can be seen surrounding the tree... 

This is the general view of the  roofs of the churches of which the monastery consists.

The Theological Academy of Sanahin is situated in-between the two churches, where the eminent Armenian scholar, philosopher and writer, Grigor Magistros Pahlavuni instructed during the XI Century.

The great Armenian poet and singer Sayat Nova also studied at the Theological Academy according to inscriptions on the Library wall. 

These are the domes of the churches of St Astvatsatsin (on the right) and St Amenaprkitch (on the left).

The picture above shows the chapel of St. Grigor, the book depository and it's gallery.

This picture is taken from the bell tower of the monastery.

The skyline of the village of Sanahin can be seen in the horizon...

This is a close-up of the chapel of the St. Grigor.

A general view of the Sanahin Monastery complex from south-east.

The hill on which the monastery is situated, is surrounded by the mountains of "Chatin" from south, the gorge of Debed from the north, and the gorges of Astvatsatsin and Saghu from the east and the west.

Sanahin is rich in khachkars, which were intended not only as memorials. Some of them were installed to mark various events. 

The picture above shows the headstone of Grigor Toudeort one of the monks of Sanahin. It is 5 meters high.

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Site Visit #2 Report:

November , 2000
XX

 

 

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