Richard And Jo Demeester's photos with the keyword: Haghpat

We decided to walk between Haghpat and Sanahin, and thought we would find the way quite easily. We did make it, but are not too sure if we went the most direct way possible. We only got directions once, and they were quite vague, and we don't feel like we followed them, but in hindsight, there did not appear to be a better alternative. Anyway, so maybe we were lost, and maybe we weren't, but on the way we encountered this fantastic little church amongst ruins. It sat on a rocky outcrop just below the plateau that Sanahin sits on. There were cliffs below, cliffs opposite, and cliffs along the sides of the plateau. The little sanctuary was tidy and had a few candle stubs, and was therefore visited by worshippers on occasion. However, we still felt like it was our little discovery because of the remote setting, difficult approach, and the ruins around it.

Haghpat Monastery, with the bell tower in the foreground, and a sense of its beautiful location in the background.

A cross carved centuries ago in one of the magnificent pillars of Hamazasp at Haghpat Monastery.

The acoustics in this wonderful space were amazing. Although the oldest parts of the monastery date from the 10th century, Hamazasp was built around 1257.