Harichavank monastery
Harichavank Monastery is located near the village of Harich in the Shirak region and is one of the oldest and most celebrated monastic centers in Armenia. The complex includes two churches, a chapel, a belfry, a porch, a school, and various utility rooms. The central church, St. Gregory, is a domed cruciform structure. Its apses are pentahedral on the outside and semicircular inside, crowned by a majestic dome that gives the church a grand and commanding presence. In 1201, the second church of the complex, the Church of the Holy Mother of God, was built by Princes Zakareh and Ivaneh Zakarians, who had acquired Harich from the Pahlavuni noble family. This church is a domed hall with two-storey side chapels in each corner. The facade is richly decorated, featuring rosettes, a sundial, and carvings of doves and other birds. Originally, a bas-relief depicted the Zakarian brothers holding a miniature model of the church, later replaced by an onyx image of the Holy Mother of God. All the monastery buildings are made of multicolored stones arranged in a mosaic pattern, adding to the visual harmony of the complex. Not far from the main buildings stands a small chapel of special interest. Built atop a rock that was split from the cape by an earthquake, the chapel now soars dramatically above the canyon, creating a striking and memorable sight for visitors.
Harichavank Monastery combines architectural grandeur, historical significance, and breathtaking natural scenery, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Armenia.
