The Haghartsin monastery complex in Tavush

The Haghartsin monastery complex (11th–13th centuries) lies in Tavush, 18 km from Dilijan, in the upper reaches of the river of the same name, among forested mountains. The complex includes the churches of Surb Grigor (11th century), Surb Stepanos (1244) and Surb Astvatsatsin, a 13th-century chapel, the tomb of the Bagratid royal family (12th century), the refectory built by the master Minas in 1248, and other buildings. According to the source, the name of the monastery means “play of eagles”.

The oldest building is the Church of Surb Grigor, and the largest is Surb Astvatsatsin, rebuilt in 1287. In the 13th century the monastery became a major centre of the spiritual and cultural life of Armenia.

The photograph shows the stone churches with conical domes, and behind them a forested mountainside.