Monastery of Sanahin
Monastery of Sanahin
4.5
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4.5
272 reviews
Excellent
185
Very good
75
Average
11
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Worldwide Travel
Bangkok, Thailand
Feb 2020
For people going on a tour to visit several monasteries in the region then you can see them all so comparisons are perhaps not as important, but personally I much preferred Haghpat than Sanahin. The former is still an active church so there is a different vibe to it, but Sanahin is inactive and the place is falling apart. Despite being a UNESCO site I did not think it was so fantastic, and the grounds around the monastery are also not as beautiful as Haghpat. I liked the nice cemetary behind Sanahin but the rest was average. There were also sellers of souvenirs close by with "tourist prices" - you should buy at the grocery stores near the Georgia border instead.
Written 19 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ponch510
Montgomery, AL
Sept 2020 • Family
I was disappointed but not surprised. Although a UNESCO site, the church has not been upkept. There is a restoration project underway but it will take some time to see that result. A hiking trail State in this area that leads to Haghpat monastery.
Written 13 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mel7155
Singapore, Singapore
May 2024 • Solo
Different type of architecture you get to see compared to neighboring Georgia . You are able to access these monasteries free of charge and enjoy the decayed beauty of the church and the awesomeness of the scenery it is set on . If you have time to visit N Armenia, do it as a day trip to visit these sites .
Written 7 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charles_and_Susan
Nottingham, UK
Sept 2022
A large site with churches and ruins. This was the first monastery we visited in Armenia. The contrast to the ones we saw in Georgia is so great. This is not decorated in the same way but it has a basic elegance from the raw stone that it's made from. Also - the idea of a porch the same size as the church itself is new to us.
Written 10 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marywhotravels
Washington DC, DC
I was surprised that these two monasteries are listed together in Tripadvisor, since they aren't actually that close to each other. But they're fairly close by car, and most people visit them together on a day trip from Yerevan.
I actually stayed in Alaverdi to visit these monasteries, and I was very glad that I did. Alaverdi is a small, industrial town without must to offer tourists, but it at least provides a base for getting provisions, phone cards, etc. From the bus stop in town, you can walk to the cabin lift up the mountain, which is a fun and authentic experience in itself. Mine workers use the lift to get to and from work, and it costs almost nothing. At the top, it's a slightly strenuous uphill walk through the town to the monastery, but that does give you a chance to see a lot of traditional homes and chat with the locals. Everyone I passed was excited to talk to a foreign visitor, and one family even invited me in and fed me lunch! Very little English is spoken though, so some Russian or Armenian is tremendously helpful.
The Sanahin Monastery isn't very big, but it's elegant and lovely and amazingly old. Much of the monastery was built in the 10th century, although the main chapel was added in the 13th century. Well, that's still pretty old! There are some beautiful Khachkars here as well, plus a raggedy cemetery in the back which is nice for strolling around, although I was a little worried about snakes hiding in that high grass. Although the monastery is very isolated, there were still a few Armenians there worshiping, and one woman manning a table of religious books and crosses that you can buy. She insisted I take a prayer book for free, which was very sweet of her, although I can't read a word of Armenian.
The Haghpat monastery is harder to get to on foot. I met a few travellers who had biked there, but it's up a very high hill, so I opted to get there by taxi. When I was there, nothing was open in Haghpat's little village other than a scrappy guest house right next to the monastery that has overpriced food and accommodation. I stayed there, but I don't recommend it. Haghpat is larger and more active than the monastery at Sanahin. They hold regular services and have a very friendly priest who speaks English and welcomes conversations with visitors. Haghpat's construction started in the early 11th century, although the bulk of it was finished in the 13th century. There are several very well-preserved sanctuaries to explore, as well as many lovely graves and khachkars. A really lovely and peaceful place that's perfect for learning about Armenian Christianity or just contemplating life's mysteries!
Although Haghpat and Sanahin are quite a shlep from Yerevan, I really recommend making the effort to come out here. And if you have the time, arranging a driver and homestay will really give you a chance to experience small town life in northern Armenia. The landscape is stunning and the people are curious and friendly; what more could a traveller ask for?
I actually stayed in Alaverdi to visit these monasteries, and I was very glad that I did. Alaverdi is a small, industrial town without must to offer tourists, but it at least provides a base for getting provisions, phone cards, etc. From the bus stop in town, you can walk to the cabin lift up the mountain, which is a fun and authentic experience in itself. Mine workers use the lift to get to and from work, and it costs almost nothing. At the top, it's a slightly strenuous uphill walk through the town to the monastery, but that does give you a chance to see a lot of traditional homes and chat with the locals. Everyone I passed was excited to talk to a foreign visitor, and one family even invited me in and fed me lunch! Very little English is spoken though, so some Russian or Armenian is tremendously helpful.
The Sanahin Monastery isn't very big, but it's elegant and lovely and amazingly old. Much of the monastery was built in the 10th century, although the main chapel was added in the 13th century. Well, that's still pretty old! There are some beautiful Khachkars here as well, plus a raggedy cemetery in the back which is nice for strolling around, although I was a little worried about snakes hiding in that high grass. Although the monastery is very isolated, there were still a few Armenians there worshiping, and one woman manning a table of religious books and crosses that you can buy. She insisted I take a prayer book for free, which was very sweet of her, although I can't read a word of Armenian.
The Haghpat monastery is harder to get to on foot. I met a few travellers who had biked there, but it's up a very high hill, so I opted to get there by taxi. When I was there, nothing was open in Haghpat's little village other than a scrappy guest house right next to the monastery that has overpriced food and accommodation. I stayed there, but I don't recommend it. Haghpat is larger and more active than the monastery at Sanahin. They hold regular services and have a very friendly priest who speaks English and welcomes conversations with visitors. Haghpat's construction started in the early 11th century, although the bulk of it was finished in the 13th century. There are several very well-preserved sanctuaries to explore, as well as many lovely graves and khachkars. A really lovely and peaceful place that's perfect for learning about Armenian Christianity or just contemplating life's mysteries!
Although Haghpat and Sanahin are quite a shlep from Yerevan, I really recommend making the effort to come out here. And if you have the time, arranging a driver and homestay will really give you a chance to experience small town life in northern Armenia. The landscape is stunning and the people are curious and friendly; what more could a traveller ask for?
Written 7 January 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stella
Stockholm, Sweden
Dec 2021
Came as part of a day tour and this was the third place we visisted and definitely my favourite one. The inside was spectacular and there were beautiful buoldings all around it, with some of the most stunning views as well. It was very quiet, so very enjoyable.
Written 11 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fabiofort
Beerta, The Netherlands
Sept 2012 • Solo
easily done on a one day trip from yerevan. start early, take a minivan marshtrutka to vanadzor, it takes two hours / from vanadzor hire a taxi for about 9000 dram or 20 us dollars and do the drive first to akhtala monastery, which is the furthest away about 60 km. akhtala is not very visited but has beautiful frescoes in the church itself. then drive to haghpath which is extraordinary. i was there on a sunday and there was mass and singing. you are allowed to take pics and i even got a blessing from the priest! the place is astonishingly beautiful. khatchkars (stone crosses) of most elaborate quality, gavit (big columned hall, covered with tombstones) next to a wonderful stone church. as usual churches in armenia are on three levels, the highest being the altar level which is only accessed by the priest. sanahin is the last and oldest of the monasteries (sanahin means older than that one, referring to haghpath). sanahin is located in a more shady area without the views of haghpath, but nevertheless still beautiful. both haghpath and sanahin have very old belfry and both have among the biggest gavit (praying halls or congregation halls ) in armenia. haghpath and sanahin are both listed in the UNESCO list , patrimony of humanity, from the late 90s.
Written 16 September 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RainStormLover
World
Aug 2014 • Friends
These two magnificent complexes exemplify outstanding Armenian architecture. From the chapels to the galleries, you will find some of the best khachkars and pillared architecture here.
Haghpat is especially impressive with its vast grounds and well kept structures. The main structure has birds protecting their young, chirping love songs throughout the day. It's a sight to see. The views, as well, are spectacular.
Sanahin, which architecturally impressive, doesn't have the vast grounds, views or upkeep Haghpat does, which is unfortunate. It's almost as though the village has grown into the monastic grounds. Sanahin is worth a visit on the way to Haghpat, but a trip to Sanahin alone would not be worth the drive.
On the way from Yerevan to the Lori region, a stop at Saghmosavank in Aragatsotn, Armenia is HIGHLY recommended. The site is beautiful, and the views of the Armenian cliffside (better than the Grand Canyon, in my opinion) are magnificent. Saghmosavank was opened in 1221 and is well kept by a lovely older lady who lives next door to the monastery.
Haghpat is especially impressive with its vast grounds and well kept structures. The main structure has birds protecting their young, chirping love songs throughout the day. It's a sight to see. The views, as well, are spectacular.
Sanahin, which architecturally impressive, doesn't have the vast grounds, views or upkeep Haghpat does, which is unfortunate. It's almost as though the village has grown into the monastic grounds. Sanahin is worth a visit on the way to Haghpat, but a trip to Sanahin alone would not be worth the drive.
On the way from Yerevan to the Lori region, a stop at Saghmosavank in Aragatsotn, Armenia is HIGHLY recommended. The site is beautiful, and the views of the Armenian cliffside (better than the Grand Canyon, in my opinion) are magnificent. Saghmosavank was opened in 1221 and is well kept by a lovely older lady who lives next door to the monastery.
Written 26 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Princess Maneh Tours/ Nelli Malkhasyan
Yerevan, Armenia
Apr 2013 • Business
These two magnificent monastic complexes are among the most outstanding examples of Armenian religious architecture, and are important not only for the original architecture of the buildings, but because of the tremendous influence they exerted on the overall development of medieval art and architecture.
Written 29 May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
missyb_11
Adelaide, Australia
Mar 2014 • Couples
We visited on a particularly smoky day (they all burn the fallen leaves) so the view wasn't as good as it could be, but even then it was pretty spectacular especially from Haghpat Monastery. As it is the low season we were practically the only ones there and were free to wander around at our leisure. We had a tour guide with us so she was able to explain all of the details though I think you could also visit here and still appreciate the places without a guide, even just for the sheer beauty. The frescoes in the Haghpat Monastery were amazing. Beware though it's pretty chilly in these buildings in winter (or early autumn when we visited) so bring a jacket.
Written 5 March 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex S
Arlington, Virginia
Greetings,
I'm currently in Tbilisi and would like to take a day trip to visit Haghpat and Sanahin in a few days. How did you get there? Did you hire a private car? Did you hire a tour guide?
Written 4 July 2016
JohnGuidon
Richmond, Virginia
Hello, myself and two friends did that trip from Tbilisi. Our trip picked us up from our Airbnb in Tbilisi and we drove to Haghpat and one other monastery and then on to Sevan Lake. We used Tkemali Tour and their trip called "Discover Armenia (From Tbilisi)" I'll be honest it was a really long and taxing day. The drive from Tbilisi to Haghpat was fine but it was like 3 hours after that straight in the car to Sevan Lake and then a straight 6 hour drive back to Tbilisi. I would highly recommend bringing food and Armenian currency to be able to pay to go to the bathroom. It's a really long drive to Sevan Lake but I would still recommend going as it is really beautiful. I think we ended up paying about 50euros per person and it was well worth it, just be ready to wind up and down pothole filled roads all day. If you have any more questions about this let me know.
Written 4 July 2016
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