The monastery of Sanahin is an Armenian beautiful monastery, which was founded in the 10th century. The monastery is located in the Lori Province of Armenia. The architectural magnificent complexes of Sanahin and Haghpat are the outstanding works of medieval Armenian architecture. They are great examples of the Armenian rich culture and architecture.
The magnificent complex stands on the edge of the basin of the Dzoraget River. The monastery of Sanahin, which means “this one is older than that one” was erected on the side of a pre-Christian temple. In the center of this architectural complex stands the church of Mother of God, which was built in 930. The drum and the cupola of the church were added lately. The small model of the church of Astvatsatsin placed under the entrance arch of one of the sacristies. The monastery of Saint Astvatsatsin was erected by Prince Vache Vachutyan in 1211. The western facade of the church with its 6 high archways is extremely picturesque and beautiful.
The monastery of Sanahin with the monastery of Haghpat is frequented by an increasing number of tourists. Standing out ensemble, this two amazing churches are not only for the original architecture of religious and civil buildings, but also most instructive as samples of town building art, which shows high skill and experience of the Armenian architects. The whole complex belongs to the Armenian Apostolic Church. The monastery of Sanahin is especially rich with numerous cross-stones. Some of them were installed to mark different events. Most of the cross-stones have traditional shape of a cross, which germinated out of a grain.
Outstanding monastery of Sanahin is included in UNESCO Heritage Fund. The monastery appeared in the focus of the public attention because of trees, which are growing on the doom of the monastery.