Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin

Armenia
Date of Inscription: 1996
Extension: 2000
Criteria: (ii)(iv)
Property : 2.6500 ha
Buffer zone: 23.8000 ha
Villages of Haghpat and Sanahin, Lorri Region
N41 5 42 E44 42 37.008
Ref: 777bis

Brief Description

These two Byzantine monasteries in the Tumanian region from the period of prosperity during the Kiurikian dynasty (10th to 13th century) were important centres of learning. Sanahin was renown for its school of illuminators and calligraphers. The two monastic complexes represent the highest flowering of Armenian religious architecture, whose unique style developed from a blending of elements of Byzantine ecclesiastical architecture and the traditional vernacular architecture of the Caucasian region.
Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin | Yvon Fruneau © Public domain More pictures ...

Justification for Inscription

The Committee decided to inscribe the Monastery of Haghpat on the basis of cultural criteria (ii) and (iv) considering that it is of outstanding universal value and an exceptional example of ecclesiastical architecture that developed in Armenia in the 10th to 13th centuries which is unique by virtue of its blending of elements of both Byzantine church architecture and the traditional vernacular building style of this region.

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