The monastery of Haghpat is located in the southeastern part of the village of Haghpat on a high plateau. It was founded in 976 during the reign of Ashot G Bagratuni. Haghpat was one of the most important spiritual and cultural centers.
Since the second half of the 12th century to the 14th century Haghpat monastery was the centre of a diocese of the dynasty of Kuryanov. From the monastery of Sanahin it was moved to the family crypt of kings. In the 11th century, Tashir subject to frequent attacks of the Seljuks, the Arabs. Since the second half of the 12th century the monastery passed to the Artsruni dynasty from Mahkanaberd, and then to the Zakarian dynasty. In 1223 on the orders of Ivan Zakarian to protect the monastery was built next to the fortress village.
Haghpat monastery is one of the largest monastery complexes in Armenia, which is characterized by unique features of Armenian medieval architecture: its picturesqueness, harmony with the environment and territorial balance. The monastery includes the Church of St. Nshan, St. Astvatsatsin(virgin), St. Grigoria, parish, chapel, printing house, library, belfry, refectory, chapel-grave, khatchkars.
In the 11-13 centuries was known Haghpat school and printing house. Here he taught grammar, oratory, philosophy, theology, music, and other items. Haghpat was also known for its school of miniature painting. Under the garb of a priest a few years there lived a famous Armenian composer Sayat-Nova.
With the name of Haghpat associated with many legends. One of them says that one day the Prince Sanahin invites some of the famous masters of the monastery. The master comes with his son. During operation between a father and son dispute arises. After a long argument, the son leaves work and goes. On the road, the other the Prince invites him to build a monastery. When the walls of the building reach such heights, so they can be seen from Sanahin, the workers tell the old master. A day the old man goes in Haghpat, in order to see how the construction work of the son;for a very long time staring at the wall. All were looking forward to the evaluation of the master, and he finally pressing a hand on the stonework, he exclaimed: “Ah Pat”. (“Wall”). Here father and son hugged and reconciled, and the monastery received the name “Haghpat”.
