Haghartsin monastery and other Dilijan, Armenia Off The Beaten Path Tips

Haghartsin is the most popular monastery around Dilijan, and it is located several kilometers east: it consists of three churches (St. Gregory, St. Stepanos, St. Astvatsatsin) and a refectory. It's nested amid woods.

St. Gregory was built in the 10th century, while the remaining two churches are about 300 years older. The refectory dates back to the 13th century, too and it is the most significant building, as there is only another one left in the country.

It is a large and simple hall, with tables and chairs made of logs - and stone benches along the walls, while the structure is divided by pillars into two square-plan parts and a system of intersecting arches.

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Goshavank Monastery belongs to the Dilijan district, in the small village of Gosh. It was built in the 12/13 century, after a earthquake had destroyed a previous monastery (Ghetik) with the help of a man named Mkhitar Gosh.

The churches of the complex are nice but not spectacular... what is spectacular is the carved portal - the same ornaments are also used on lintels and pillars. Look at the memorial khachkars: they are among the finest in the country - all locally made by the famous carver Pavgos.

Behing the complex there's a tiny museum.

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