Haghpat: A Journey Through Time in Armenia

• Helloբարև
  [barev]
• GoodbyeՑտեսնել
  [tsdesnel]
• YesԱյո
  [ayo]
• NoՈչ
  [voch]
• Please/You're welcomeԽնդրում եմ
  [khndrum em]
• Thank youՇնորհակալ եմ
  [shnorhakal em]
• Excuse me/SorryՆերողություն
  [neroghutyun]
• How are you?Ինչպես եք?
  [inchpes ek?]
• Fine. And you?Լարում. Անդու?
  [larum. andu?]
• Do you speak English?Անգլերեն խօսե՞ք
  [angleren khosets?]
• I don't understandԵս չեմ հասկանում
  [yes chem haskanum]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseԽնդրում եմ մենյունը տեսնել
  [khndrum em menyunə təsnel]
• I don't eat meatԵս միս չուշածու եմ
  [yes mis chushatsu em]
• Cheers!Կէնաձդ
  [kenajd]
• I would like to pay, pleaseԽնդրում եմ վճարել
  [khndrum em vcharəl]

• Help!Օգնեք
  [ognək]
• Go away!Ուշացք
  [ushatsk]
• Call the Police!Զինվոր զանգ ավերացրեք
  [zinvor zang averatsrekh]
• Call a doctor!Բժշկ զանգ ավերացրեք
  [bzhsk zang averatsrekh]
• I'm lostԿենամ չեմ գտել
  [kənam chem gtel]
• I'm illԵս հիվանդ եմ
  [yes hivand em]

• I'd like to buy...Խնդրում եմ գնել
  [khndrum em gnel]
• I'm just lookingՈւրիշ չեմ արել
  [urish chem arel]
• How much is it?Ունե՞՞ր է դիմակը
  [uner e dimaky]
• That's too expensiveԱդանախոս է
  [adanakhos e]
• Can you lower the price?Կարե՞ք գնել ավելի ցածր
  [karek gnel aveli tsatsr]

• What time is it?Ժամը որտե՞ղ է
  [zamy vortegh e]
• It's one o'clockՄեկը է
  [meky e]
• Half past (10)Տասնամեկի կիսել է
  [tasnaməki kisel e]
• MorningԱռավոտ
  [aravot]
• AfternoonԿեսօր
  [kesor]
• EveningԵրեկ
  [erek]
• YesterdayԵրեկո
  [ereko]
• TodayԱյսօր
  [aysor]
• TomorrowՎաղը
  [vaghe]
• 1Մեկ
  [mek]
• 2Երկու
  [yergu]
• 3Երեք
  [yerek]
• 4Չորս
  [chors]
• 5Հինգ
  [hing]
• 6Վեց
  [veg]
• 7Յոթ
  [yot]
• 8Ութ
  [ut]
• 9Ինը
  [inə]
• 10Թասու
  [tasu]

• Where's a/the...?Որտե՞՞ղ է ...-ը
  [vortegh e ...-ə]
• What's the address?Քանի ՝րականային է
  [kani 'rakanayin e]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Կարե՞ք ցուցադրել ինձ (քարտուէսի վրա)
  [karek tsutsadrel indz (kartuesi vra)]
• When's the next (bus)?Երբ է հաջողվում հաջող մեքենան
  [erb e hajoghvum hajogh mekenan]
• A ticket (to ....)Բիլետ (մինչեւ ...)
  [bilet (minchev ...)]

Haghpat Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was founded in 976 AD under the patronage of Queen Khosrovanuysh, the wife of King Ashot III. The monastery complex was established as a major center of learning and religious significance in medieval Armenia, reflecting the architectural style and cultural heritage of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

During the 10th to 13th centuries, Haghpat Monastery experienced its golden age. It became an important center for scholarly and literary activities, producing manuscripts and fostering theological, philosophical, and scientific studies. The monastery's scriptorium was renowned for its illuminated manuscripts, which are still highly valued for their artistic and historical significance.

Haghpat Monastery is celebrated for its unique architectural style that combines elements of Byzantine and traditional Armenian architecture. Key structures within the complex include the Cathedral of Surb Nshan, the Church of St. Gregory, and the scriptorium, each adorned with intricate stone carvings and frescoes. The bell tower, built in the 13th century, is a striking feature with its conical dome and harmonious design.

Throughout its history, Haghpat Monastery has played a crucial role in the cultural and spiritual life of Armenia. It served as a pilgrimage site, a center of education, and a repository of Armenian heritage. The monastery's contributions to the preservation and dissemination of Armenian culture are evident in its extensive library of manuscripts and its influence on regional architecture and art.

In the 13th century, Haghpat Monastery faced significant challenges during the Mongol invasions. Despite the destruction and turmoil, the monastery managed to survive and continued to function as a center of learning and spirituality. The resilience of Haghpat during this period is a testament to the enduring strength of Armenian cultural and religious institutions.

In recent centuries, Haghpat Monastery has undergone various restoration efforts to preserve its historical and architectural integrity. It continues to attract visitors from around the world who come to admire its ancient structures, learn about its rich history, and experience the serene beauty of its surroundings. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Haghpat remains a symbol of Armenia's enduring cultural legacy.

Haghpat is located in the Lori Province of Armenia. The nearest major city is Alaverdi, which can be reached from Yerevan. The closest international airport is Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan, approximately 170 kilometers away. From Yerevan, you can take a taxi, a minibus (marshrutka), or a train to Alaverdi. The road journey takes around 3 to 4 hours, while the train offers a scenic alternative. Once in Alaverdi, Haghpat is just a short taxi ride away.

Haghpat is a small village, and most of its attractions can be explored on foot. Local taxis are available for longer trips and can be hailed easily. Public buses and minibuses (marshrutkas) operate within the region and connect to nearby villages and towns. Renting a car is also an option for those wishing to explore the surrounding areas at their own pace, but be prepared for winding mountain roads.

The official currency in Armenia is the Armenian Dram (AMD). While credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas like Haghpat. Although ATMs are available in Alaverdi, it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash in Yerevan before traveling to ensure you have enough funds for your entire visit.

Haghpat is generally a very safe destination for tourists. However, basic precautions should always be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Alaverdi, which is the nearest town. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in Alaverdi where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering churches and monasteries. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Haghpat like a local, visit the local markets in nearby Alaverdi where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Armenian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the village’s history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the Haghpat Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a unique experience, take a short hike around the surrounding areas to enjoy breathtaking views of the Debed River Gorge and the lush green landscapes.