Sanahin Monastery Complex: A Medieval Armenian Treasure
Explore the ancient Sanahin Monastery Complex in Armenia, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning medieval architecture and rich historical significance.
Nestled in the Lori Province of Armenia, the Sanahin Monastery Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the 10th century. This architectural marvel showcases a blend of Byzantine and traditional Caucasian styles, featuring several churches, a library, and other structures that served as a major center of learning in medieval Armenia.
A brief summary to Sanahin Monastery Complex
- 3MP8+WC8, Alaverdi, Sanahin, 1705, AM
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the cobblestone paths and exploring the monastery complex.
- Visit during the spring or fall for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
- Take a guided tour to fully appreciate the history and significance of the monastery.
- Explore the nearby Mikoyan Brothers Museum and Sanahin Bridge for a more complete experience of the area.
- Consider bringing cash for donations and souvenirs, as card payments may not be widely accepted.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Yerevan, take a bus or minibus (marshrutka) from Kilikia Bus Station to Alaverdi. The journey takes approximately 3-4 hours. From Alaverdi, take bus number 3 from Alaverdi station. The bus ride is about 10 minutes and costs 100 AMD. After the bus ride, there is a 15-minute walk to the monastery. The buses start running at 9:00 and stop running from Alaverdi station at 18:00.
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Taxi
From Alaverdi, a taxi ride to Sanahin Monastery takes about 10 minutes. Taxis are readily available in Alaverdi. Confirm the fare before starting your journey. A taxi from Yerevan to Sanahin Monastery would cost approximately $45-$60 and take about 2.5 hours.
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Walking
For those with good stamina, a steep mountain road leads from Alaverdi to Sanahin Monastery. Be aware of the traffic on the hairpin turns. From the bus stop in Sanahin, it's a 15-minute walk to the monastery, heading uphill until you see souvenir shacks.
Discover more about Sanahin Monastery Complex
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sanahin Bridge Hotel
0.9 km
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Hotel Lalvar
1.3 km
Discover comfort and culture at Hotel Lalvar in Alaverdi, your ideal base for exploring Armenia's stunning landscapes and rich heritage.
ArmBee Honey Farm
2.2 km
Discover the art of beekeeping and savor the flavors of nature at ArmBee Honey Farm in Alaverdi, Armenia.
Old City Hotel
2.2 km
Explore historic Alaverdi from the comfortable Old City Hotel, your gateway to Armenia's cultural heritage and stunning landscapes.
Koshaberd Fortress
2.2 km
Explore Koshaberd Fortress near Alaverdi for stunning views, medieval history, and a rewarding hike in Armenia's Lori region.
Zarni-Parni
3.3 km
Experience authentic Armenian cuisine at Zarni-Parni in Haghpat, where local flavors meet warm hospitality amidst picturesque surroundings.
Haghpat Hotel
3.8 km
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LORI CANYON
4.4 km
Experience comfort and tranquility at LORI CANYON in Alaverdi, your gateway to Armenia's Lori region.
Rafting house in Odzun
4.7 km
Experience thrilling rafting adventures and serene accommodations at the Rafting House in Odzun, a gateway to Armenia's natural wonders.
Բարձրաքաշ Սուրբ Գրիգորի վանք
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Hovhannes Tumanyan House-Museum
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Tufenkian Avan Dzoraget Hotel
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Arevatsag Canyon
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Cosmo Glamping
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Yaghdan Bridge
15.4 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Mikoyan Brothers Museum
0.3 km
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Mendz Er Cave
1.3 km
Explore Armenian heritage at Mendz Er Cave: museum, restaurant, and scenic views near Alaverdi's historic monasteries.
Sanahin Bridge
1.5 km
Explore the historic Sanahin Bridge in Alaverdi, Armenia, a stunning architectural marvel that embodies the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Алаверди
1.8 km
Discover Armenia's natural beauty at Alaverdi Wildlife Park. Observe diverse species, enjoy tranquil trails, and create unforgettable family moments.
Kayan Fortress
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Haghpat monastey
3.9 km
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Saint Nshan Church
3.9 km
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Haghpat Monastery Complex
3.9 km
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Kusanats Anapat Church
4.3 km
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Armenia Rafting House
4.7 km
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Odzun Church
5.8 km
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Horomayri
6.7 km
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Sedvi monastery
6.8 km
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Aygehat Cemetery
8.7 km
Discover the serene beauty and rich history of Aygehat Cemetery, a peaceful resting place reflecting the cultural heritage of Armenia.
Aygehat
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Essential places to dine
مطعم تل رمانة
0.7 km
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مطعم تل رمانة
0.7 km
Experience authentic Armenian cuisine at مطعم تل رمانة – a perfect spot for families looking to savor local flavors in Alaverdi.
Fast Food Արագ Սնունդ
0.9 km
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OJAKH Restaurant Hotel
1.1 km
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Holiday Factory Restaurant
1.1 km
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Coliseum
1.2 km
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Karap Cafe
1.6 km
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Vartans Schashlik/Grill
1.7 km
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OLD MANES
1.7 km
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Buffet
1.9 km
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Melkonyans House
1.9 km
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Innwoods Hotel
2.2 km
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Barbecue
2.5 km
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Restaurant Atorick
2.6 km
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TAVERN HAGHPAT
3.8 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
MONA sweet
0.4 km
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Tamazyan foods cort
0.7 km
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Ideal shopping
0.7 km
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Your Flowers Flower Shop / Ծաղկի սրահ
0.9 km
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Zara flowers
0.9 km
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Sekart food
1.0 km
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APTEKA NALU
1.1 km
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Հազար +1 մանրուք
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Ojakh market
1.1 km
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Магазин антиквариата
1.7 km
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Магазин антиквариата
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Light Land / Լայթ Լենդ
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Dream Coffee
1.7 km
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Տնտեսական խանութ Ալավերդի
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Տնտեսական խանութ Ալավերդի
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Kefilyan Family Hotel and Restaurant
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VaKaLeR Hotel Lounge Bar
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Shlorkut(Շլորկուտ)
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Sochut Bar
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yasınınbavasınınöyü
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Aghababyan wine
29.7 km
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Ինուլ
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Edem National Restaurant
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Tagavoranist
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Lunch House
34.0 km
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Second Floor by Asteri
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Getsu
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Maran
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Jazz Cafe
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Sajj Terouh Setté
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