Haghartsin or the ‘Monastery of the Soaring Eagle’ is another spectacular example of Armenian church architecture realized in an unbelievably beautiful location.  

Completely enveloped by thick forest (and stunning in the autumn months), it can either be reached by road or on foot from the nearby town of Dilijan. Hiking to Haghartsin is definitely preferred – the path is part of the Transcaucasian Trail, which winds its way through Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The complex has three main churches: St. Astvatsatsin (the largest structure), St. Gregory and St. Stepanos, each with their own gavit. The old refectory is particularly interesting to visit because it’s still used to this day to host guests after marriage and baptism ceremonies.

The final piece of the puzzle, the Bagratuni Sepulchre, is the final resting place for several members of the Bagratid Dynasty who presided over the most prolific era of church-building in Armenian history. Don’t miss the nearby bakery that serves ‘brie bread’, fresh-baked bread stuffed with ooey gooey brie cheese!