Sanahin Monastery, Medieval monastery in Alaverdi, Armenia

Sanahin Monastery is a medieval stone complex situated on a plateau overlooking the Debed River. The site comprises four churches, two entrance halls, a bell tower, and a building that housed manuscripts and documents.

The first church, Surb Astvatsatsin, was built in the 930s–940s under King Abas I Bagratuni. In 966 King Ashot III and Queen Khosrovanuysh built Surb Amenaprkich and founded a congregation and school. In 979 Sanahin became the bishop's seat of the Kyurikian kingdom. Renovated under the Zakarids from the 1180s, it was later damaged by Mongol invasions and earthquakes, and monastic activity ceased in the early 20th century.

This monastery served as a hub where monks copied manuscripts and taught students in subjects like philosophy and language. The stone buildings still convey the scholarly life that unfolded within their walls.

The complex is accessible via marked pathways that guide you through the different buildings and structures. It is best visited during daylight hours to fully appreciate the carved stone details and the views of the river valley below.

The 1831 single-arch spring by the north wall was built by Archbishop Harutyun Ter-Barseghyants, who left a verse inscription on its facade. The monastery's 14th–15th-century scriptorium produced the "Kotuk" (manuscript No. 3032), a chronicle of the monastery now kept in the Matenadaran.