Haghartsin Monastery, Medieval monastery near Dilijan, Armenia

Haghartsin Monastery is a medieval complex of grey and tan stone buildings near Dilijan in Tavush Province, Armenia. Its largest church, St. Astvatsatsin, has a tall sixteen-faced drum under a steep conical roof with a cross; two smaller churches with conical roofs stand beside it, and a gabled facade with a pointed-arch portal sits at the base of the main building. The complex also holds a gavit, a refectory and chapels, with trees around the walls.

Founded in the 10th century, the monastery experienced its greatest building activity during the 12th and 13th centuries under the guidance of Khachatur of Taron. Most visible structures today arose during this period before political shifts changed monastic life.

The refectory, built in 1248 by the architect Minas, is one of only two such structures in Armenia, the other at Haghpat. Its rectangular hall is divided by a pair of columns into two equal sections, each covered by intersecting arches and topped with stalactite-decorated skylights. The name Haghartsin comes from popular etymology: khaghats 'played' and artsiv 'eagle', after an eagle that circled during the consecration.

The monastery sits about 18 kilometers from Dilijan and can be reached through regular connections, especially during spring and summer. Pathways between the buildings can be uneven, so sturdy footwear is recommended and visitors should allow time for exploration.

Local records tell that during the consecration ceremony of the main church, an eagle circled above the building. This moment gave the monastery its name, which means dancing eagle in the Armenian language.