Harichavank

A medieval monastery in the Shirak region of northern Armenia, one of the important religious and educational centres of the medieval kingdom. Its oldest church dates from the seventh century, joined later by a larger 13th-century church with a finely decorated dome and a gavit hall. The complex served as a summer residence of the head of the Armenian church in more recent times. Perched near a dramatic rocky cliff amid open highland country, the monastery combines centuries of architecture in a striking natural setting.