Sanahin Monastery

Sanahin Monastery (Sanaine) is located in the north of Armenia near the city of Alaverdy in Shirak region. This monastery was founded in the X century. The history of Sanahin Monastery was founded by Patriarch Zachary. In the monastery list he was recorded as “Saint Sanan”. According to legend, the monastery was also named after Saint Sanahina, who once lived in Armenia and was one of the first Christians to adopt Christianity from Armenia.

This version is the most plausible, since it is already contained in some lists of the monastery since the XVI century. According to legend, Saint Sanan lived in the village of Alaverde, near modern Yerevan. He came to Sanahin, where he served as a pastor. But his faith and preaching were severely persecuted by the Roman Empire. For this he was arrested and thrown into prison. Many other Christians were executed before his eyes, but Sanan continued to pray. After a while he managed to escape the prison.

How to get to Sanahin Monastery?

At the end of October, you can drive from Yerevan to Tbilisi. Further to the north of the country you can reach the village of Nalkhantsri. From there, you can take a minibus just a few hours to Sumela Monastery. In Tbilisi (airport) or in Yerevan (train station) you can take a fast train or bus.