Haghartsin Monastery

Haghartsin is a 13th-century monastery in Armenia's Tavush Province, near the town of Dilijan. It was constructed between the 10th and 13th centuries (in the 12th under Khachatur of Taron), with much of it funded by the Bagratuni Dynasty.

Traditionally, an eagle was soaring above the main building's dome at its dedication, therefore it became known as the monastery of the playing (or soaring) eagle.

The Haghartsin Monastery complex is located high in the wooded mountains, where there are eagles, hence the monastery's name in Armenian translates as "games of eagles." The depiction of this majestic and powerful bird may frequently be found on the walls of Haghartsin. For example, sculptures on the eastern façade of the Surp Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) church portray two monks and an eagle perched on the building's dome.

Location: Tavush