The Monastery of Harichavank is located in the village of Harich, Shirak region, on the northern slope of Mount Aragats. The monastery was built in the 7-13th centuries. This monastic complex is one of the famous monuments of medieval architecture rich in reliefs. The complex includes St. Gregory and St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) churches, belfry, eukterion, school, and other buildings. The main church, Surb Astvatsatsin, was built in 1201 by Ivane and Zakare Zakaryans. The monastery was also known as a scientific center. In 1887-1889 the famous Armenian poet Avetik Isahakyan studied at the local school. In 1850 Harichavank became the summer residence of the Catholicos. Now there is a religious school to teach future monks.

According to an ancient legend, during the Seljuk invasion, many people entered the church, and when the Seljuks managed to enter inside, the church was empty. The Seljuks interpreted this miracle as a power of the soul and thought that the people had turned into birds and flew away. However, there was a secret passage, and the people managed to descend to the nearby gorge.  In the end, the angry Seljuks decided to destroy the monastery by pulling down the four columns of the belfry, but the church did not collapse. Believing that the church was protected by a 'high power', the Seljuks were afraid to destroy it.

For PWD

The monastery territory is accessible through a side entrance. The area around the monastery and the vestibule (arctic entry) of the main church are accessible. However, at the entrance of the church, there are two steps, and a ramp or help would be needed.