The Harich Monastery, located in the village of Harich in the Shirak region, is one of Armenia's renowned medieval cultural and spiritual landmarks. The monastery was built in the 7th-8th centuries and has preserved its historic and mystical atmosphere to this day.
A small part of the monastery complex, the Church of Saint Gregory the Illuminator, was built in the 13th century. One of the most interesting features of Haghartsin Monastery is the row of black stones visible on the upper part of the dome. According to legend, during the construction of the church, the younger of the brothers, Ivanen, died, and the elder brother clad that section with black stones as a symbol of mourning.
There are many legends associated with Haghartsin Monastery. According to local lore, a tunnel running beneath the monastery leads all the way to Ani. Another legend tells that during a Seljuk attack, the village women and children hid in the monastery and 'vanished'. According to the story, they escaped through the church's tunnel to Ani, thus saving themselves from the attack.
Near the monastery, there is also a small chapel, which has another interesting legend associated with it. It is said that during the Seljuk invasion, the Princess of the Princes hid in the chapel and prayed. At that moment, the rock broke away and recoiled, saving the princess. In the rear of the church, a clock has been preserved which, according to history, tells the time with precision.
