Haghpat monastery was one of the first Armenian sites to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage List (in 1996). And with reason! It is a wonderful complex of buildings, with great views on the surrounding mountains. The main church has a huge dome and is dedicated to the Holy Cross. It was built between 976 and 991 at the request of Queen Khosrovanush. It has a very nice relief of Smbat and Gurgen Bagratuni (2 of the three sons of the founder) holding a model of the church on its eastern façade. A smaller church, dedicated to St Gregory the Illuminator, was added in 1005, and then a third church (Mother of God) was built in 1025. A gavit (1185) and a porch (1201) were then added to the main church. Then, the large three-storey belfry appeared (1245), followed by a free standing gavit (1257) and a refectory (also 13th century). The wooden library was replaced by a stone structure in 1262. Haghpat also houses one of the finest khachkars in Armenia: the amazing Holy Redeemer khachkar, dating back to 1273. It is in the passage leading to the library, and doesn't get much sunlight.