Sanahin monastery was one of the first Armenian sites to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage List (in 1996). Unlike neighboring Haghpat, it does not stand isolated on a hill, but just outside the city limits of Alaverdi. The monastery was established in 966 by Queen Khosrovanush. It became a center of considerable cultural influence during the 10th and 11th centuries. Its important library where copyists worked to produce illuminated manuscripts was renowned. Sanahin's role declined as Armenia faced waves of invaders. The site is dominated by the church of the Holy Redeemer, with its conical dome. Like in Haghpat, it has relief of Smbat and Gurgen Bagratuni (2 of the three sons of the founder) holding a model of the church on its eastern façade. I tend to like the one from Haghpat much more. A smaller church, dedicated to the Mother of God, is linked to the main church by a gallery covered by a barrel vault, which was probably used for teaching. On the west of the two churches are large beautiful gavits constructed in 1181 and 1211. On the complex's north side is the library of 1063, and the lovely round chapel of St Gregory the Illuminator.