The location of Haghpat Monastery was chosen so that it overlooks the Debed River in northern Armenia's Lori region.

[4] The largest church in the complex, the Cathedral of Surb Nshan, was probably begun in 967-976 by Queen Khosrovanuysh, wife of Ashot III,[5] and completed in 991 by King Smbat.

It is a typical example of tenth-century Armenian architecture, its central dome rests on the four imposing pillars[dubious – discuss] of the lateral walls.

[6] The sons of the church's founder, Princes Smbat and Kurike, are shown with Queen Khosravanuysh in a bas-relief on the east gable.

Other 13th-century additions include the chapel of Sourb Astvatsatsin, a library and scriptorium (later converted into a storeroom), and a large refectory, which is outside the monastery limits.

[12][9] Christian relics were collected and brought back to Armenia, particularly to the Haghpat Monastery, which received the hand of the Apostle St Bartholomew.