Refectory

The Refectory (Seghanatun) of Haghpat Monastery

The Refectory of Haghpat Monastery is located in the northwest part of the monastic complex, on the boundary of the fortified wall. This secular structure occupies an exceptional place among Armenian medieval monuments due to its architectural composition.

It was built in the 1220s; the names of the builders are unknown. Besides serving as a refectory for the monastic community, it was also used for holding meetings. A number of historians have noted that it also served as the school building for the Haghpat Academy. In the early 19th century, a section of the building was used for the purpose of oil extraction. This is why the refectory building is sometimes called the Dzit’hank (Oil Press). The round stones of the oil press are still preserved inside the structure.

It has a rectangular floor plan of $19.8 \times 9.25$ meters. The height from the floor to the highest point of the intersecting arches is 8 meters. The entrance to the refectory from the outside is within a rectangular frame, and a cross is carved on the lintel. Cross carvings are present on the facade of the building. The windows are accentuated with patterned ornamentation in the upper part.