Located in close proximity to each other on the banks of the Debed River in the forested Lori region are the Cathedrals of Haghpat and Sanahin, two of Armenia's Unesco World Heritage sites. Constructed and expanded over several hundred years starting in the 10th century, these resplendent ecclesiastical and academic centers are reminders of Armenia's years of past glory, intellectual activity, and cultural heritage. It is believed that the great Armenian troubadour and poet Sayat-Nova was born in Sanahin, the birthplace of his mother. After his life in Tiflis and his fame as a court minstrel, he became a monk, relocating to Haghpat to serve the monastery, where he continued to express himself with his favorite stringed instrument the saz.