The Armenian Apostolic Church is one of the oldest Christian churches. The first Christians appeared in Armenia in the first century, when two of Christ's disciples - Fadey and Bartholomew came to Armenia and began to preach Christianity. And in 301, Armenia adopted Christianity as a state religion, becoming the world's first Christian state.

The main role in this was played by Saint Gregory the Illuminator, who became the first head of the Armenian Church (302-326), and the king of Great Armenia Trdat, who before that was the most severe persecutor of Christians, but a serious illness and miraculous healing by prayers, who had previously spent 13 years in the dungeon of Gregory. completely changed his attitude.

Despite constant wars and persecutions from the Persians, Arabs, the Mongol-Tatar yoke and finally the Ottoman-Turkish invasion, the Armenians never changed their faith, remaining faithful to their religion.

During the 1700 years of Christianity, many churches were built in Armenia. Some of them were destroyed as a result of persecution, some suffered from earthquakes, but most of the unique and ancient temples have survived to this day.

1. Tatev Monastery. We think many will agree with us that this is not only the most beautiful monastery, but also a temple complex leading in its energy and aura. You can talk about Tatev for a very long time, but it is better to come once and feel its magic power.

2. Haghpat Monastery. Just like in Tatev, you want to come to Haghpat again and again. And as one of the famous Armenian songwriters said, it is impossible to truly love Armenia if you have not seen the sunrise over the Haghpat monastery.

3. Noravank Monastery Complex. Noravank surrounded by red rocks is incredibly beautiful in any weather.

4. Geghard Monastery. A unique architectural structure, part of which is carved into the rock. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations.

5. Haghartsin Monastery.One of the most mysterious places in Armenia, the Haghartsin monastery complex, immersed in the greenery of mountain forests. It is located not far from everyone's favorite Dilijan.

6. Makaravank Monastery.As well as Haghartsin, it is surrounded by a dense forest of the Tavush region.

7. Odzun Monastery.The recently restored Odzun Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in the Lori region.

8. Echmiadzin Cathedral.The cathedral, built in 303, is the religious center of all Armenians.

9. Khor Virap monastery. Located at the foot of Mount Ararat, Khor Virap stands alone among all the temples, because it was from here that the Christian era of Armenia began. The monastery was built on the site of a dungeon where the first Catholicos of Armenians, Gregory the Illuminator, spent many years in captivity.

10. Akhtala Monastery. Another unique architectural structure of the Lori region.

11. Temple of Saint Gayane. Located a few hundred meters from the Cathedral in Echmiadzin. It is one of the best monuments of Armenian architecture.

12. Temple of Saint Hripsime. Another temple with unique architecture located in Echmiadzin.



13. Vahanavank Monastery. It is located near the town of Kapan.Surrounded by the stunning nature of the Syunik mountains, the monastery complex is the tomb of the Syunik kings and princes.



14. Sevanavank monastery complex.It is located on the peninsula of Lake Sevan.

15. Saghmosavank Monastery. It is located near the city of Ashtarak, on the edge of the Kasakh river gorge.



16. Hovhannavank monastery. It is located near Saghmosavank.

17. Monastery complex Kecharis. Located in the ski resort, the city of Tsakhkazor.



18. Hnevank Monastery. Located near the city of Stepanavan, the temple is another beautiful temple in the Lori region.

19. Monastery Goshavank. Founded by Mkhitar Gosh, the monastery complex is located in the village of the same name near Dilijan.



20. Gndevank Monastery. Surrounded by beautiful rocks, located in the Vayots Dzor region, near the resort town of Jermuk.

21. Marmashen Monastery. Surrounded by an apple orchard on the banks of the Akhuryan River near the city of Gyumri, the monastery complex is especially beautiful in May, when the trees are in bloom.



22. Vorotnavank monastery. Located near the city of Sisisan.

22. Harichavank Monastery. It is located in the Shirak region near the city of Artik.



23. Tegher Monastery. Located on the southeastern slope of Mount Aragats.



24. Sanahin Monastery.Along with the Haghpat Monastery, Geghard, the Churches of Echmiadzin (the Cathedral, the churches of St. Hripsime and Gayane), as well as the Zvartnots Temple, it is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is located near the town of Alaverdi.



25. Tatevi Mets Anapat (Great Tatev desert). The monastery is located in the Vorotan gorge. It was part of the Tatev University. It was connected with the Tatev monastery by an underground passage, which was destroyed during the earthquake.

26. Ayrivank Temple. This small temple is located on the other side of Lake Sevan.



27. Temple Tsakhats Kar. It is located near Yeghegis village, Vayots Dzor region.



28. Church of St. Hovhannes in the village of Ardvi near the town of Alaverdi



29. Vahramashen church and Amberd fortress. Located at an altitude of 2300 m on the slope of Mount Aragats.



30. Ruins of the Zvartnots temple. Translated from ancient Armenian means "Temple of Vigilant Angels". Located on the way from Yerevan to Echmiadzin. Destroyed during an earthquake in the 10th century, it was discovered at the beginning of the 20th century. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.



31. Garni Temple... And, of course, we cannot get around one of the most popular temples - the only temple of the pre-Christian era that has survived in Armenia - the pagan temple of Garni.

Of course, not all the temples of Armenia are represented here, but we tried to mark the most significant of them. We are waiting for you among our guests and we will show you the brightest and most beautiful Armenia.

You can look inside the Armenian temples in the article -

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photo:, Andranik Keshishyan, Mher Ishkhanyan, Artur Manucharyan

The temple architecture of Armenia deserves special attention. Armenia is the country that first adopted Christianity as a state religion, it happened already in the 4th century, that's why there are so many very ancient churches here. Almost every town and village has a church, and very often it dates back to the IV-VIII centuries.

It is difficult to confuse the Armenian church with any other, even with the neighboring Georgian, not to mention the Byzantine or, moreover, Russian. Their characteristic feature is a cone-shaped dome.

Haghpat monastery. X-XIII centuries. - from. Haghpat. This is a functioning monastery in the village of the same name Haghpat in the north of Armenia, 10 km from the city of Alaverdi. Haghpat Monastery is a significant urban planning monument of medieval Armenia, it is distinguished by the unity and compactness of its asymmetric layout, a beautiful silhouette on the mountainous terrain. Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries were included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1996.

Kobayr Monastery. XII-XIII centuries. - from. Kober Kayaran. This is a medieval Armenian monastery. Located near the city of Tumanyan, Lori region of Armenia.

Akhtala monastery and fortress. XIII century - from. Akhtala. A monastery and a fortress on a small plateau in the gorge of the Depet River (now an urban-type settlement in the Lori region of Armenia). In the X century. fortress Ptgavank (Akhtala) became the most important strategic point of the kingdom of Kyurikyan-Bagratids.

Church complex Sanahin. X-XII centuries -g. Alaverdi (Sanahin village). a monument of Armenian architecture, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The monastery complex, founded in the X century, gained worldwide fame. Sanahin owned extensive land, the number of brothers in the X-XI centuries. reached 300-500 people, among whom were scientists, cultural workers.

Odzun monastery. VI century - from. Odzun. Located in the east of the Tashir gavar of the historic province of Gugark. In the village, the domed basilica of the Odzun Monastery has been preserved, presumably dating back to the 6th century. The church is located on the central hill of the village and is visible from almost any point.

Church of st. John in Ardvi, XVII century.

Goshavank, XII-XIII centuries - s. Gosh. Armenian medieval monastery complex in Gavar Varazhnunik in the historical province of Ayrarat. One of the largest cultural, educational and religious centers of medieval Armenia. In the sources it is referred to as a seminary, a university, etc. Prominent cultural figures of Armenia studied and lived here.

Marmashen Monastery, X century - from. Wagramaberd. Located 10 km north-west of the city of Gyumri in the village of the same name, Marmashen. Built in the X-XIII centuries in the Shirak gavar of the Ayrarat province. The Marmashen Monastery consists of three places of worship. The main temple is located in the center of the courtyard and is the largest building, it was built of red brick and is a domed hall.

Karmravor Church, VII century. The temple was built by priests Gregory and Manas. It is a small cross-shaped structure with an octagonal drum on the roof.

Gayane, 630 - Vagharshapat (Echmiadzin). The Armenian church, located in the city of Vagharshapat, Armavir region of Armenia, is part of the Echmiadzin monastery. Since 2000, the church has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Tatev Monastery, IX-XVII centuries - from. Tatev. This is an Armenian monastery complex in the Syunik region of Armenia, 20 km from the city of Goris. It is part of a large tourist complex, which also includes the Tatevi Anapat hermitage, the Wings of Tatev cable car, the natural Satani Kamurj bridge, the Satani Kamurj cave and many other attractions.

Tanaat Monastery, V century - from. Aravus. It is located in Vayots Dzor marz, on a picturesque mountain range. The path leading to it is replete with numerous turns with sharp elevation changes. The monastery complex consists of two churches, a cemetery and the ruins of the ancient Gladzor University. It is composed of deep blue basalt, which is why it is often called the Black Monastery.

Tsakhats kar, X-XI centuries - from. Artabuynk.

Zorats Church (XIV century).

Arates Monastery. VII century.

Church of St. Karapet. Yeghegis.

Sevanavank monastery. XVIII century. It is located on the northwest coast of Lake Sevan, Gegharkunik province, Armenia. The complex of buildings is located on the Sevan peninsula of the same name, which was previously a small island.

At the end of the VIII century, several monks settled on the island of Sevan, who built their cells and a chapel here. Due to the favorable position of the island, their number increased, and the active construction of the monastery began. To erect the walls in the rock around the island, a ledge was cut, on which large stone blocks were laid. A wall encircled the island, and a watchtower with a gate was built above it. Then the monks built three churches, cells and outbuildings.

Hayravank monastery. IX century. It is located near the village of Hayravank, on the western shore of Lake Sevan, Gegharkunik region of Armenia.

Geghard Monastery, XII-XIII centuries - from. Geghard. Gegard (literally - "spear") is a monastery complex, a unique architectural structure in the Kotayk region, Armenia. Located in the gorge of the mountain river Goght (the right part of the Azat River), about 40 km southeast of Yerevan. Included by UNESCO in the list of World Cultural Heritage sites.

Katoghike Church, XII century, Yerevan.

The temple architecture of Armenia deserves special attention. Armenia is the country that first adopted Christianity as a state religion, it happened already in the 4th century, that's why there are so many very ancient churches here. Almost every town and village has a church, and very often it dates back to the IV-VIII centuries.

It is difficult to confuse the Armenian church with any other, even with the neighboring Georgian, not to mention the Byzantine or, moreover, Russian. Their characteristic feature is a cone-shaped dome.

1. . X-XIII centuries. - from. Haghpat. This is a functioning monastery in the village of the same name Haghpat in the north of Armenia, 10 km from the city of Alaverdi. Haghpat Monastery is a significant urban planning monument of medieval Armenia, it is distinguished by the unity and compactness of its asymmetric layout, a beautiful silhouette on the mountainous terrain. Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries were included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1996.

3.. XIII century - from. Akhtala. A monastery and a fortress on a small plateau in the gorge of the Depet River (now an urban-type settlement in the Lori region of Armenia). In the X century. fortress Ptgavank (Akhtala) became the most important strategic point of the kingdom of Kyurikyan-Bagratids.

4. . X-XII centuries -g. Alaverdi (Sanahin village). a monument of Armenian architecture, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The monastery complex, founded in the X century, gained worldwide fame. Sanahin owned extensive land, the number of brothers in the X-XI centuries. reached 300-500 people, among whom were scientists, cultural workers.

five. . VI century - from. Odzun. Located in the east of the Tashir gavar of the historic province of Gugark. In the village, the domed basilica of the Odzun Monastery has been preserved, presumably dating back to the 6th century. The church is located on the central hill of the village and is visible from almost any point.

6., XVII century.

7., XII-XIII centuries - p. Gosh. Armenian medieval monastery complex in Gavar Varazhnunik in the historical province of Ayrarat. One of the largest cultural, educational and religious centers of medieval Armenia. In the sources it is referred to as a seminary, a university, etc. Prominent cultural figures of Armenia studied and lived here.

8., X century. - from. Wagramaberd. Located 10 km north-west of the city of Gyumri in the village of the same name, Marmashen. Built in the X-XIII centuries in the Shirak gavar of the Ayrarat province. The Marmashen Monastery consists of three places of worship. The main temple is located in the center of the courtyard and is the largest building, it was built of red brick and is a domed hall.

9., VII century. The temple was built by priests Gregory and Manas. It is a small cross-shaped structure with an octagonal drum on the roof.

10., 630 - Vagharshapat (Echmiadzin). The Armenian church, located in the city of Vagharshapat, Armavir region of Armenia, is part of the Echmiadzin monastery. Since 2000, the church has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

11., IX-XVII centuries. - from. Tatev. This is an Armenian monastery complex in the Syunik region of Armenia, 20 km from the city of Goris. It is part of a large tourist complex, which also includes the Tatevi Anapat hermitage, the Wings of Tatev cable car, the natural Satani Kamurj bridge, the Satani Kamurj cave and many other attractions.

12., V century. - from. Aravus. It is located in Vayots Dzor marz, on a picturesque mountain range. The path leading to it is replete with numerous turns with sharp elevation changes. The monastery complex consists of two churches, a cemetery and the ruins of the ancient Gladzor University. It is composed of deep blue basalt, which is why it is often called the Black Monastery.

13., X-XI centuries. - from. Artabuynk.

14. (XIV century).

15. . VII century.

sixteen. . Yeghegis.

17.. XVIII century. It is located on the northwest coast of Lake Sevan, Gegharkunik province, Armenia. The complex of buildings is located on the Sevan peninsula of the same name, which was previously a small island.

At the end of the VIII century, several monks settled on the island of Sevan, who built their cells and a chapel here. Due to the favorable position of the island, their number increased, and the active construction of the monastery began. To erect the walls in the rock around the island, a ledge was cut, on which large stone blocks were laid. A wall encircled the island, and a watchtower with a gate was built above it. Then the monks built three churches, cells and outbuildings.

18. . IX century. It is located near the village of Hayravank, on the western shore of Lake Sevan, Gegharkunik region of Armenia.

19., XII-XIII centuries. - from. Geghard. Gegard (literally - "spear") is a monastery complex, a unique architectural structure in the Kotayk region, Armenia. Located in the gorge of the mountain river Goght (the right part of the Azat River), about 40 km southeast of Yerevan. Included by UNESCO in the list of World Cultural Heritage sites.

20., XII century, Yerevan.

), which, in addition to ensuring the life of cities, were part of their defensive system.

Garni is a masterpiece of ancient architecture in Armenia, built by the Armenian king Trdat I (54-88) in 76, as evidenced by his inscription in Greek found there.

In addition to the cities proper, architecture also developed in individual princely estates, fortresses and especially church complexes, which, undergoing rapid development, become cultural centers of their time. In the country recently liberated from the Arab yoke, relatively small buildings were first built, the earliest of which are known in the mountainous Syunik, on the coast of Sevan.

The first churches built in the 9th century reproduced the compositions of three-abs and four-abs, cruciform in the plan of the central domed temples of the 7th century (two churches built in 874 on the island of Sevan - Sevanavank and Hayravank). However, in other buildings of the same type, there is an extension of corner chapels (Shogakavank monastery, 877-888), as well as a tendency to include these chapels in the overall composition of buildings (Kotavank, Makenyats monasteries). The domed composition of the 7th century with four free-standing pylons was used in the construction of the Pogos-Petros temple in Tatev (895-906), and the corner walls of two additional side-chapels were replaced by pylons bearing the dome. The result of such a creative approach to the compositional task was the construction of the main church of the Karakop monastery in Vayots-Dzor (911), in which there are no pylons supporting the dome, and the dome rests on the corner walls of the four limits. In 903, the Kotavank church was built, the Byurakan church belongs to the first quarter of the 10th century, the domed temple of Gndevank in Vayots Dzor gavar was built in 936, and the Makenyats church at the end of the 10th century.

The architectural school of Ani-Shirak, which developed on the possessions of the Bagratids (the central possession of Gavar Shirak), became more fruitful. The capital of the Ani Bagratids was originally Bagaran, later - Shirakavan, where at the end of the 9th century, following the example of the Aruch temple (7th century), King Smbat I erected a new temple. Later in Kars in the 940s. King Abbas builds a central domed temple. One of the classic examples of the Ani-Shirak school of architecture is the Marmashen church, the construction of which began in 988 and was completed at the beginning of the next century.

In the X-XI centuries. with the spread of the sail structure, the faceted shape of the dome drum gives way to a round one; the domes are often crowned with an umbrella-shaped covering. In the same period, under the influence of the national dwelling - glkhatun - the original centric form of covering the monastery buildings - gavits (gavits - a kind of church vestibules that performed various functions: tombs, places for parishioners, meeting rooms and classes) developed.

In the middle of the X century, the Tashir-Dzoraget school of architecture develops: in 957-966. the monastery of Sanahin is built, in 976-991. Queen Khosrovanush and his youngest son Gurgen founded the Haghpat monastery - one of the largest architectural and spiritual centers of Armenia. Almost all the architectural types of the 7th century were implemented in the temples of the 10th century, but especially often Armenian architects turned to the structure of the domed halls. In the architecture of the 10th century, a composition of porches - gavits began to form. The 10th century Armenian architects enjoyed international recognition.

Until the middle of the 11th century, Armenian architecture developed rapidly in Ani. Among the monuments of other regions of the country, the Kecharis monastery (1033), the church of St. Theotokos in Bjni (1031), Vahramashen (1026), Bheno Noravank (1062), Vorotnavank (1007) and some others. At the beginning of the 11th century, the Varagavank and Khtskonk monasteries (1029) were built in Western Armenia.

The development of civil stone buildings is closely related to the development of monastic complexes, remarkable examples of architectural ensembles. A significant place in them was given to residential and economic buildings, as well as such secular buildings as refectories, schools, book depositories, hotels, gavits (monasteries in Sanahin, X-XIII centuries, in Haghpat (X-XIII centuries).

Interior of Geghard, early 13th century

Secular buildings in the XII-XIV centuries have a particularly strong influence on Armenian architecture. The original four-pillar halls and pillarless rooms with overlap on intersecting arches stand out, especially characteristic of the gavits that were widely built in monasteries. The four-pillar gavits were most often square in plan with arches thrown between the pillars and walls. In the center, on four columns, a dome or a tent is made with a round opening at the top (gavit in Sanahin in 1181).

In 1188, on the site of the old Getik church, Mkhitar Gosh founded a new building - the cross-domed mirror Nor Getik or Goshavank. Construction of the main church of St. Astvatsatsin (Mother of God) is carried out in 1191-1196. architect Hüsn.

Together with the construction of well-maintained highways, the construction of bridges became widespread, as evidenced by the construction of a single-arch bridge in Sanahin across the river. Debed in 1192

Pillarless halls with overlapping arches on intersecting arches are an outstanding invention of Armenian architects, in which the original constructive system made it possible to build a new type of interior. Bright plastic and the main divisions here are entirely formed by constructive elements that create a clear and logical tectonic structure of the centric rib vault; which was the main structure and the main decoration of the spacious hall. A skylight in the form of a dome or a tent, arranged over a square of crossed arches, enriched the composition, giving it harmony and vertical aspiration. A typical example is the Great Gavit of the Haghpat Monastery (1209). In his composition, the final "dome" itself is a system of intersecting arches carrying a skylight.

Along with the monastery buildings, during the period under review, cities were intensively built up and improved in Armenia. Public and communal buildings were developed: caravanserais, baths, industrial and engineering structures: water mills, irrigation canals, roads, etc.

A new upsurge in Armenian architecture began in the last quarter of the 12th century during the reign of the Zakaryans. Monuments of the late XII - first quarter of the XIII century show the continuity of the development of architectural traditions, despite more than a century of Seljuk yoke. New style features developed in the X-XI centuries are fully preserved, decorative methods become more subtle. Church complexes from the 13th century began to expand with new structures. Among the largest and most famous architectural monuments of the early 13th century are Harichavank (1201), Makaravank (1205), Tegher (1213-1232), Dadivank, (1214), Geghard (1215), Saghmosavank (1215-1235), Hovhannavank (1216), Gandzasar (1216-1238), etc. The elements of building church ensembles, in addition to the gavits proper, were also gavits-mausoleums, libraries, bell towers, refectory, reservoirs and other memorial buildings.

Gtchavank (1241-1246), Khorakert (1251), by the end of the 13th century Tanade (1273-1279) and Haghartsin (1281) belong to the middle of the XIII century.

It was the architecture of the monasteries that received special development in the 13th century. There were very diverse principles for the planning of monastic complexes. While maintaining the typology of the temples, their proportions were changed, in particular, the drum, facade tongs and the tent were significantly increased. Gavits are built with a wide variety of spatial solutions. The sketched diagram of the vault of the central cell preserved on the southern wall of the gavit of Astvatskal monastery is considered the earliest among the famous medieval architectural working drawings.

In the 13th century, among the architectural schools, the Lori, Artsakh and Syunik schools stand out, and from the end of the same century also the Vayots Dzor schools. Vayots Dzor became one of the centers of Armenian culture in the late 13th - first half of the 14th century. Gladzor University also functioned here, and where a separate direction of the Armenian miniature school developed. In Vayots Dzor, such architectural monuments as Noravank (1339), Areni Church (1321), Zorats (no later than 1303), etc. are being built. The rise of the Vayots Dzor school of architecture is associated with the activities of the Orbelian princely house.

Prominent architects, stone masters and artists of the era - Momik, Poghos, Siranes (gavit of the Arates church, 1262, Orbelian family tomb, 1275) and others.

In the XII-XIV centuries, the buildings of princely mausoleum-churches developed (Yeghvard Church, 1301, Noravank, 1339, Kaputan, 1349). At the same time, the foreign yoke brought the country's economy into a catastrophic situation, the emigration of the population intensified, and the construction of a monumental type almost stopped. In the XII-XIV centuries, architecture flourished in the Cilician kingdom, where the traditions of classical Armenian architecture were combined with the features of Byzantine, Italian, French art and architecture. The development of architecture was largely due to the development of Armenian cities, which became centers of development of secular urban architecture. The construction of port cities is a new phenomenon for Armenian architecture. The principles of building mountain towns and villages were basically the same as in Armenia proper.

Gallery. VIII-XIV centuries

Ani's architecture

In the IX-XI centuries. on the territory of Armenia an independent state of the Bagratids emerged with its capital in Ani. The architecture of this time continues to develop the principles of architecture of the 7th century. In the religious buildings, centric and basilical structures continue to be developed. In centric buildings, the tendency to unite the interior around the central axis, the dominance of the sub-dome space in the traditional schemes of the cross-domed church and the domed hall, is becoming more and more definite. The proportions of the temple are stretched. Decoration, stone carving (the Church of Gregory in Ani, late 10th century; Arakelots church in Kars, mid-10th century) is of great importance.

The development of the domed basilica is illustrated by the Cathedral of Ani, built by the outstanding Armenian architect Trdat. Its construction was started during the reign of Smbat II in 989 and was completed during the reign of Gagik I in 1001. In the structure of the temple, cruciformity is highlighted, which indicates the influence on the composition of the cross-domed system. The middle and transverse naves of considerable height (20 m) dominate the interior and the facades. The striving for plastic wealth manifested itself on the facades - in an elegant decorative arcature, and in the interior - in the complex profile of beam-shaped columns, emphasizing the vertical aspiration of articulations, which is also associated with the pointed shape of the main arches. The details noted (lancet, vertical dissection of foundations, arcature, etc.) to some extent anticipate the techniques of Romanesque and early Gothic buildings that developed somewhat later in European countries.

Actually Armenian architecture during the XV-XVI centuries developed in places of compact residence of Armenians in Russia, Georgia, Ukraine, Crimea, Poland.

Since the second half of the 17th century, comparative peace has been observed in Armenia; after a three-century hiatus, conditions have been created for the development of national architecture. Construction is developing mainly in three directions: 1) restoration of old churches and temples, 2) construction of new ones, 3) development of existing ones at the expense of new structures. Significant construction work is underway in Vagharshapat, the main cathedral and the temple of St. Gayane. New church buildings were built according to the principles of Armenian architecture of the 4th-7th centuries - domed basilicas, domed halls and especially three-nave basilicas. The three-nave basilicas of the 17th century, in contrast to their early medieval counterparts, are simpler, without much decorative luxury, often of poorly worked stone. Typical examples of the architecture of the era: the churches of Garni, Tatev (1646), Gndevaz (1686), Yeghegis (1708), Nakhichevan (Holy Mother of God in Bist (1637), St. Shmavon in Farak (1680), St. Gregory the Illuminator in Shorot ( 1708)) and others.

In the 17th century, relatively few domed churches were built. The domed hall was structured by the large churches of Khor Virap (1666) and Shoghakat (1694) of Echmiadzin. Domed basilica churches were built mainly in Syunik and Nakhichevan. During this period, the main building material was basalt, the use of which was expensive. For this reason, simpler materials are beginning to be used, mainly brick.

Gallery

XIX century. Early 20th century

In the 19th century, urban planning and architecture of the cities of western Armenia (Van, Bitlis, Karin, Kharberd, Erznka, etc.) experienced minor changes. The annexation of Eastern Armenia to Russia at the beginning of the same century created conditions for economic growth and the comparative development of architecture and urban planning. Cities partially (Yerevan) or completely (Alexandrapol, Kars, Goris) were settled according to the canonical plans of the main layouts. Reconstruction and construction of cities developed especially in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when the listed cities became centers of capitalist development in Armenia.

The history of 20th century Armenian architecture begins with the engineer-architect V. Mirzoyan. He designed the buildings of the Yerevan men's gymnasium on st. Astafyan (now the Arno Babajanyan Concert Hall on Abovyan St.), the Treasury and the Treasury Chamber (now the bank on Nalbandyan St.), Teacher's Seminary.

XX century

In 2005, the construction of the third building of the RA Central Bank (architect L. Khristoforian) began.

Armenian architects of the XXI century participate in international competitions. The Armenians distinguished themselves in an international competition for a project for the development of one of the central quarters of Doha, the capital of Qatar. They took second place (the first place was taken by the Spaniards). Authors of the project: L. Khristoforyan (group leader), M. Zoroyan, G. Isakhanyan, V. Mkhchyan, M. Sogoyan, N. Petrosyan.

Notes

1. K. V. Trever. Essays on the history of the culture of ancient Armenia (II century BC - IV century AD). - M. L., 1953 .-- S. 187.
2. Armenians - article from the Great Soviet Encyclopedia (3rd edition)
3. Xenophon, Anabasis
4. Great Soviet Encyclopedia
5. Armenian Soviet Encyclopedia. - T. 6. - P. 338. (arm.)
6. Plutarch. Comparative Biographies, Crassus, § 33
7. Plutarch. Comparative Biographies, Lucullus, § 29
8. V.V.Shleev. General history of arts / Under the general editorship of B.V. Weimarn and Y.D. Kolpinsky. - M .: Art, 1960. - T. 2, book. 1.
9. Armenian Soviet Encyclopedia. - T. 7. - P. 276. (arm.)
10. Treasures of Armenian mountains - Sevanavank
11. M. Hakobyan. Armenian architecture through the centuries
12. Al-Masoudi "Gold mines and placers of gems" page 303
13. Armenian Architecture - VirtualANI - The church at Shirakawan
14. Armenian Architecture - VirtualANI - The Cathedral of Kars
15. Armenia // Orthodox encyclopedia... - M., 2001 .-- T. 3. - S. 286-322.
16. Cyril Toumanoff. Armenia and Georgia // The Cambridge Medieval History... - Cambridge, 1966 .-- T. IV: The Byzantine Empire, part I chapter XIV. - S. 593-637.:

    Armenian architects enjoyed an international reputation; thus Odo the Armenian took part in the construction of the Palatine chapel at Aix and Tiridates of Ani restored the church of Holy Wisdom at Constantinople after the earthquake of 989.

17. Armenian Architecture - VirtualANI - The Monastery of Varagavank
18. Armenian Soviet Encyclopedia. - T. 1. - S. 407-412. (arm.)

Architecture

The attention of European scientists to Armenian antiquities was first drawn by French and English travelers of the 19th century. Based on their descriptions, drawings and plans, Auguste Choisy, in his History of Architecture, published in 1899, first attempted a systematic study of Armenian architecture. Considering this architecture as a local expression of Byzantine art, Choisy nevertheless pointed to some specific forms and methods of construction, as well as a possible Armenian influence on the Balkan, and especially Serbian monuments. The connection between Armenian and Byzantine architecture was explored in 1916 by Millet in his book L "Ecole grecque dans I" architecture Byzantine ("The Greek School in Byzantine Architecture"). By this time, new monuments became known, which was facilitated by excavations in Ani and other cities of Armenia, expeditions by Russian archaeologists and research by Armenian scientists, especially the architect Toros Toramanyan. The results of their work were widely used by I. Strzhigovsky in the monograph "Architecture of Armenia and Europe", which was published in 1918. Since then, Armenian monuments have been included in all large-scale works devoted to medieval architecture, and the work carried out by Armenian and foreign scientists over the past forty years has significantly expanded the field of research.

Strzhigovsky argued that Armenia played a major role in the origin and development of Christian architecture. He believed that the Armenians embodied the dome on the supporting ledges in stone, common in the brick architecture of northern Iran. He also believed that the Armenians were the first to erect a church in the form of a square with small niches, topped with a dome. According to Strzhigovsky, the Armenians introduced other types of domed buildings, he traced their influence on the art of not only Byzantium and other Christian countries of the Middle East, but also Western Europe, both in the Middle Ages and in the Renaissance. "The Greek genius in St. Sophia and the Italian genius in St. Peter," wrote Strzhigovsky, "only realized more fully what the Armenians had created."

While recognizing the great importance of Strzhigovsky's book, the first systematic study of Armenian architecture, most scholars nevertheless reject the extremes of his assessments. Excavations in different countries have revealed to the world many new monuments of early Christianity, and scientists were able to ascertain the existence of the same types of buildings, located at giant distances from each other. A. Grabar's studies of the memorial chapels of Christian martyrs and their relation to the mausoleums of late Antiquity put the problem of the origin and development of Christian architecture on a broader basis. No country can be considered the primary source from which everyone else only drew inspiration.

The opposite point of view was expressed by the Georgian scientist G. Chubinashvili. Without any reason whatsoever, dating Armenian monuments to later centuries, often with a shift of several centuries, this man argued the priority and superiority of Georgian models, believing that Armenian churches are nothing more than a pale copy of Georgian prototypes. Such statements, made with complete disregard for historical information, are unacceptable and refuted by other respected scholars. In fact, there was a parallel development in both countries, especially in the early centuries, when the Georgian and Armenian churches were united and constant and frequent contacts were maintained between them. There is no doubt that there was a mutual exchange: Armenian and Georgian architects must have often collaborated, as evidenced by Armenian inscriptions in the Georgian churches of Jvari and Ateni-Zion (Ateni Zion). The latter mentions the name of the architect Todosaka and his assistants. Not opposing the architectural monuments of the two countries, but looking at them together, you can reveal the secrets hidden from us for centuries.

Garni monuments are the only remnants of the pagan architecture of Armenia known to us. During the excavations, the walls of powerful fortifications and fourteen rectangular towers, a large vaulted hall and several smaller rooms that made up the royal palace were found (see photo 8), as well as parts of the baths built north of the palace and consisting of four rooms with an apse completion.

Fig. ten. Garni baths plan (according to Arakelyan)

The most valuable ruins are the remains of a temple built during the reign of Tiridates I shortly after 66 AD. The temple stood until 1679 when it was destroyed by an earthquake. Now there is only a lectern, to which there are nine steps, the lower part of the walls of the naos and pronaos, parts of twenty-four Ionic columns and the entablature. This type of Roman pillared temple is known for its monuments in Asia Minor - the temples of Sagalas and the thermal baths of Pisidia.

Several centuries separate the Garni temple from Christian shrines, the earliest surviving examples of which date back to the end of the 5th century. Until other monuments are found, we cannot trace the early stages of the development of Christian architecture in Armenia. But in the period from the end of the 5th century to the middle of the 7th century, there was a rapid development of architecture, as evidenced by numerous monuments. If at first glance the surge in construction activity at a time when Armenia lost its independence and the country was divided between Byzantium and Persia seems surprising, it is worth remembering what was said earlier about the nakharars, the wealth accumulated by them and the church, and it will become clear why this happened ... The names of those who ordered the buildings, immortalized in dedicatory inscriptions or recorded by historians, testify that the temples were erected by Catholicos and the heads of feudal clans such as Amatuni, Mamikonyans, Kamsarakans and Sagaruni. Thus, the feudal organization favored the spread of churches in different regions of the country. The lack of a central authority that could restrict church architecture to certain types also explains in part the wide variety of designs and styles of this period.

Armenian churches are built from local volcanic stone, which has yellow, brownish yellow and darker shades. The masonry is sheathed in thin, carefully cut and polished panels; only corner blocks are solid. This construction method was used for both heavy columns and vaults. That is why churches, often small in size, give the impression of solidity and strength. The shape of the interior does not always match the uniform exterior shape. A rectangular contour can mask round, polygonal, or more complex shapes, and only triangular depressions in the outer walls sometimes mark the junctions of different types of elements. Sometimes carved ornaments and arcades around the walls help soften the ascetic appearance of the façade. There are relatively few windows in the walls. From the 7th century onwards, when domed structures became the main type of buildings, a pyramidal or conical roof covering the drum of the dome became a characteristic feature of the appearance of Armenian churches.

Fig. eleven. Church of Avan, built by Catholicos John. 590-611

When erecting domes over square or octagonal structures, Armenian architects usually resorted to a trumpet, a small arch or a semi-conical niche at the corners, which allows you to go from a square to an octagon, and from an octagon to a polygonal base for the dome drum. Where the dome was supported by free-standing columns, they used pendantives (sails) - inverted spherical triangles placed between adjacent arches to create a continuous base for the drum.

All the earliest surviving Armenian churches are basilicas. This project ultimately goes back, as elsewhere in Christendom, to pagan sanctuaries. Armenian basilicas, whether they have side aisles or not, are always vaulted. They have no transepts (transverse naves), and nothing disturbs the unity of the inner space. The transverse arches, often of a horseshoe shape, rest on T-shaped columns and strengthen the vaults of the nave and side chapels. One roof sometimes covers all three limits, as in the Kasakh Basilica, one of the most ancient. In other churches, the central nave rises higher than the side ones and is covered with a different roof. The basilica at Ereruk and those originally built at Tekora and Dvina, being larger, had side porticos ending in small apses. The Yereruk Church has a façade with two towers - the only example in Armenia of a similar design used in several Syrian churches, but these towers protrude from the side, as in Anatolian shrines.

Fig. 12. Basilica of Ereruk. V-VI centuries. (according to Khachatryan)

Basilica-type churches did not remain “in vogue” for long. From the end of the 6th century, they gave way to various structures of the central dome type. They trace their origin to the mausoleums of late antiquity and the first Christian chapels of martyrs, but their unexpected appearance in Armenia and the variety of projects suggests that even before the 6th century, different schemes were tried on the spot. This is confirmed by the excavations of the cathedral in Echmiadzin. The excavated foundation of the 5th century church is identical in plan to the structures of the 7th century that have come down to us, having the shape of a square with four protruding axial niches and four free-standing columns supporting the dome.

Fig. 13. Cathedral in Talish. 668 1: 500

In the 6th century, the widespread use of domes changed the designs of the basilicas. In churches without aisles, the arches supporting the drum of the dome rest on composite columns (Zovuni) or on low walls extending from the north and southern walls (Ptghni, Talish). In the three-nave basilicas, the columns on which the arches rest stand freely (Odzun, Bhagavan, Mren (see photo 9), St. Gayane Church in Vagharshapat), forming a cross inside a square. The parts extending from the central span are covered with a vault higher than the side-altars, therefore, the shape of the cross is transmitted in the covering. In the restored Talin Cathedral (see photo 10), the north and south rays of the cross are extended in such a way as to form corresponding niches or small apses, resembling a shamrock in plan.

Fig. fourteen. Cathedral in Mren. 638-640 1: 500

In a number of projects a strictly central version of the plan appears. In its simplest form, the square is supported by four convex niches, and a dome on trumpets covers the entire central space (Agrak). When the niches are rectangular and around the outer perimeter and there are no side rooms in the eastern part, the free-standing cross is more pronounced outwardly. Sometimes, as in Lmbat and the Ashtarak church, known as Karmravor (see photo 11), the rays of the cross, apart from the eastern one, also have a rectangular outline inside. The shamrock is a variant of the buttress-niche square, where the western ray is longer than the others and has a rectangular perimeter (Alaman, St. Ananias). In another variant of the same basic type, the diameters of the axial convex niches are smaller than the sides of the square, thus defining the angular protrusions that provide eight points of support for the drum (Mastara, Artik, Voskepar) (see photo 12). In these churches, the dome covers the entire central space, however, in the church of St. John the Baptist in Bagaran, now almost completely destroyed, a different method was used. The niches had a diameter that was smaller than the sides of the square, but the dome, supported by four free-standing columns, no longer covered the entire central space. This method was used in Echmiadzin, where, due to the large size of the building, the corner squares were equal to the central square.

Fig. 15. Talin Cathedral, VII century

Fig. sixteen. Church of Artik. VII century. (according to Khachatryan), 1: 500

In its simplest form, the niche-buttress square is essentially a quatrefoil, and the best example of a quatrefoil is the large Zvartnots church, built between 644 and 652 by Catholicos Nerses III the Builder next to his palace. According to the legend, it was placed in that place, on the way to Vagharshapat, where King Tiridates met Gregory the Illuminator, and the church was dedicated to the angels, "vigilant powers" (zvartnots), who appeared to Saint Gregory in a vision.

Fig. 17. Plan of the Zvartnots church. 644-652 (according to Khachatryan), 1: 500

From the end of the 4th century onwards, four-leaf structures were built mainly as chapels of martyrs in different parts of the world. We find them in Milan (San Lorenzo), in the Balkans and in Syria - in Seleucia, Pieria, Apamea, Bosra and Aleppo, and this is not a complete list. According to its general design, Zvartnots is associated with these shrines, although it differs somewhat from them. A round bypass gallery surrounds the tetraconch; beyond the circular wall in the east, there is a square room. Of the four niches, only the eastern one has a solid wall, the other three are open exedres, each with six columns, and provide free access to the gallery.

Fig. 18. Sectional view of Zvartnots Church (drawing by Kenneth J. Conant)

Zvartnots Church was destroyed in the 10th century. Only the foundations, remnants of walls, foundations, capitals and separate sections of columns have survived to this day, but a comparison with other churches with a similar design allowed Toramanyan to propose a reconstruction project accepted by the majority of scientists. The church rose to a great height, the walls above the exedra were pierced by a series of arches that opened into a vaulted gallery, and windows were located higher in the exedra walls. A dome with a round drum, pierced by windows, is installed with penditives on the arches connecting the four columns. It was adjoined by the half-domes of a four-leafed leaf, and to them, in turn, was adjoined by the vault above the bypass gallery.

– Fig. nineteen. Vagharshapat. Plan of the Church of Saint Hripsime. 618 (according to Khachatrian), 1: 500

Fig. 20. Vagharshapat. Church of Saint Hripsime, envelope diagram (drawing by Kenneth J. Conant)

The most Armenian of all is the project of the Church of St. Hripsime in Vagharshapat (see photo 14). It is an improved version of the buttress-niche square, in which four small cylindrical niches are located between the axial semicircular niches, which provide access to the four corner rooms. The dome covers the central octagonal space and is adjoined by both axial and diagonal niches. On the outside, deep triangular niches mark the joints. The same type of construction was repeated with minor modifications during the construction of the Church of St. John in Sisian. The Echmiadzin Church in Soradir, known as the Red Church, apparently demonstrates an earlier stage of development. There are no corner rooms in the western part, and both axial and diagonal niches are clearly pronounced on the outside, while in the eastern part, two narrow rooms are located on the sides of the apse. In the Avan church, on the contrary, the entire ensemble of rooms and niches is hidden in the massive masonry of a smooth rectangular structure, while the corner rooms are round, not square, as in the church of St. Hripsime (see Fig. 11). In these churches, the addition of diagonal niches defines an octagonal space, in others, the octagon completely displaces the central square, and eight niches are located on eight sides (Irind, Zotavar).

Fig. 21. Ani. Cathedral, 989-1001 (according to Khachatryan), 1: 500

As we can see, the Armenian architects of the 6th and 7th centuries, erecting a dome over a square space, made different decisions. Throughout this period, Armenia was in contact with Persia, as well as with the eastern provinces of the Byzantine Empire and Georgia, where similar buildings were carried out. The engineering problems that the architects had to solve were identical, especially in those areas where the building material was stone, as in Armenia. It is no longer possible to establish the degree of mutual influence over the years. The Garni temple is located behind the line of development of Armenian architecture, but here, too, a domed mausoleum could exist, which, like in other countries, served as a prototype. It should only be emphasized that in their experiments the Armenians often followed an independent course.

With the beginning of the Bagratid era, building activity resumed, and with it a vast array of structural forms created in earlier centuries was revived. Ani, the city of a thousand and one churches, protected by a double line of fortifications, was the most important center. Moreover, Tsar Gagik I was lucky to get the architect Trdat, who was working on the restoration of the dome of the Church of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, damaged during the earthquake of 989. The very fact of Trdat's participation in the construction and restoration of the most famous buildings of the Byzantine Empire speaks of his wide popularity. In Ani, Trdat's masterpiece is the cathedral, erected between 989 and 1001. In this version of the construction of a cross in a rectangle, Trdat emphasized the vertical effect and elegance of the general appearance. Pointed, stepped arches rising from free-standing bundles of columns support the round drum on penditives. The dome that rested on the drum is now destroyed. Recessed pilasters positioned in the south and north wall face the central columns. The narrow side apses are almost completely hidden by low walls, ten semicircular arches open into the wall of the wide central apse. Ani's bundled columns are reminiscent of a structure used much later in Gothic architecture, but with a different structural function. On the outside of the cathedral, deep triangular recesses that mark the articulation points in the project create shaded areas and emphasize the elegance of the graceful columns of the continuous arcade. The cathedral in Ani is very harmonious, proportional (see photo 13), once had a magnificent dome and is rightfully considered one of the most valuable examples of medieval architecture.

Fig. 22. Ani. Church of the Savior. 1035-1036, 1: 350

In the church of St. Gregory, also erected by Gagik I in Ani, Trdat copied the plan of the Zvartnots church. Today, only the foundation remains from it, which shows that Trdat replaced the solid wall of the eastern niche of Zvartnots with an open exedra. Other churches in Ani are examples of six- and eight-petalled plans, usually with two lateral apses at the eastern petal, and the entire structure is surrounded by a polygonal wall (for example, the Church of the Savior, see photo 15), sometimes with triangular grooves between the petals (for example, the Church of St. Grigory Abugamrenets).

Fig. 23. Ani. Church of St. Gregory Abugamrenets, 1: 350

During this period, modifications of the niche-buttress square also appear, in which the niches are smaller than the sides, for example, in the Kars cathedral (see photo 16) and in the church known as Kumbet Kilise, located near the city. The plan of the Church of the Holy Cross in Akhtamar (see photo 17), erected by King Gagik from Vaspurakan between 915 and 921, with semicircular axial niches on the diagonals, based on the model design of the Church of Saint Hripsime, is nevertheless more similar to the Soradir Church in the Vaspurakan region ... In both cases, there are no corner rooms, and narrow side apses are located on the sides of the eastern apse. It was a hall church, in which the dome was supported by columns protruding from the side walls, and it was these churches that were most often erected in later centuries. The Marmashen Cathedral (see photo 18) is one of the best surviving examples of this type of churches.

Fig. 24. Akhtamar. Church of the Holy Cross. 915-921 (according to Khachatryan), 1: 350

Fig. 25. Church of Marmashen. 986-1029 biennium (according to Khachatryan), 1: 350

Architects of the 10th and subsequent centuries did not always return to old models and often created new, more progressive types of structures. At this time, large monastic complexes were being built, for example, in Tatev, in the Syunik region, as well as in Sanakhin and Haghpat - in the north of Armenia. Such complexes included, in addition to monastic cells, a library, a refectory, a belfry, several churches with large gavits (zhamatun), and in the first place a new method of construction appeared in the latter (see photo 19). The earliest known example of a new type is not a gavit, but the Church of the Shepherd, built in the 11th century outside the city walls of Ani. In plan, this three-story structure has the shape of a six-pointed star, imprinted in heavy stonework. From the outside, twelve triangular projections are cut through the walls - between the rays of the star.

Fig. 26. Monastery in Sanakhin: 1 - Church of the Mother of God. X century; 2 - Church of the Savior. 966 g; 3 - the vaulted hall known as the Academy of Gregory the Magister; 4 - the chapel of St. Gregory. 1061; 5 - library. 1063; 6 - gavit (zhamatun). 1181; 7 - gavit. 1211; 8 - belfry.

XIII century. (according to Khachatryan), 1: 500

Six arches rising from the columns gathered in beams at the corners of the star meet in the keystone and bear the entire load of the second floor. This floor is round on the inside and hexagonal on the outside, with a round drum rising above it, on which a conical dome rests.

Fig. 27. Ani. Chapel of the Shepherd. XI century. View from above

Fig. 28. Ani. Chapel of the Shepherd. XI century. Envelope scheme (Strzhigovsky), 1: 200

For the construction of the roofs of the anti-chapel, different systems were used. In one of them, attached to the south side of the Church of the Holy Apostles in Ani (see photo 19), six columns adjacent to the walls divide the rectangular space into two square spans. Above each of them, masonry arches rest on these columns, cross each other diagonally, and low walls that rise above the arches support the ceiling. The side walls are reinforced with wall arches that support low columns. The central space is crowned with a stalactite-shaped dome. More complex shapes are used in the large square gavit of the Choromos Church, built in 1038. The hall is overlapped by two pairs of intersecting arches running parallel to the side walls. Above the spans to the east and west of the central square, the ceiling rests on small walls that rise above the arches, as in the Church of the Holy Apostles in Ani, but the vaults of the side spans rest directly on the arches.

Fig. 29. Haghpat. Gavit. XIII century. Envelope diagram (drawing by Kenneth J. Conant)

The four corners of the rectangles are closed by sections of the triangular arch, intersecting at right angles. An octagonal drum clad in carved panels rises above the central square and is surmounted by a small dome resting on six supporting columns. As you can see, different vaults were used here, which was the initial stage of research completed in the XII and XIII centuries of such structures as the large gavit of Haghpat. Large arches intersecting at right angles again cover the square hall, but only now the spans are covered with masonry vaults, which rest directly on the arches.

This construction method favored the construction of two- and three-story buildings. The first are mostly burial chapels, in which the lower floor was used directly for burial, and the upper, usually smaller, served as a chapel. Several of these churches were erected in the XI-XIV centuries, mainly in the province of Syunik. One of the most richly decorated is the chapel of the Noravank monastery complex in Amagu (see photo 20). Three-storey buildings - belfry towers - were erected in large monasteries. In the Haghpat monastery, one or more small chapels for religious activities were located in the lower floors, and the bell tower at the top was crowned with a conical roof (see photo 21). All these structures emphasize the vertical structure and lightweight forms.

With the development of transit trade during the reign of the Bagratids, caravanserais and hotels were built on the main trade routes in different parts of the country. Caravanserais are, in principle, three-aisled vaulted basilicas covered with a single roof. There are no windows in the walls, light and air enter only through small holes in the roof. The ruins of the Talin caravanserai show a more complex construction. The vast central platform was open and surrounded by a vaulted gallery on three sides; on the north side were five small rooms overlooking the central platform. The three-nave basilica halls stood on either side of the central square, but were not connected. The large hotel in Ani consisted of two separate but adjacent buildings. In each of them, small rooms adjoining the central rectangular hall on both sides, opening onto the hall. It is believed that the large spaces located on the short sides of the rectangle served as shops. In the northwestern part of the city of Ani, there are the ruins of a palace, probably built in the 13th century. Here we have, albeit on a smaller scale, another example of a building with rooms surrounding a central hall. The large portal still retains the remains of intricate mosaic decorations and patterns.

Armenian architecture is an important chapter in the history of Christian architecture. She contributed to the solution of engineering problems associated with the construction of domed stone structures. Keeping in touch with the West and the East, Armenia used the experience of other countries, but its architects have always done everything in their own way, giving the standard solutions a national flavor. Even scholars who reject Strzhigovsky's extreme assessments admit that architectural forms created in Armenia have penetrated into other countries and influenced their architectural decisions. A striking example is a typical Byzantine church of the 10th century, in which the dome over a square span rests on corner trumpets. As R. Krautheimer noted in his work on early Christian and Byzantine architecture, “of all the border countries of the empire, only Armenia was on an equal footing with Byzantine architecture. But the difference between Byzantine and Armenian structures - in design, construction, scale and decoration - is not emphasized too much. "