Armenian architecture comprises architectural works with an aesthetic or historical connection to the

Armenian people Armenians (, ) are an ethnic group indigenous to the Armenian highlands of West Asia.Robert Hewsen, Hewsen, Robert H. "The Geography of Armenia" in ''The Armenian People From Ancient to Modern Times Volume I: The Dynastic Periods: From Antiq ...

. It is difficult to situate this architectural style within precise geographical or chronological limits, but many of its monuments were created in the regions of historical Armenia, the

Armenian Highlands The Armenian highlands (; also known as the Armenian upland, Armenian plateau, or Armenian tableland)Robert Hewsen, Hewsen, Robert H. "The Geography of Armenia" in ''The Armenian People From Ancient to Modern Times Volume I: The Dynastic Periods: ...

. The greatest achievement of Armenian architecture is generally agreed to be its medieval churches and seventh century churches, though there are different opinions precisely in which respects.

Common characteristics of Armenian architecture

Medieval In the history of Europe, the Middle Ages or medieval period lasted approximately from the 5th to the late 15th centuries, similarly to the post-classical period of World history (field), global history. It began with the fall of the West ...

Armenian architecture, and Armenian churches in particular, have several distinctive features, which some believe to be the first national style of a church building.Architecture, Arts of Armenia (c) Dr. Dickran Kouymjian, Armenian Studies Program, California State University, Fresno
Common characteristics include: *Pointed domes, reminiscent of the volcanic cone of Greater Ararat. The conical or semiconical radially segmented dome or cupola is mounted above vaulted ceilings on a cylindrical

drum The drum is a member of the percussion group of musical instruments. In the Hornbostel–Sachs classification system, it is a membranophone. Drums consist of at least one membrane, called a drumhead or drum skin, that is stretched over a ...

(usually polygonal on the outside, most often octagonal) *The vertical emphasis of the whole structure, with the height often exceeding the length of a church *Reinforcement of the verticality with tall, narrow windows *Stone vaulted ceilings *Composed almost entirely of stone, usually volcanic

tuff Tuff is a type of rock made of volcanic ash ejected from a vent during a volcanic eruption. Following ejection and deposition, the ash is lithified into a solid rock. Rock that contains greater than 75% ash is considered tuff, while rock co ...

basalt Basalt (; ) is an aphanite, aphanitic (fine-grained) extrusive igneous rock formed from the rapid cooling of low-viscosity lava rich in magnesium and iron (mafic lava) exposed at or very near the planetary surface, surface of a terrestrial ...

. *A composite roof composed of finely cut

shingles *Frescoes and carvings, if present, are usually ornate and include swirling intertwining grapevines and foliage. *Heavy use of tall structural arches, both for supporting the cupola as part of the drum, the vaulted ceiling, and the vertical walls. *Roofs intersecting to support the dome, both in basilicas and centrally planned churches. *Sculptural decoration of external walls, including figures.

Classification of Armenian churches

Within the bounds of the aforementioned common characteristics, individual churches display considerable variation which may reflect time, place, and the creativity of its designer. Toros Toramanian distinguished the following classical styles while studying these variations in the early 20th century:

Construction

Armenian architecture, as it originates in an earthquake-prone region, tends to be built with this hazard in mind. Armenian buildings tend to be rather low-slung and thick-walled in design. Armenia has abundant resources of stone, and relatively few forests, so stone was nearly always used throughout for large buildings. Small buildings and most residential buildings were normally constructed of lighter materials, and hardly any early examples survive, as at the abandoned medieval capital of Ani. Zvartnots img 6971

The stone used in buildings is typically quarried all at the same location, to give the structure a uniform color. In cases where different color stone are used, they are often intentionally contrasted in a striped or checkerboard pattern. Powder made out of ground stone of the same type was often applied along the joints of the tuff slabs to give buildings a seamless look. Unlike the Romans or Syrians who were building at the same time, Armenians never used wood or brick when building large structures. Armenian architecture employs a form of concrete to produce sturdy buildings,. It is a mixture of lime mortar, broken tuff, and rocks around which forms a core against which thin slabs of tuff are arranged in brickwork fashion. As the wet mortar mixture dries it forms a strong concrete-like mass sealed together with the tuff around it and, due to tuff's properties, it becomes harder with time. Initially, almost no core was used in the construction of churches, stone blocks were simply sealed together, but as architects saw how those with mortar cores withstood tremors, the size of the core expanded. Frescos of marble or another stone were often affixed to the side of these buildings, usually at a later date.

History of Armenian architecture

The gradual development of Armenian architecture.

Pre-Christian Armenia

During the third millennium B.C, prehistoric Armenian architecture was already distinctive. The most common feature was its groundwork, which incorporated many geometrical shapes, ultimately forming a cell shape. An example of such architecture can be found in Kültəpə, near Nakhchivan. These buildings were approximately 6–7 metres wide and about 5 metres high. Urban architectural traditions, and other forms of art in the years before Christ continued to develop and later were influenced by Greco-Roman art. Urartian architecture is known for its use of intricately cut rocks, used as foundations for mud brick buildings, usually constructed in a compact manner (such as in Erebuni). Garni Armenien msu-2018-3149

Urartian temples had massive stone walls at lower levels and a relatively small interior space, usually square, and rose high; they were generally placed at the highest point of a site. Higher levels were in mud brick, which has not survived, and it is not fully clear how appeared. The late Temple of Garni of the 1st century AD, in a fully

Hellenistic In classical antiquity, the Hellenistic period covers the time in Greek history after Classical Greece, between the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC and the death of Cleopatra VII in 30 BC, which was followed by the ascendancy of the R ...

style, is the only pagan monument left in any sort of complete state in Armenia, as many others were destroyed or converted to Christian places of worship under Tiridates III of Armenia. Garni includes local elements of sacred numerology and geometry. The temple has a column to inter column ratio of 1/3 (1 is the primary number of the universe and 3 is the holiest of all numbers as it represents the Greco-Roman triad

Jupiter Jupiter is the fifth planet from the Sun and the List of Solar System objects by size, largest in the Solar System. It is a gas giant with a Jupiter mass, mass more than 2.5 times that of all the other planets in the Solar System combined a ...

, Juno and

Minerva Minerva (; ; ) is the Roman goddess of wisdom, justice, law, victory, and the sponsor of arts, trade, and strategy. She is also a goddess of warfare, though with a focus on strategic warfare, rather than the violence of gods such as Mars. Be ...

). Aside from being aesthetically beautiful, Garni's design can be seen as being a reaffirmation of the universal laws that governed man's destiny. The angles, number of columns, and dimensions were created with a careful eye; Armenian

pagan Paganism (, later 'civilian') is a term first used in the fourth century by early Christians for people in the Roman Empire who practiced polytheism, or ethnic religions other than Christianity, Judaism, and Samaritanism. In the time of the ...

s wanted to appease the gods and protect humanity from their wrath. This sacred geometry is evident in the entire temple. To the people who created it, it was the perfect embodiment of their communion with the universe. Note that although sacred geometry was mostly used in religious buildings, secular buildings adopted some aspects of it.Sacred Geometry and Armenian Architecture , Armenia Travel, History, Archeology & Ecology , TourArmenia , Travel Guide to Armenia
/ref>

10th century BC – 1st century BC

* Horom Citadel, Bronze Age * Haykaberd, 1st millennium BC * Musasir, 825 BC * The Van Citadel, 9th century BC *

Erebuni Fortress Erebuni Fortress () is an Urartian fortified city, located in Yerevan, Armenia. It is above sea level. It was one of several fortresses built along the northern Urartian border and was one of the most important political, economic and cultural ...

, 782 BC * Odzaberd, 735–713 BC * Teishebaini, Between 650 and 600 BC * Argishtikhinili, 8th and 6th centuries BC *

Kumayri historic district The Kumayri historic district (), also known as the Kumayri Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve, is the oldest part of Gyumri with its own unique architecture. It has more than a thousand buildings dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries. Th ...

, 5th century BC * Armavir, 331 Bc (originally 8th century BC) *

Artaxata Artashat (), Greek language, Hellenized as Artaxata () and Artaxiasata (), was a major city and commercial center of ancient Kingdom of Armenia (antiquity), Armenia that served as the capital of the Kingdom of Armenia (antiquity), Kingdom of Ar ...

, 176 BC * Tigranakert of Artsakh, 2nd–1st century BC *

Mount Nemrut Mount Nemrut or Nemrud (; ; ; Greek language, Greek: Όρος Νεμρούτ) is a mountain in southeastern Turkey, notable for the summit where a number of large statues are erected around what is assumed to be a royal tomb from the 1st century ...

, 1st century BC

Christian Armenia

Christianity's institution as Armenia's official religion in 301 allowed new developments in Armenian architecture, which nevertheless preserved older traditions. In fact it would be almost impossible to find any religion that rose completely on its own without borrowing some traditions from the past. Exploring Armenian churches is critical to our understanding of Medieval Armenia. Beyond that, the Armenian churches describe us the general landscape of the Christian East at a time when eyewitness accounts were exceedingly rare. In their messages of authenticity and legitimacy, the churches shaped and preserved public memory, negotiating among diverse linguistic, religious, political, and ethnic groups. The first Armenian churches were built on the orders of St. Gregory the Illuminator, and were often built on top of pagan temples, and imitated some aspects of Armenian pre-Christian architecture.

Gallery 4th–7th century

Էջմիածնի Մայր Տաճար.jpg, Etchmiadzin cathedral, 303 File:Amaras 18.JPG, 4th century Amaras Monastery near

Sos SOS is a Morse code distress signal (), used internationally, originally established for maritime use. In formal notation SOS is written with an overscore line (), to indicate that the Morse code equivalents for the individual letters of "SOS" a ...

File:Dvin Capital.jpg, Dvin, 4th century File:Arshakunyats Dambaran and Chapel, Aghdzk, Armenia.jpg,

Arshakid Mausoleum The Arshakid Kings Mausoleum and Basilica (; also Tomb of the Arshakid Kings or Arshakuni Tomb) is a grave monument complex that sits along a gorge overlooking the Amberd River, and is located in the center of the village of Aghtsk in the Araga ...

, 4th century File:Երերույքի Տաճար 05.jpg, Yererouk Bazelika, 4th–5th century File:Quşçu church.jpg, Monastery of Saint Translators, 4th–5th century File:Ապարանի Սուրբ Խաչ.jpg, Kasagh Basilica, 4th–5th century File:Crviz 2015 jun pic 24.JPG, Tsrviz Chapel, 5th century File:Qızılvəng foto.JPG, Karmir Monastery, 5th century File:Tsiranavor church of Ashtarak, front view.jpg, Tsiranavor Church, 5th century File:Ani 2.jpg, Ani, 5th century File:Smbataberd Fortress 03.jpg, Smbataberd, 5th century File:Tekor.jpg, Tekor Basilica, end of 5th century File:...Ծիծեռնավանք.jpg, Tsitsernavank Monastery, Syunik, 4th–6th century File:St peter paul yerevan 1930.png, Saint Paul and Peter Church, 4th–6th century File:Avan 1.JPG, Cathedral of Avan, 6th century File:Սուրբ Գևորգ եկեղեցի (Իրինդ) (10).jpg, Saint Gevorg church in Irind, 6th century File:-Խաչգունդի տաճար 1.jpg, Odzun Church, 6th century File:Church of Sohroul.jpg, Saint John Church of Sohrol, 5th century or 6th century File:Sverdlov St. George Church 3.jpg, St. George Church, Sverdlov, 6th century File:St John the Baptists monastery of Bagavan.jpg, Bagavan church, 613–619 File:Jerevan - Armenië (2892629248).jpg, Saint Hripsime Church, 618 File:Saint Gayane Church-front.JPG, Saint Gayane Church, 630 Red church Zarinja.JPG, Sourp Khach Church, c. 635 File:Mren Cathedral.jpg, Cathedral of Mren, 631–639 File:Zvartnots img 6965.jpg, Ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral, 641–652 File:Bana cathedral (view from the south).JPG, Bana cathedral, 653–658 File:Gharghavank.JPG, Gharghavank, 661–685 File:Aygeshat Targmanchats Vank.JPG, Targmanchats monastery, Aygeshat, 6th–7th century File:Պտղավանք տաճար 05.jpg, Ptghnavank, 6th century or 7th century File:Talin Cathedral.JPG, Talin Cathedral, 7th century File:Swallows over Aruchavank.jpg,

Aruchavank Aruchavank or the Cathedral of Aruch (; also Surb Grigor) is situated on a rocky plateau at the western foot of Mount Aragats in the village of Aruch in the Aragatsotn Province of Armenia. According to wall inscriptions on the east wall and manusc ...

, 7th century File:Mastara-v-vgn04.jpg,

Church of Saint John, Mastara The Mastara Church (), also known as Church of Saint John (''Surb Hovhannes'') in an early medieval church in Mastara, Armenia. It features a variation of the cruciform plan and central domed church. In accordance with its square plan, the four p ...

, 7th century File:Sisian church.jpg, St. Gregory the Illuminator church, 7th century File:Khtzkonk1920.jpg, Khtzkonk Monastery, 7th century File:Karmravor Surb Astvatsatsin.JPG, Karmravor Church, 7th century File:St. Gevorg church of Garnahovit 2018-06-20.jpg, Saint George's Church, mid-7th century File:Vospekar church2.jpg, Holy Mother of God Church, Voskepar 7th century File:Saint Christopher Monastery 22-10-2018.jpg, Saint Christopher Monastery, 7th century File:Artavazik North Wall2.JPG, Artavazik Church, 7th century File:Ddmashen S. Tadevos Church South.JPG, St. Thaddeus Church, Ddmashen, 7th century File:Լմբատավանք 20.jpg, Lmbatavank, 7th century File:2ԱՄՐՈՑԻ ՀԱՄԱԼԻՐ ԱՄԲԵՐԴ.jpg,

Amberd Amberd () is a 10th-century fortress located above sea level, on the slopes of Mount Aragats at the confluence of the Arkashen and Amberd rivers in the province of Aragatsotn, Armenia. The name translates to "fortress in the clouds" in Armenian ...

, 7th century File:Mahardzan.jpg, Aghitu tomb, 7th century File:161 Eglise d'Atenis Sioni -VIIe siècle- près de Gori.JPG, Ateni Sioni Church, 7th century

8th–14th century

File:Kiranc Monastery (108).jpg, Kirants Monastery, 8th century File:Սևան Եկեղեցի Սբ. Առաքելոց.jpg,

Sevanavank Sevanavank (; meaning ''Sevan Monastery'') is a monastic complex located on a Sevan Island, peninsula at the northwestern shore of Lake Sevan in the Gegharkunik Province of Armenia, not far from the town of Sevan (city), Sevan. Initially the mon ...

, 874 File:Dzor Dzor church.jpg, Chapel of Dzordzor 9th century File:St-Stepanous-02.jpg, Saint Stepanos Monastery, 9th century File:Կոթավանք, Ներքին Գետաշեն գյուղ 37.jpg, Kotavank, 9th century File:Dashtadem fortress (citadel) 17-11-2019v1.jpg, Dashtadem Fortress, 9th century File:Klášterní komplex Dadivank - panoramio.jpg, 9th century, Dadivank monastery in Karvachar File:Holy Savior Armenian Church (Shirakavan, Yerazgaors) - Սուրբ Ամենափրկիչ եկեղեցի.jpg, Holy Saviour's monastery of Yerazgavors, end of 9th century File:TatevMonastery.jpg, Tatev Monastery, 895–906 File:Վանական համալիր Վանեվանք, Արծվանիստ 311.jpg, Vanevan Monastery, 903 File:Vahanavank 2023 1.jpg,

Vahanavank Vahanavank () is a 10th-11th century Armenian Apostolic Church, Armenian Apostolic cathedral located approximately 5 kilometers west of the town of Kapan in the Syunik Province of Armenia, situated at the foot of Tigranasar mountain along the rig ...

, 911 File:AkdamarIslandChurch.jpg, Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Aghtamar, 915–921 File:Kars Church Of The Apostles 2009.JPG, Cathedral of Kars 930–967 File:ՎԱՆԱԿԱՆ ՀԱՄԱԼԻՐ «ԳՆԴԵՎԱՆՔ.jpg, Gndevank, 931–936 File:Sanahin Monastery.jpg, Sanahin Monastery, 957–966 File:Haghpat Monastery, Armenia.jpg, Haghpat Monastery, 976–991 File:Ani-Cathedral, Ruine.jpeg,

Cathedral of Ani The Cathedral of Ani (, ''Anii mayr tačar''; ) is the largest standing building in Ani, the capital city of medieval Bagratid Armenia, located in present-day eastern Turkey, on the border with modern Armenia. Its construction was completed in t ...

, 989–1001 File:Ամրոց «Կաքավաբերդ» («Թաթուլի բերդ») 02.jpg, Kakavaberd,9th–10th century File:Pjni Fortress 03.jpg, Bjni Fortress, 9th–10th century File:Ani Church of St Gregory of the Abughamrents 3574.jpg, The church of St Gregory of the Abughamrents, Ani, 10th century File:2014 Prowincja Gegharkunik, Cmentarz Noratus (01).jpg, Noratus cemetery, 10th century File:Tmogvi fortress (Photo A. Muhranoff, 2011)-1.jpg, Tmkaberd, 10th century File:Der Architekt, 1919 - 08.jpg, Horomos, 10th century File:Berdavan fortress.jpg, Berdavan Fortress, 10th century File:Byurakan Saint Hovhannes.JPG, Surp Hovhannes Church, Byurakan, 10th century File:Narekavank 1911.png, Narekavank, 10th century File:Tsakhats Kar 42.JPG, Tsaghats Kar Monastery, 10th century File:Karmravank Armenian monastery (Lake Van).JPG, Karmravank, 10th century File:-Աճարկուտի Առաքելոց վանք.jpg, Arakelots Monastery, Kirants, 10th century File:Surb Nshan church (Sebastia).jpg, Surb Nshan Monastery, 10th century. File:2014 Prowincja Szirak, Klasztor Marmaszen (07).jpg, Marmashen Monastery,

988 Year 988 ( CMLXXXVIII) was a leap year starting on Sunday of the Julian calendar. Events By place Byzantine Empire * Fall – Emperor Basil II, supported by a contingent of 6,000 Varangians (the future Varangian Guard), organiz ...

– 1029 File:Vorotnavank 205.JPG, Vorotnavank, 1000. File:Ani King Gagik church of St Gregory 5718.jpg, King Gagik's church of St Gregory, Ani, 1001–1020 File:Amberd church.jpg, Vahramashen Church, 1026 File:20110419 Surp Arakelots Holy Apostles Ani Turkey.jpg, The Church of the Holy Apostles, Ani, 1031 File:Kecharis Monastery 24.03.2018.jpg, Kecharis Monastery, 1033 File:20110419 Church of Redeemer Ani Turkey view1.jpg, The church of the Holy Redeemer, Ani, 1035 File:Bgheno-Noravank.jpg, Bgheno-Noravank, 1062 File:Sights of Meghri (5).jpg, Meghri Fortress, 1083 File:Eghegnamor vank1.jpg, Eghegnamor Monastery,10th century–11th century File:Monastery Neghuts 149.jpg, Neghuts Monastery,10th century or 11th century File:Armenian monastery of s apostles in moush.jpg, Arakelots Monastery 11th century File:Goshavank View.JPG, Goshavank, 1191–1196 File:Voskevaz Church1.JPG, Surp Hovhannes Church, 7th–12th century File:Monasterio de Hnevank, Armenia, 2016-09-30, DD 83.jpg, Hnevank, 7th–12th century File:Garni Mashtots Hayrapet Church.JPG, Mashtots Hayrapet Church of Garni, 12th century File:Church, Kish (P1090438).jpg, Church of Kish, 12th century File:2014 Prowincja Tawusz, Klasztor Jukhtakwank (11).jpg, Jukhtak Vank, 12th century File:Kars castle and hill 3329.jpg,

Castle of Kars The Castle of Kars (, ) is a former fortification located in Kars, Turkey. It is also known under the name İç Kale ("Central/Inner Castle", "Citadel"). It was first built during the rule of the Armenia, Armenian Bagratid Armenia, Bagratid dyna ...

, 1153 File:Kobayr 016.JPG, Kobayr monastery, 1171 File:Aprank or Surb David Monastery Surb Hovanes Church01.jpg, Aprank monastery, 1171 File:Lori Berd, Armenia, 2016-09-30, DD 71.jpg, Lori Fortress, 1177 File:Tejaruyqi monastery.JPG, Tejharuyk Monastery, 1196–1199 File:16102022 Հայրավանք 02.jpg, Hayravank Monastery,9th–12th century File:Çandır castle, Mersin Province, Turkey.jpg, Paperon, 12th century File:Harichavank-Harich2 - Copy.JPG, Harichavank Monastery, 1201 File:St. Karapet Church (1205).png, Hogevank Monastery, 1205 File:Geghard Monastery (5211712780).jpg, Geghard, 1215 File:20110419 Saint Gregory (Tigran Honents) Ani Turkey.jpg, St Gregory of Tigran Honents, Ani, 1215 File:Gandzasar Monastery1.jpg, Gandzasar Monastery, 1216– 1238 File:Hovhannavank 24.jpg, Hovhannavank, 1216 File:Սաղմոսավանք (մօտիկ).JPG, Saghmosavank, 1215–1221 File:Ktişvəng monastırının ümumi görünüşü.jpg, Gtichavank, 1241–1246 File:Matosavank Inscription.JPG, Matosavank,1247 File:Arapgir church2.png, Cathedral of Arapgir, 1249 File:Saint Gevorg Armenian Church in Old Tbilisi seen from Samghebro Street, 5.jpg, Saint George's Church, 1251 or earlier File:Katoghike05.jpg, Katoghike Church, Yerevan, 1264 File:Ashtarak S. Mariane.jpg, Saint Marianeh Church, Ashtarak, 1271 File:Yeghishe Arakyal Monastery - Եղիշե առաքյալի վանք.JPG, Yeghishe Arakyal Monastery, 5th–13th century File:SAINT SARGIS MONASTERY OF USHI 237.JPG, Saint Sarkis Monastery of Ushi, 7th–13th File:1 Վանական համալիր. Թանահատի վանքը (11).JPG, Tanahat Monastery, 8th–13th century File:Makenyats Vank.JPG, Makenyats Vank,9th–13th century File:St Nshan in Horomayr Bottom of canion 01.JPG, Horomayr Monastery, 10th–13th century File:Makravank Monastery 1.JPG, Makravank Monastery, 10th–13th File:Haghartsin monastery 2015.jpg, Haghartsin Monastery, 10th–13th File:Makaravank 110.jpg, Makaravank, 10th–13th century File:Bagnayr Monastery from the east Photo by Yermakov, late 19th century.jpg, Bagnayr Monastery, 10th-13tg century File:Armenian Church in Yeghipatrush.JPG, Yeghipatrush Church, 10th–13th century File:Khuchap Monastery 1.JPG, Khuchap Monastery, 12th–13th century File:Կուսանաց Անապատ Քարվաճառում 03.jpg, Kusanats Anapat, 12th–13th century File:Վանական Համալիր «Սամսոն» (03).jpg, Samsonavank Monastery, 12th–13th century File:Klasztor dziewic Ani.JPG, Chapel in the Monastery of the Hripsimian Virgins, Ani, 13th century File:Աղջոց վանք 02.jpg, Aghjots Vank, 13th century File:Snake Castle - Yılankale 2748.jpg, Levonkla, 13th century File:Iğdır kervansaray - panoramio.jpg, Caravanserai of Zor, 13th century File:Tegher Southeast.JPG, Tegher Monastery, 13th century File:Tsiranavor Ashtarak 1.jpg, Spitakavor Church of Ashtarak, 13th century File:Akhtala church 3.jpg, Akhtala Monastery, 13th century File:Tanahat Monastery-4.jpg, Tanahat Monastery, 13th century File:Saint Bartholomew Monastery general view.png, Saint Bartholomew Monastery, 13th century File:Church of Saint Elia, Kizkale.jpg, Church of Saint Elia, Kizkale, 13th century File:Yeghvard Church Right 1.JPG, Holy Mother of God Church, Yeghvard, 1301 File:Lim Island.png, Lim Island, 1305 File:Qareh kelissa.jpg, Saint Thaddeus Monastery, 1319–1329 File:Areni ch.jpg, Areni Church, 1321 File:2014 Prowincja Wajoc Dzor, Klasztor Spitakawor (03).jpg, Spitakavor Monastery, 1321–1330 File:FBQH3930.jpg, Orbelian's Caravanserai, 1332 File:Noravank-astvatsatsin-IMG 2015.JPG, Noravank, 1339 File:Stary Krym Monastyr Surb Chacz.jpg,

Surp Khach Monastery Surp Khach Monastery (, 'Monastery of the Holy Cross') is a medieval Armenian monastery located on the Crimean peninsula near Staryi Krym and founded in 1358. Before the USSR nationalized it, this monastery owned 4,000 acres of land, while during ...

, 1358 File:Famagusta 01-2017 img08 Armenian Church.jpg, Ganchvor monastery, 1364 File:Lwów - Katedra Ormiańska 01.JPG, Armenian Cathedral of Lviv, 1363–1370 File:-Նոր Վարագավանք.jpg, Nor Varagavank, 13th–14th century File:Mayravank (Solak)1.jpg, Mayravank, 7th–14th centuries

15th–18th century

File:Ktuts monastery 1986.jpg, Ktuts monastery, 15th century File:Mănăstirea Zamca31.jpg, Armenian monastery of Suceava, 15th century File:Churches, Tbilisi - panoramio.jpg, Norashen Church, 1507 File:ChapelofChupan.jpg, Chapel of Chupan, 1518 File:Xweşav.jpg, Hoşap Castle, 1649 File:کلیسای وانک. عکس Rasool AB.JPG, Vank Cathedral, 1655–1664 File:Խոր Վիրապ55.JPG, Khor Virap, 1661 File:St. Gevorg 2.jpg, Saint Gevork Monastery of Mughni, 1661–1669 File:Kanaker Saint Hakob church (56).jpg, Saint Hakob Church of Kanaker, 1679 File:Yerits Mankants 14.jpg, Yerits Mankants Monastery, 1691 File:Karbi Church.JPG, Surp Astvatsatsin Church, 1338–1693 File:Shoghakat Church, Ejmiadsin.JPG, Shoghakat Church, 1694 File:Surb Zoravor Astvatsatsin Church in 2019 (8).jpg, Zoravor Surp Astvatsatsin Church, 1694 File:Aparank Monastery.jpg, Aparank Monastery,10th–17th century File:Bridge in Shvanidzor 31.JPG, Bridge in Shvanidzor, 17th century File:Armenian Church in Old Dhaka.JPG, Holy Resurrection Church, 1781 File:Церковь Сурб-Амбарцум.JPG, Church of the Ascension, 1790 File:Saint Cross in Rostov-on-Don.jpg, Holy Cross Church, 1786–1792 File:St. George's church of Sighnaghi (1).jpg, Church of St. Gevorg (Sighnaghi), 1793 File:Jolfa-Aras-3.jpg, Church of the Holy Mother of God, Darashamb, 18th century File:S. Sargis Church of Ashtarak.JPG, St. Sarkis Church (Ashtarak, Aragatsotn, Armenia), 18th century File:Եկեղեցական Համալիր Նորագավթի Ս. Գևորգ (48).JPG, Surp Gevork Church, Noragavit, 18th century File:Princely Palace of Meliz Dizak (56).jpg, Togh's Melikian Palace, 18th century

19th–20th century

File:Kirke og kloster ved Musch - fo30141712180027.jpg, Surb Karapet Monastery, 4th–19th century File:Tatevi Anapat 49.JPG, Tatevi Anapat, 18th–19th century. File:St.Sarqis.jpg, Saint Sarkis Cathedral, 1842 File:Armenian church in Baku.jpg, Armenian Church, Baku, 1863–1869 File:Церковь. Вид из парка.jpg, Church of the Holy All-Savior, 1860–1871 File:Holy Saviour's Church, Gyumri.jpg, Holy Saviour's Church, 1858–1872 File:Էջմիածնի մայր տաճար, ArmAg 11 121 (2).jpg, Gevorgian Seminary, 1874 File:Saint Mesrop Mashtots Church 2023 drone.jpg, Saint Mesrop Mashtots Church, 443–1879 File:2014 Prowincja Szirak, Giumri, Katedra Matki Bożej (02).jpg, Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God, 1873–1884 File:Ghazanchetsots Cathedral in June 2018.jpg, Ghazanchetsots Cathedral, 1868–1887 File:Surb grigor lusavorich.png, Saint Gregory the Illuminator Church, 1900 File:St. Grigor Lusavorich Church In Goris 2023.1.jpg, St. Grigor Lusavorich Church, Goris, 1903 File:Holy Mother of God Church, Gavar by ArmAg (7).jpg, St. Astvatsatsin Church, 1902–1905 File:Crimea South Coast 04-14 img13 Yalta Armenian Church.jpg, Saint Hripsime Church of Yalta, 1905 File:Budagovski Armenian cathedral in Baku.jpg, Saint Thaddeus and Bartholomew Cathedral, 1910 File:Armenian Church Troinex1.jpg, Church of Surp Hakob, 1967–1969 File:St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church.jpg, St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, 1983 File:Surb Sargis Church Nor Nork 03.JPG, St. Sarkis Church, 1998

Periods in Armenian architecture

Classical and Medieval Armenian architecture is divided into four separate periods.

The formative period

The first Armenian churches were built between the 4th and 7th century, beginning when Armenia converted to Christianity, and ending with the Arab invasion of Armenia. The early churches were mostly simple

basilica In Ancient Roman architecture, a basilica (Greek Basiliké) was a large public building with multiple functions that was typically built alongside the town's forum. The basilica was in the Latin West equivalent to a stoa in the Greek Eas ...

s, but some with side apses. By the 5th century the typical cupola cone in the center had become widely used. By the 7th century, centrally-planned churches had been built and a more complicated ''niched buttress'' and radiating ''Hrip'simé'' style had formed. By the time of the Arab invasion, most of what we now know as classical Armenian architecture had formed.

Bagratid revival

From the 9th to 11th century, Armenian architecture underwent a revival under the patronage of the Bagratid dynasty with a great deal of building done in the area of

Lake Van Lake Van (; ; ) is the largest lake in Turkey. It lies in the Eastern Anatolia Region of Turkey in the provinces of Van Province, Van and Bitlis Province, Bitlis, in the Armenian highlands. It is a Salt lake, saline Soda lake, soda lake, receiv ...

, this included both traditional styles and new innovations. Ornately carved Armenian '' khachkars'' were developed during this time.Armenia, Past and Present; Elisabeth Bauer, Jacob Schmidheiny, Frederick Leist, 1981 Many new cities and churches were built during this time, including a new capital at Lake Van and a new Cathedral on Akdamar Island to match. The

was also completed during this dynasty. It was during this time that the first major monasteries, such as Haghpat and Haritchavank were built. This period was ended by the Seljuk invasion.

Monasteries flourish

From the 12th to 14th century under the Zakarid dynasty saw an explosion in the number of monasteries built, including Saghmosavank Monastery, the Akhtala Monastery, Kaymaklı Monastery, Kecharis Monastery and Makaravank Monastery. Monasteries were institutes of learning, and much of medieval Armenian literature was written in this time period. The invasion of

Timur Timur, also known as Tamerlane (1320s17/18 February 1405), was a Turco-Mongol conqueror who founded the Timurid Empire in and around modern-day Afghanistan, Iran, and Central Asia, becoming the first ruler of the Timurid dynasty. An undefeat ...

lane and the destruction of

Cilician Armenia The Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, also known as Cilician Armenia, Lesser Armenia, Little Armenia or New Armenia, and formerly known as the Armenian Principality of Cilicia, was an Armenians, Armenian state formed during the High Middle Ages b ...

ended architectural progression from another 250 .

Seventeenth century

The last great period in classic Armenian construction was under the Iranian

Safavid The Guarded Domains of Iran, commonly called Safavid Iran, Safavid Persia or the Safavid Empire, was one of the largest and longest-lasting Iranian empires. It was ruled from 1501 to 1736 by the Safavid dynasty. It is often considered the begi ...

Shah Shāh (; ) is a royal title meaning "king" in the Persian language.Yarshater, Ehsa, ''Iranian Studies'', vol. XXII, no. 1 (1989) Though chiefly associated with the monarchs of Iran, it was also used to refer to the leaders of numerous Per ...

s, under which a number of new churches were built, usually at existing holy sites such as Etchmiadzin as well as in diaspora communities like

New Julfa New Julfa (, ''Now Jolfā'', or , ''Jolfâ-ye Now''; , ''Nor Jugha'') is the Armenians, Armenian quarter of Isfahan, Iran, located along the south bank of the Zayanderud. Established and named after the Gülüstan, Nakhchivan, older city of Julf ...

Nineteenth century

Armenian architecture experienced a huge stage of development during the 19th century, when the Russians entered Eastern Armenia. A number of architectural masterpieces were built in the

Alexandropol Gyumri (, ) is an urban municipal community and the List of cities and towns in Armenia, second-largest city in Armenia, serving as the administrative center of Shirak Province in the northwestern part of the country. By the end of the 19th centur ...

and Yerevan, as well in Kars, which is now a part of the

Republic of Turkey Turkey, officially the Republic of Türkiye, is a country mainly located in Anatolia in West Asia, with a relatively small part called East Thrace in Southeast Europe. It borders the Black Sea to the north; Georgia (country), Georgia, Armen ...

. The Armenian buildings of that time were mainly made of black

, therefore those buildings were mainly of black color.

Gallery of Armenian architecture of the 19th century – 20th century

Yerevan Yerevan ( , , ; ; sometimes spelled Erevan) is the capital and largest city of Armenia, as well as one of the world's List of oldest continuously inhabited cities, oldest continuously inhabited cities. Situated along the Hrazdan River, Yerev ...

Common characteristics of Armenian architecture

Classification of Armenian churches

Construction

History of Armenian architecture

Pre-Christian Armenia

10th century BC – 1st century BC

Christian Armenia

Gallery 4th–7th century

8th–14th century

15th–18th century

19th–20th century

Periods in Armenian architecture

The formative period

Bagratid revival

Monasteries flourish

Seventeenth century

Nineteenth century

Gallery of Armenian architecture of the 19th century – 20th century

Modern times

Devastation of Armenian architecture

Vernacular architecture of Armenia

Armenian architecture in the diaspora

20th century secular buildings in Armenia

21st century buildings in Armenia

UNESCO designated World Heritage Sites

Gallery

Armenia

Azerbaijan

Iran

Turkey

Elsewhere in Western Asia

Georgia

North America

Russia

Singapore

See also

References

Bibliography

External links