ZVARTNOTS TEMPLE

Zvartnots Temple is one of the most beautiful and large-scale religious buildings of early medieval Armenia, also known as the "Temple of the Watchful Angels".

The building, erected at the instigation of Catholicos Nerses III, laid the foundation for a new architectural direction that caused a wide resonance in the world community. The opening of the temple was honored with the presence of many influential persons, including the Emperor of Byzantium Constantine II, who wished to erect a similar structure in the capital of the empire — Constantinople.

Unfortunately, the temple stood for only 300 years: the pillars of the building cracked during the earthquake, and the multi-ton structure fell down like a house of cards. The elements did not spare the nearby palace of the Catholicos with outbuildings.

What to see

In previous centuries, the temple was a 3-tier building made of silver and black volcanic tuff with a height of about 49 m and a round base with a diameter of 35.75 m. A cross of 6 columns arranged in a semicircle was inscribed in the base. The eastern part of the first tier was occupied by an apse decorated with frescoes and mosaics. Opposite the altar, in the very center of the temple, there was a round pool-font with a ladder, where the sacrament of baptism was performed. Behind the altar, a passage opened to the underground sacristy.

The temple was transparent, as if woven from light and air. Openwork weaving of windows, delicate geometric ornaments, grapes, pomegranate fruits, palm leaves and human figures carved on the walls created a special atmosphere of lightness, naturalness, ease in the room — you can admire the elegant bas-reliefs and amazing sculptural compositions that used to decorate Zvartnots in the archaeological museum.