Aruch Cathedral (Surb Grigor)

Aruch Cathedral, also called Aruchavank or Surb Grigor, is a monumental 7th-century church standing on a rocky plateau at the western foot of Mount Aragats. It was built around 661–666 by the Armenian prince Grigor Mamikonian and is one of the largest single-nave domed churches of its era. Though its dome has long since collapsed, the towering walls and apse, decorated with traces of original frescoes, remain deeply impressive. Beside the church lie the ruins of a princely palace and a caravanserai. Remarkably uncrowded, Aruch rewards visitors with grand early-medieval architecture and quiet atmosphere.