The Architecture of Churches

The Armenian Highland is rich with stones; that is why the uniqueness of national Armenian Architecture is considered to be the diversity of Armenian stones, especially tufa, also its unique in its exceptional diversity, the artistic and mechanical features. In Armenia, the architecture was founded in the Stone Age. In the first half of the 2^nd millennium BC, the Monumental Architecture was developed in Armenia. Already in the 1^st- 3^rd millenniums the Armenians were built residential and defensive, cyclopean buildings. 

History of Armenian Churches

Adopting Christianity opened a new page in Armenian Architecture history. The Armenians started to create many churches throughout Armenia. According to historians, Gregory Enlightener destroyed all the pagan temples and built Christian churches on the bases of temples.  In the result, the churches of that century are mainly single-nave halls.

At the end of the 4^th century, in the churches appeared rooms next to the altar (which was a small room for priests). It appeared after the new rules of Sahak Partev, who ordered the priests should live in churches during the summer period  Since in the 6^th century appeared domed churches and buildings in Armenian Architecture. One of the ancient domed churches is the cathedral of Ejmiatsin (301-303). Later Armenian architects created a new type of domed churches with a domed hall.

During Medieval periods appeared three-naved Basilica buildings (Yereruyk).  The ancient temple of Yereruyk had 6 pillars, and people who looked from the distant way, it seemed to them that the temple was quivering. There is a gate around the church and other buildings, even hidden rooms. The biggest achievement of Armenian Architecture was the Zvartnots Cathedral (7^th century). It had a unique structure and is considered to be the miracle of Armenian history of Architecture. The cathedral has a round shape and cross-domed building.

Already in 9^th -14^th centuries Armenians started to build Matenadarans (repository), schools, inns, monastery complexes, and courtyards. One of the most outstanding monasteries in Armenia is the Tatev Monastery which was built in the 9^th century.

The Armenian architectural monuments Zvartnots, Geghard, Haghpat, Sanahin, and Noravanq were added to the UNESCO’s World Heritage list.