Tsiranavor church
Near the town of Ashtarak, in the Aragatsotn Province of Armenia, stands one of the oldest monuments of early Christian architecture — Tsiranavor Church, dating from the 5th–7th centuries. The church was built by Catholicos Nerses II Bagrevandtsi on a site that was once known locally as the “fortress.” Architecturally, Tsiranavor is a rectangular basilica with a horseshoe-shaped apse. On both sides of the altar there are small chambers that were traditionally used as sacristies. In later centuries, the northern and western walls were reinforced and thickened to strengthen the structure. Inside the church, visitors can see a distinctive double window, an interesting architectural feature of the building. On the eastern facade, traces of a decorative tooth-like cornice have been preserved, reflecting the ornamental style of early Armenian church architecture. In the past, the basilica was surrounded by protective walls, giving the entire complex the appearance of a fortified residence. Because the church was built on the edge of the Kasagh River canyon, it also served a defensive function. For this reason, it was sometimes referred to as Pokaberd, meaning “small fortress.” Today, Tsiranavor Church remains an important historical monument, illustrating the early development of Armenian basilica architecture and the strategic use of natural landscapes in medieval construction.
