Armenian architecture

File:S. Hripsime exterior.JPG, 618, with later alterations, an important early church]]

File:Xoyakner 2.jpg

Medieval Armenian architecture, and Armenian churches in particular, have several distinctive features, which some believe to be the first national style of a church building.[http://armenianstudies.csufresno.edu/arts_of_armenia/architecture.htm Architecture, Arts of Armenia (c) Dr. Dickran Kouymjian, Armenian Studies Program, California State University, Fresno] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081231160331/http://armenianstudies.csufresno.edu/arts_of_armenia/architecture.htm |date=December 31, 2008 }}

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 (usually polygonal on the outside, most often octagonal){{Garbis Armen 1992|pages=71}}
• 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 or basalt.
• A composite roof composed of finely cut tuff 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.

File:Plans_of_Armenian_churches.jpg

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:

File:Church tonemapped.jpg, which is largely the work of Jan Henryk De Rosen and Józef Mehoffer. ]]

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.

File:Zvartnots img 6971.jpg.]]

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.

The gradual development of Armenian architecture.

{{Main|Architecture of Urartu}}

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.History of Armenian Architecture: Volume 1 {{full citation needed|date=December 2022}}

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).

File:Garni Armenien msu-2018-3149.jpg, the only standing Greco-Roman building in Armenia]]

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 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, Juno and Minerva). 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 pagans 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.[http://www.tacentral.com/architecture.asp?story_no=2 Sacred Geometry and Armenian Architecture | Armenia Travel, History, Archeology & Ecology | TourArmenia | Travel Guide to Armenia]

File:Bains publics artaxata arménie.jpg, 176 BC]]

• Horom Citadel, Bronze Age
• Haykaberd, 1st millennium BC
• Musasir, 825 BC
• The Van Citadel, 9th century BC
• Erebuni Fortress, 782 BC
• Odzaberd, 735–713 BC
• Teishebaini, Between 650 and 600 BC
• Argishtikhinili, 8th and 6th centuries BC
• Kumayri historic district, 5th century BC
• Armavir, 331 Bc (originally 8th century BC)
• Artaxata, 176 BC
• Tigranakert of Artsakh, 2nd–1st century BC
• Mount Nemrut, 1st century BC

File:Armenian gravestones. Lake Van.JPG.]]

File:Jugha-khachkar-CIMG1581.JPGs from Julfa, Azerbaijan. They were removed from the Julfa graveyard before its destruction and are now on display within the precincts of Etchmiadzin in Armenia.]]

Christianity's institution as Armenia's official religion in 301 allowed new developments in Armenian architecture, which nevertheless preserved older traditions.{{Cite web |url=http://www.tourismarmenia.net/architecture.html |title=Architecture of Armenia – Tourist Guide: Tourism Armenia |access-date=2007-06-18 |archive-date=2018-09-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926173850/http://www.tourismarmenia.net/architecture.html |url-status=dead }} 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.{{Cite web |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0422/is_4_88/ai_n17093711/pg_2 |title=Building churches in Armenia: art at the borders of empire and the edge of the canon {{!}} Art Bulletin, The {{!}} Find Articles at BNET.com |access-date=2007-06-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080127131709/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0422/is_4_88/ai_n17093711/pg_2 |archive-date=2008-01-27 |url-status=dead }}

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.

Էջմիածնի Մայր Տաճար.jpg|Etchmiadzin cathedral, 303

File:Amaras 18.JPG|4th century Amaras Monastery near Sos

File:Dvin Capital.jpg|Dvin, 4th century

File:Arshakunyats Dambaran and Chapel, Aghdzk, Armenia.jpg|Arshakid Mausoleum, 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, 7th century

File:Mastara-v-vgn04.jpg|Church of Saint John, Mastara, 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, 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

File:Kiranc Monastery (108).jpg|Kirants Monastery, 8th century

File:Սևան Եկեղեցի Սբ. Առաքելոց.jpg|Sevanavank, 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, 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, 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, 988–1029

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, 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, 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

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

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

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

File:Etchmiadzin cupola.jpg.]]

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 basilicas, 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.{{cite book|last1=Edwards|first1=Robert W., "Armenia" |title=The Eerdmans Encyclopedia of Early Christian Art and Archaeology, ed., Paul Corby Finney |date=2016 |publisher=William B. Eerdmans Publishing| location=Grand Rapids, Michigan |isbn=978-0-8028-9016-0| pages=119–122}}

File:Akdamar Church.JPG on the 10th century Cathedral at Akdamar]]

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, 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 Cathedral of Ani 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.

File:Church of Saint Gregory the Illuminator, Ani 16.jpg church]]

File:Kecharis Monastery Complex Tsaghkadzor 12.jpg]]

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 Timurlane and the destruction of Cilician Armenia ended architectural progression from another 250 .

The last great period in classic Armenian construction was under the Iranian Safavid Shahs, 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.

File:Armenian architects from Constantinople.jpg

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 Kumayri historic district of Alexandropol and Yerevan, as well in Kars, which is now a part of the Republic of Turkey.

The Armenian buildings of that time were mainly made of black tuff, therefore those buildings were mainly of black color.

File:Old building of Yerevan State University2.jpg|Yerevan State University old building

File:Hovhannes Grigoryan's house - 2021-12-04 - f1.jpg

File:Amiryan Street, Yerevan 111.JPG|Hripsime School for Girls

File:Melik-Adamyan Street.jpg

File:Mher Mkrtchyan Street (7).jpg

Home Gyumri (Տուն Գյումրիում) 19.jpg

File:Dzitoghtsonts1.JPG

File:Old Gyumri by Asbed.jpg

File:Building in Gyumri 2015 sep pic 42.JPG

File:Building in Gyumri 4.jpg

File:Одно из зданий в Горисе.jpg

File:Goris Komitas 12.JPG

File:Բնակելի տուն Գորիս քաղաքում 1.jpg

File:Բնակելի տուն, Ղափանցյան փողոց, Աշտարակ (1).JPG

File:Բնակելի տուն, Ղափանցյան փողոց, Աշտարակ (6).JPG

File:Kars probably Baltic style building 3756.jpg

File:Kars probably Baltic style building 3767.jpg

One of the most prolific architects of Armenian architectural monuments in the 20th century was Baghdasar Arzoumanian. Based in Yerevan, Armenia, he was the author of a great number of civil and church buildings along with other designs. The legendary architects of the 20th century were Alexander Tamanyan, Rafael Israyelyan, G. Kochar, E. Tigranyan, S. Safaryan, etc. Today the masters of Armenian architecture are S.Gurzadyan, S. Kalashyan, L. Khristaforyan, R. Asratyan etc.

File:Vanatoun Hyuranoc.jpg by Baghdasar Arzoumanian.]]

As a result of Anti-Armenianism, relics of Armenia's past such as churches, cemeteries and khachkars in neighboring countries have been subject to devastation. In certain cases such as in Turkey or Azerbaijan, this had been as a result of national campaigns to eradicate traces of the Armenian people to thwart any potential claims by the Armenian state.

The largest collection in the world was formerly to be found at the ruins of Old Jugha in Nakhichevan (today's Azerbaijan). Reports (see RFE/RL) and photographs from observers in Iranian territory emerged at the end of 2005 showing Azeri soldiers making deliberate attempts to destroy the gravestones. More recent photographs have revealed that the entire graveyard has been obliterated and a military training ground has been constructed on the site.{{Cite web |url=http://iwpr.net/report-news/azerbaijan-famous-medieval-cemetery-vanishes |title=Azerbaijan famous medieval cemetery vanishes |access-date=2012-12-30 |archive-date=2014-02-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140217145307/http://iwpr.net/report-news/azerbaijan-famous-medieval-cemetery-vanishes |url-status=dead }}

Due to the endless development and neglect, the historical architecture of Yerevan is often desecrated or in some cases demolished.{{Cite web |date=2018-11-06 |title=Chief architect says famous Afrikyan House can be restored after 2014 demolishing |url=https://armenpress.am/en/article/953456 |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=ARMENPRESS Armenian News Agency |language=en}} One of the most noticeable cases was the creation of Northern Avenue in Yerevan as per original plans of Alexander Tamanian, which destroyed the rich architectural heritage located in the area.{{Cite web |last=Gasparyan |first=Vazgen |date=2021-12-11 |title=Yerevan Remade: The Case of the Northern Avenue |url=https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/923fe230ab2f43faac15e12fee52f221 |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=ArcGIS StoryMaps |language=en}} There are also plans going on to destroy the historical district of Noragyugh to build a business center called "New Yerevan".{{Citation |last=Rodabaugh |first=Cathy |title=Burned-Over District, New York |date=2006-04-06 |work=African American Studies Center |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/acref/9780195301731.013.44601 |access-date=2024-09-05 |publisher=Oxford University Press |doi=10.1093/acref/9780195301731.013.44601 |isbn=978-0-19-530173-1|url-access=subscription }}

{{Main|Vernacular architecture of Armenia}}

Armenia has a rich tradition of vernacular architecture, which varies by region. Out of them the most noticeable surviving examples are the following:

• In Syunik region Armenians used to live in carved out cave dwellings with decorated entrances. Between 12 and 25 people lived in each cave, depending on the economic status of the family, with the complex network of ropes, ladders and narrow pathways connecting each dwelling.{{Cite web |title=MyArmenia |url=https://myarmenia.si.edu/en/guide/experience/explore-armenias-abandoned-cave-city/index.html |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=MyArmenia}} The examples of this style can be found in the old parts of Khot, Khndzoresk, Shinuhayr and Halidzor villages, as well as in Meghri and Goris cities.
• In Dilijan the local vernacular architecture is a product synthesis between the Armenian architecture of Tbilisi and Baku and the Molokan architecture due to the high Molokan and Tbilisi Armenian population living in the city. The architecture of Dilijan consisted of one- or rarely two-story housing, made of uncut gray basalt and sandy limestone. The windows and doorways of the houses were covered with arches traditional to Armenia, and high gabled roofs were covered with roofing tiles due to the abundance of precipitation.{{Cite web |title=Impulse {{!}} Blog {{!}} Dilijan. City at an architectural crossroad |url=https://impulse.am/blog/dilijan-city-at-an-architectural-crossroad/ |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=impulse.am |language=ru-RU}}
• The vernacular architecture of Yerevan is primarily represented by the historical Kond district, as well as the integrated villages of Old Nork, Kanaker and Noragyugh.{{Cite web |date=2021-12-08 |title=Вернакулярные районы Еревана |url=https://34travel.me/post/vernakulyarnye-rayony-erevana |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=34travel.me |language=ru}} Demirbulagh and Dzoragyugh districts, which also represented the vernaculars of Yerevan, were mostly demolished, as can be seen on the architectural plan of Tamanian.{{Cite web |title=Alexander Tamanian- Projects of the renowned Armenian Soviet Architect |url=http://www.alexandertamanian.com/ |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=www.alexandertamanian.com}} The vernaculars of Yerevan are characterised by simple wooden balconies, narrow streets and terraces, which are often situated on top of the other houses due to the mountainous terrain.{{Cite web |title=Kond: the Elements of Memory |url=https://csnlab.net/article/kond |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=csnlab.net |language=en}}
• The vernaculars of Lori region in Armenia are similar to the vernaculars of Dilijan, though they are more sparse due to the major reconstruction of the capital of the region, Vanadzor, by Soviets, which almost entirely destroyed its vernacular heritage. Traditional housing in Lori is almost exclusively one-story and has white plastered walls, representing the unique combination of cultures.{{Cite web |last=Green |first=Anna |date=2022-04-07 |title=Archive Fever: Vanadzor's Bucolic Past in Hamo Kharatyan's Photographs |url=https://evnreport.com/et-cetera/archive-fever-vanadzors-bucolic-past-in-hamo-kharatyans-photographs/ |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=EVN Report |language=en-US}} Nowadays, probably the best example of the architecture of that region is the house-museum of Stepan Shaumian in Stepanavan.

File:Հին Խոտ գյուղատեղի 106.jpg|House in the old part of Khot village of Syunik.

File:Ժողովրդական արվեստի թանգարանի Դիլիջանի մասնաճյուղ.JPG|Traditional house in Dilijan.

File:Shaumyan3.jpg|House of Shaumian, Stepanavan, Lori.

File:House in Kond, Yerevan.jpg|Old house in the Kond district of Yerevan.

The tumultuous past of Armenia over the last millennium has resulted in the formation of an extensive Armenian diaspora in various corners of the globe. Armenian communities seeking to keep the traditions of their homeland, influenced the architectural vernacular of Armenian Quarters in cities such as Zamość and Lviv. This influence is most evident in the sacred architecture of churches built by the Armenian community, where designs based on historic landmarks such as the cathedrals of Ani, Zvartnots and Etchmiadzin have been used as inspirational templates to construct these structures in their new surroundings. This tradition still continues into the present day as Armenian immigration has shifted away from the traditional areas of outmigration in Europe and the Middle East into the Americas and Australia.

Khachkars have also become additional signifiers of Armenian identity and have been erected in recent year in cities such as Wrocław, Kraków, Elbląg in Poland, Novi Sad in Serbia, Beirut in Lebanon as well as in Dearborn, Michigan.

File:Church of the Holy Sepulchre by Gerd Eichmann (cropped).jpg|Church of the Holy Sepulchre, 326.

File:Bethlehem BW 10.JPG|Church of the Nativity, 325–565.

File:Inside Saint James Cathedral in the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem.jpg|Cathedral of Saint James, Jerusalem, 12th century.

File:2014 Erywań, Budynek Zgromadzenia Narodowego Republiki Armenii.jpg|National Assembly (1918).

File:Yerevan 1968 06 960.jpg|Yerevan State University in 1968, (1919).

File:Erevan-medical-institute.jpg|Yerevan State Medical University in 1960s, (1920).

File:1951 Erevan Teatr.jpg|Yerevan opera house by A. Tamanyan in 1951, (1926–1939).

File:Универмаг в Ереване.jpg|Unevermag of Yerevan (1935).

File:Moscow cinema house 0755 05.jpg|Moscow Cinema (1936).

File:2014 Erywań, Armeńska Akademia Nauk (02).jpg|National Academy of Sciences of Armenia (1943).

File:Victory Bridge, Yerevan, 2009.jpg|The Victory Bridge, Yerevan on Hrazdan River (1945).

File:Yerevan 1968 02 960.jpg|Pak Suka in 1968, (1952).

File:Ереван-004.jpg|Matenadaran (1920–1959).

File:Genocide Memorial complex from air on a sunny day, September 2017.jpg|Tsitsernakaberd (1967).

File:2014 Erywań, Erebuni, Muzeum Erebuni, Budynek muzeum (02).jpg|Erebuni Museum (1968).

File:Youth Palace 01.jpg|Yerevan Youth Palace (1970).

File:Ереван-003.jpg|Republic Square, Yerevan by A.Tamanyan in 1953, (1926–1977).

File:Yerevan Music house after Komitas 02.jpg|Komitas Chamber Music House (1977).

File:2014 Erywań, Park przy Kaskadach (17).jpg|Yerevan Cascade (1971–1980).

File:Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concerts Complex shot from air, May 2019.jpg|Karen Demirchyan Complex (1983).

File:Cathedral of Yerevan Armenia msu-2018-2640.jpg|Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral, 1997–2001

File:Martuni, Church, 2014.05.10 - panoramio.jpg|Church of St. Nerses the Great, 2004 .

File:Yerevan-St Anna-02-St Astvatsatsin-2019-gje.jpg|Saint Anna Church, 2011–2014

File:Lori Education Hub.jpg|COAF SMART center in the village of Debet, Lori province.

File:Holy Mother of God Cathedral, Stepanakert 2019.jpg|Holy Mother of God Cathedral, 2006–2019

{{main|List of World Heritage sites in Armenia}}

File:+Ayrivank 47.jpg monastery]]

Armenian cross-stones art and Symbolism and craftsmanship of Khachkars, listed to UNESCO intangible world heritage site.

The following is a list of World Heritage Sites designed or constructed by Iranians, or designed and constructed in the style of Armenian architecture:

• Inside Armenia
• Haghpat Monastery and Sanahin Monastery
• Etchmiadzin cathedral, Saint Hripsime Church, Saint Gayane Church, Shoghakat Church, Zvartnots Cathedral in Vagarshapat
• Geghard monastery
• Outside Armenia
• Church of the Holy All-Savior of Derbent in Russia
• Ani in Turkey
• Ani Cathedral in Turkey
• The church of the Holy Redeemer in Turkey
• The church of St Gregory of the Abughamrents in Turkey
• St Gregory of Tigran Honents in Turkey
• Monastery of the Hripsimian Virgins in Turkey
• King Gagik's church of St Gregory in Turkey
• St. Thaddeus Monastery in Iran
• Saint Stepanos Monastery in Iran
• Chapel of Dzordzor in Iran
• Chapel of Chupan in Iran
• Church of the Holy Mother of God, Darashamb in Iran

Examples of Armenian religious architecture

File:The Holy Trinity Church, Malatia-Sebastia district, Yerevan, Armenia.jpg|The Holy Trinity Church (2003) modeled after Zvartnots Cathedral, in the Malatia-Sebastia district of Yerevan

File:Vanadzor-new-church.jpg|The Saint Gregory of Narek Cathedral (2005) in Vanadzor, Armenia

{{Main|List of Armenian churches in Azerbaijan}}

File:Gandzasar (Vanq) Church.JPG|13th century Gandzasar monastery, near Vank village

File:Kanach Zham2018-13.jpg|Kanach Zham, Shushi

File:Tsakuri "Holy Mother of God" church, XII c.jpg|12th-century Holy Mother of God Church, Hunarli, Azerbaijan

{{Main|List of Armenian churches in Iran}}

{{Main|List of active Armenian churches in Turkey|Armenian cultural heritage in Turkey}}

File:Aghperig Monastery in the Sasun Mountains, East Anatolia 03.jpg|Aghperig Monastery, 300

File:Khtzkonk-monastery.jpg|Khtzkonk Monastery in Kars

File:St Elie - St Gregory Armenian Catholic Cathedral.jpg|Saint Gregory the Illuminator – Saint Elie (Eghishe) Armenian Catholic Cathedral (1909) in downtown Beirut, Lebanon

File:Antelias - Armeni.jpg|The Holy Mother of God Cathedral (1940) at the Catholicossate of the Great House of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon

File:Sourp Nshan Church in downtown Beirut.JPG|Holy Cross Church (Sourp Nshan) in downtown Beirut, Lebanon, adjacent to the Grand Serail

File:Sourp Asdvadzadzin Church in Bikfaya.JPG|Holy Mother of God Church (Sourp Asdvadzadzin) at the Armenian Seminary in Bikfaya, Lebanon

File:Armenian Church of the Holy Mother of God, Aleppo, 2010 (1).jpg|Holy Mother of God Armenian Apostolic church, Aleppo

File:Forty Martyrs Cathedral of Aleppo, the belfry.jpg|The belfry of the Forty Martyrs Armenian Cathedral of Aleppo erected in 1912

File:Armenian Genocide Memorial in Der Zor, Syria.jpg|Armenian genocide Memorial Church in Deir ez-Zor, Syria

File:Armenian orthodox patriarchate in cairo- khazarian.jpg|St. Gregory The Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church (1928) in Cairo, Egypt

File:The Armenian Orthodox Patriarchate and St. Gregory The Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church in Cairo.jpg|Interior of St. Gregory The Illuminator Church of Cairo

File:Սբ. Կարապետ եկեղեցին Հորդանանում.jpg|Saint John the Baptist Armenian church on Jordan River, Al-Maghtas, Jordan

{{Main|Armenian churches of Tbilisi}}

File:The Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church in Fresno, California.jpg|Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church (1914) in Fresno, California

File:Saint Paul Armenian Church in Fresno, California.jpg|Saint Paul Armenian Church (1979) in Fresno, California

File:Saint Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Catholic Church in Glendale , California (2001) crop.JPG|The Saint Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Catholic Church (2001) in Glendale, California

File:St. Stepanos Armenian Church - Elberon, NJ.jpg|[https://web.archive.org/web/20110728065619/http://www.ststepanos.org/index.html Saint Stepanos Armenian Church] (1986) in Elberon, New Jersey

File:StGregoryMerguerian.jpg|St Gregory Armenian Church in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA

File:Saint Mary Armenian Church in Toronto, Canada.jpg|St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, Toronto (1983) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

{{Main|List of Armenian churches in Russia}}

File:Սբ. Պայծառակերպության եկեղեցին և Սբ. Խաչ մատուռը Մոսկվայում.JPG|Holy Transfiguration Cathedral, Moscow

File:Armenian Church of Saint Gregory the Illuminator Սուրբ Գրիգոր Լուսավորիչ եկեղեցի (Սինգապուր) 01.jpg|Armenian Church, Singapore, (1836).

{{Portal|Architecture}}

• Armenian art
• Armenian church architecture
• List of castles in Armenia
• List of monasteries in Armenia
• List of cathedrals in Armenia
• List of bridges in Armenia
• Armenian Khachkars
• Armenian Palaces
• Gavit
• Vishapakar
• Stone sculptures of horses and sheep in the Caucasian States
• Armenian Union of Architects
• Children of Armenia Fund
• Research on Armenian Architecture
• Tumo Center for Creative Technologies
• Architecture of Urartu

{{Reflist}}

• {{Garbis Armen 1992}}

{{Commons category|Architecture of Armenia}}

• [http://www.armenianarchitecture.am/v2/index.php?Language=2 Armenian Historical Monuments] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923173718/http://www.armenianarchitecture.am/v2/index.php?Language=2 |date=2015-09-23 }} presented by the Research on Armenian Architecture organization
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20081231160331/http://armenianstudies.csufresno.edu/arts_of_armenia/architecture.htm Arts of Armenia:Architecture], a chapter in a book by Dickran Kouymjian of Cal State University, Fresno
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20090611071858/http://armenianstudies.csufresno.edu/iaa_architecture/index.htm Index of Armenian Art: Armenian Architecture], a listing and details of Armenian architecture grouped by classification
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20101125050334/http://kamit.jp/18_armenia/gallery_eng.htm Pictorial Gallery of Armenian Architecture]
• [http://digitool.rpi.edu:8881/R/3EICQBYRI1RSQ936658IRU8LN5GPYMYGRUP2VUR3I9FA2UDVPP-00979?func=collections-result&collection_id=1137 Armenian Architecture Collection] of the Rensselaer Digital Collections, part of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (includes monasteries in Western Armenia)
• [http://www.virtualani.org/beyondani.htm Armenian Architecture in Turkey] and [http://www.virtualani.org/citymap.htm the City of Ani]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20111113015655/http://www.strategicoutlook.org/2011/08/armenian-architectures-and-its-protection-in-turkey/ Armenian Architectures and Its Protection in Turkey]
• [https://charlvarchive.org/ Cilician Armenian Architecture]

{{Armenian Churches}}

{{Contemporary Armenian Churches}}

{{Asia in topic|Architecture of}}

{{Architecture of Europe}}

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Category:Church architecture

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