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{{Short description|Architectural works connected to the Armenian people}}{{toomanyimages}}

factoids

| caption = From top to bottom: Saint Stepanos Monastery of Julfa (12th century); Church of the Holy Apostles in Ani (c. 9th century); Aghtamar cathedral (c. 8th century); Etchmiadzin cathedral and its Dome (4th century); Monastery of Geghard (13th century); and Kumayri historic district (19th century)| yearsactive = c. 3rd millennium BC – present| countries = Armenian highlands}}Armenian architecture comprises architectural works with an aesthetic or historical connection to the Armenian people. It is difficult to situate this architectural style within precise geographical or chronological limits,Patrick Donabédian, Jean-Michel Thierry, “Armenian Art”, New York, 1989, pp. 29–30 but many of its monuments were created in the regions of historical Armenia, the Armenian Highlands.Vazken Lawrence Parsegian, 1996 The greatest achievement of Armenian architecture is generally agreed to be its medieval churches and seventh century churches, though there are different opinions precisely in which respects.

Common characteristics of Armenian architecture

File:S. Hripsime exterior.JPG|thumb|Saint Hripsime ChurchSaint Hripsime Church(File:Xoyakner 2.jpg|thumb|Armenian chapiters)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.Architecture, Arts of Armenia (c) Dr. Dickran Kouymjian , Armenian Studies Program, California State University, Fresno {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081231160331armenianstudies.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.

Classification of Armenian churches

factoids

|caption = From top to bottom: Sanahin Monastery; Haghartsin Monastery; Haghpat Monastery; Goshavank; Tatev Monastery; Noravank}}(File:Plans_of_Armenian_churches.jpg|350px|thumb|Plans of Armenian churches)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:{| class=“wikitable” style="margin:1em auto; width:75%; text-align:center“|+ The Classical Styles of Armenian Architecture According to Toros Toramanian! Style !! Armenian nomenclature !! Example

	Bazilik (Ô²Õ¡Õ¦Õ«Õ¬Õ«Õ¯)>	Yererouk>Ererouk

	Gmbetakir bazilik (Ô³Õ´Õ¢Õ¥Õ©Õ¡Õ¯Õ«Ö€ Õ¢Õ¡Õ¦Õ«Õ¬Õ«Õ¯)>| Tekor Basilica

	Etchmiadznatip (Ô·Õ»Õ´Õ«Õ¡Õ®Õ¶Õ¡Õ¿Õ«Õº; literally “Etchmiadzin-type“)>| Etchmiadzin Cathedral

	Oughghagitz karankiun (ÕˆÖ‚Õ²Õ²Õ¡Õ£Õ«Õ® Ö„Õ¡Õ¼Õ¡Õ¶Õ¯ÕµÕ¸Ö‚Õ¶)>| Saint Gayane Church

	Sharavighayin (Õ‡Õ¡Õ¼Õ¡Õ¾Õ«Õ²Õ¡ÕµÕ«Õ¶)>	Saint Hripsime Church>Saint Hripsime

	Zvartnotsatip (Զվարթնոցատիպ; literally “Zvartnots-type“)>	Zvartnots Cathedral>Zvartnots

Construction

File:Church tonemapped.jpg|thumb|The interior of the Armenian Cathedral of Lviv, which is largely the work of Jan Henryk De Rosen and Józef MehofferJózef MehofferArmenian 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|thumb|left|A vine-scroll motif on carvings from the 7th-century cathedral of Zvartnots.]]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.

History of Armenian architecture

The gradual development of Armenian architecture.

Pre-Christian Armenia

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 KültÉ™pÉ™, 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|thumb|The Temple of GarniTemple of GarniUrartian 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.Sacred Geometry and Armenian Architecture | Armenia Travel, History, Archeology & Ecology | TourArmenia | Travel Guide to Armenia

Pre-Christian and Christian structures

Taronik, Metsamor, Vishap (01).jpgVishapakar on Mount Aragats slope 03.jpgBacotya cucadrutyun (14).jpgDragon stone,Yerevan.JPGVishap02.jpg|Vishapakar in Armenia Ethnography MuseumVishapakar from Geghama Mountains 01.jpgYeghegnadzor, Vishap, 2014.05.11 (01).jpgYerevan, Gayi ave., Vishap from Geghama range.jpgՎիշապաքար.JPG|Vishapakar in MetsamorMetsamor site 2023.5 7.jpgVishap phallus metsamor hill2.jpgFile:Aragat - Armenia (2929513914).jpgFile:Ram gravestone in Urud village (Zangezur).jpgFile:Խոյաձև տապանաքար Ջուղայի հայկական գերեզմանատանը - Tombstone in the form of a ram in the Armenian cemetery of Jugha (1915) 01.png|Tombstone in the form of a ram in the Armenian cemetery of Jugha (Julfa)File:Խոյաձև տապանաքար Ջուղայի հայկական գերեզմանատանը - Tombstone in the form of a ram in the Armenian cemetery of Jugha (1915) 02.png|Tombstone in the form of a ram in the Armenian cemetery of Jugha (Julfa)File:Խոյաձև տապանաքար Ջուղայի հայկական գերեզմանատանը - Tombstone in the form of a ram in the Armenian cemetery of Jugha (1915) 03.png|Tombstone in the form of a ram in the Armenian cemetery of Jugha (Julfa)File:Խոյաձև տապանաքար Ջուղայի հայկական գերեզմանատանը - Tombstone in the form of a ram in the Armenian cemetery of Jugha (1915) 04.png|Tombstone in the form of a ram in the Armenian cemetery of Jugha (Julfa)File:Տապանաքար Սարդարապատ1.JPG|Stone sheep sculpture in Sardarapat MuseumFile:Musée de Sissian-Béliers (5).jpg|Stone sheep sculpture in SisianFile:The yard of Sisian History Museum after Nikoghayos Adonts.jpg|Stone sheep sculpture in SisianFile:Musée de Sissian-Béliers (6).jpg|Stone sheep sculpture in SisianFile:Zolaqar Aries.JPG|Stone sheep sculpture in ZolakarFile:Երևան Խոյատապան.jpgFile:Խոյակերպ տապանաքար.JPGFile:Տապանաքար, Գնդեվանք5.JPG

10th century BC – 1st century BC

File:CastelHorom1.jpg|Horom Citadel, Bronze AgeFile:Urartian fort in ÇavuÅŸtepe.jpg|Haykaberd, 1st millennium BCFile:60 Musasiri tajar.jpg|Musasir, 825 BCFile:Tushpa 2.jpg|The Van Citadel, 9th century BCFile:Erebuni SE Entrance.JPG|Erebuni Fortress, 782 BCFile:Overlooking Teyseba.JPG|Odzaberd, 735–713 BCFile:Ô²Õ¶Õ¡Õ¯Õ¥Õ¬Õ« Õ©Õ¡Õ²Õ¡Õ´Õ¡Õ½ Ô¹Õ¥ÕµÕ·Õ¥Õ¢Õ¡Õ«Õ¶Õ« 06.jpg|Teishebaini, Between 650 and 600 BCFile:ArgishtihiniliView.jpg|Argishtikhinili, 8th and 6th centuries BCFile:Beniamin 11.JPG|Kumayri historic district, 5th century BC File:Armenian Ancient capital Armavir, Armenian godness Anahit’s temple ruins - panoramio.jpg|Armavir, ruins of Anahit goodness temple, 331 BCFile:Bains publics artaxata arménie.jpg|Artaxata, 176 BCFile:Tigranakert, 517design (1).jpg|Tigranakert of Artsakh, 2nd–1st century BCFile:Mount Nemrut (3).JPG|Mount Nemrut, 1st century BC

Christian Armenia

File:Armenian gravestones. Lake Van.JPG|thumb|left|Armenian gravestones. Lake VanLake VanFile:Jugha-khachkar-CIMG1581.JPG|thumb|upright|Late-medieval Armenian Khachkars 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.WEB,www.tourismarmenia.net/architecture.html, Architecture of Armenia – Tourist Guide: Tourism Armenia, 2007-06-18, 2018-09-26,www.tourismarmenia.net/architecture.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20180926173850www.tourismarmenia.net/architecture.html,">web.archive.org/web/20180926173850www.tourismarmenia.net/architecture.html, 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.WEB,findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0422/is_4_88/ai_n17093711/pg_2, 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/20080127131709findarticles.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.

Gallery 4th–7th century

Ô·Õ»Õ´Õ«Õ¡Õ®Õ¶Õ« Õ„Õ¡ÕµÖ€ Տաճար.jpg|Etchmiadzin cathedral, 303File:Aghperig Monastery in the Sasun Mountains, East Anatolia 03.jpg|Aghperig Monastery, 300File:Amaras 18.JPG|4th century Amaras Monastery near SosFile:Dizapaytt.jpg|4th century Katarovank close to Hin TagherFile:ÕŽÕ¥Ö€Õ«Õ·Õ¥Õ¶Õ« Սբ. Õ€Õ¼Õ«ÖƒÕ½Õ«Õ´Õ¥ եկեղեցի-1.jpg|Saint Hripsime Church (Vermashen), 4th centuryFile:Ô±Õ¶Õ¤Õ¸Õ¯Õ¡Õ¾Õ¡Õ¶ Ô²Õ¡Õ²Õ¡Õ¢Õ¥Ö€Õ¤ 11.jpg|Baghaberd, 4th centuryFile:Dvin Capital.jpg|Dvin, 4th centuryFile:Verin Agulis-1900s.jpg|Saint Thomas Monastery of Agulis, 4th centuryFile:Arshakunyats Dambaran and Chapel, Aghdzk, Armenia.jpg|Arshakid Mausoleum, 4th centuryFile:ÔµÖ€Õ¥Ö€Õ¸Ö‚ÕµÖ„Õ« Տաճար 05.jpg|Yererouk Bazelika, 4th–5th centuryFile:Quşçu church.jpg|Monastery of Saint Translators, 4th–5th centuryFile:Ô±ÕºÕ¡Ö€Õ¡Õ¶Õ« Սուրբ Ô½Õ¡Õ¹.jpg|Kasagh Basilica, 4th–5th centuryFile:Սուրբ Õ„Õ¥Õ½Ö€Õ¸Õº Մաշտոց եկեղեցին.jpg|Mesrop Mashtots Monastery, Nasirvaz, 456File:Vorotnaberd 3.jpg|Vorotnaberd, 5th centuryFile:Crviz 2015 jun pic 24.JPG|Tsrviz Chapel, 5th centuryFile:QızılvÉ™ng foto.JPG|Karmir Monastery, 5th centuryFile:Tsiranavor church of Ashtarak, front view.jpg|Tsiranavor Church, 5th centuryFile:Ani 2.jpg|Ani, 5th centuryFile:Smbataberd Fortress 03.jpg|Smbataberd, 5th centuryFile:Tekor.jpg|Tekor Basilica, end of 5th centuryFile:...Ô¾Õ«Õ®Õ¥Õ¼Õ¶Õ¡Õ¾Õ¡Õ¶Ö„.jpg|Tsitsernavank Monastery, Syunik, 4th–6th centuryFile:St peter paul yerevan 1930.png|Saint Paul and Peter Church, 4th–6th centuryFile:Holy Mother church (Kurtan) (6).jpg|Holy Mother church (Kurtan), 5th-6th centuryFile:Եկեղեցի «Տորմակ» 1.JPG|Tormak, 5th-6th centuryFile:Avan 1.JPG|Cathedral of Avan, 6th centuryFile:Սուրբ Ô³Ö‡Õ¸Ö€Õ£ եկեղեցի (Ô»Ö€Õ«Õ¶Õ¤) (10).jpg|Saint Gevorg church in Irind, 6th centuryFile:-Ô½Õ¡Õ¹Õ£Õ¸Ö‚Õ¶Õ¤Õ« Õ¿Õ¡Õ³Õ¡Ö€ 1.jpg|Odzun Church, 6th centuryFile:Church of Sohroul.jpg|Saint John Church of Sohrol, 5th century or 6th centuryFile:Sverdlov St. George Church 3.jpg|St. George Church, Sverdlov, 6th centuryFile:ՍԲ ՀՌԻՓՍԻՄԵ ÔµÔ¿ÔµÕ‚ÔµÕ‘Ô».JPG|Saint Hripsime Church (Aygedzor), 6th centuryFile:St John the Baptists monastery of Bagavan.jpg|Bagavan church, 613–619File:Jerevan - Armenië (2892629248).jpg|Saint Hripsime Church, 618File:Saint Gayane Church-front.JPG|Saint Gayane Church, 630File:Mren Cathedral.jpg|Cathedral of Mren, 631–639File:Zvartnots img 6965.jpg|Ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral, 641–652File:Varagavank view.png|Varagavank, 653File:Bana cathedral (view from the south).JPG|Bana cathedral, 653–658File:Gharghavank.JPG|Gharghavank, 661–685File:Aygeshat Targmanchats Vank.JPG|Targmanchats monastery, Aygeshat, 6th–7th centuryFile:ÕŠÕ¿Õ²Õ¡Õ¾Õ¡Õ¶Ö„ Õ¿Õ¡Õ³Õ¡Ö€ 05.jpg|Ptghnavank, 6th century or 7th centuryFile:Talin Cathedral.JPG|Talin Cathedral, 7th centuryFile:Swallows over Aruchavank.jpg|Aruchavank, 7th centuryFile:Տիգրանակերտ25.JPG|7th century Vankasar Church near TigranakertFile:Mastara-v-vgn04.jpg|Church of Saint John, Mastara, 7th centuryFile:Sisian church.jpg|St. Gregory the Illuminator church, 7th centuryFile:Khtzkonk1920.jpg|Khtzkonk Monastery, 7th centuryFile:Karmravor Surb Astvatsatsin.JPG|Karmravor Church, 7th centuryFile:St. Gevorg church of Garnahovit 2018-06-20.jpg|Saint George’s Church, mid-7th centuryFile:Vospekar church2.jpg|Holy Mother of God Church, Voskepar 7th centuryFile:Saint Christopher Monastery 22-10-2018.jpg|Saint Christopher Monastery, 7th centuryFile:Artavazik North Wall2.JPG|Artavazik Church, 7th centuryFile:Ddmashen S. Tadevos Church South.JPG|St. Thaddeus Church, Ddmashen, 7th centuryFile:Ô¼Õ´Õ¢Õ¡Õ¿Õ¡Õ¾Õ¡Õ¶Ö„ 20.jpg|Lmbatavank, 7th centuryFile:2ԱՄՐՈՑԻ ՀԱՄԱԼԻՐ ԱՄԲԵՐԴ.jpg|Amberd, 7th centuryFile:Mahardzan.jpg|Aghitu tomb, 7th centuryFile:161 Eglise d’Atenis Sioni -VIIe siècle- près de Gori.JPG|Ateni Sioni Church, 7th century

8th–14th century

File:Kiranc Monastery (108).jpg|Kirants Monastery, 8th centuryFile:Սևան Եկեղեցի Սբ. Առաքելոց.jpg|Sevanavank, 874File:Dzor Dzor church.jpg|Chapel of Dzordzor 9th centuryFile:St-Stepanous-02.jpg|Saint Stepanos Monastery, 9th centuryFile:Ô¿Õ¸Õ©Õ¡Õ¾Õ¡Õ¶Ö„, Õ†Õ¥Ö€Ö„Õ«Õ¶ Ô³Õ¥Õ¿Õ¡Õ·Õ¥Õ¶ Õ£ÕµÕ¸Ö‚Õ² 37.jpg|Kotavank, 9th centuryFile:Dashtadem fortress (citadel) 17-11-2019v1.jpg|Dashtadem Fortress, 9th centuryFile:Klášterní komplex Dadivank - panoramio.jpg|9th century, Dadivank monastery in KarvacharFile:Княжеский дворец Хачена7.jpg|Khokhanaberd, 9th centuryFile:Walls of the Lekh fortress.jpg|Handaberd, 9th centuryFile:Holy Savior Armenian Church (Shirakavan, Yerazgaors) - Սուրբ Ô±Õ´Õ¥Õ¶Õ¡ÖƒÖ€Õ¯Õ«Õ¹ եկեղեցի.jpg|Holy Saviour’s monastery of Yerazgavors, end of 9th centuryFile:Artsakh Kachaghakaberd 12.JPG|Kachaghakaberd, 9th centuryFile:TatevMonastery.jpg|Tatev Monastery, 895–906File:ÕŽÕ¡Õ¶Õ¡Õ¯Õ¡Õ¶ Õ°Õ¡Õ´Õ¡Õ¬Õ«Ö€ ÕŽÕ¡Õ¶Õ¥Õ¾Õ¡Õ¶Ö„, Ô±Ö€Õ®Õ¾Õ¡Õ¶Õ«Õ½Õ¿ 311.jpg|Vanevan Monastery, 903File:Vahanavank 2023 1.jpg|Vahanavank, 911File:AkdamarIslandChurch.jpg|Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Aghtamar, 915–921File:Kars Church Of The Apostles 2009.JPG|Cathedral of Kars 930–967File:ÕŽÔ±Õ†Ô±Ô¿Ô±Õ† ՀԱՄԱԼԻՐ «ԳՆԴԵՎԱՆՔ.jpg|Gndevank, 931–936File:Sanahin Monastery.jpg|Sanahin Monastery, 957–966File:Haghpat Monastery, Armenia.jpg|Haghpat Monastery, 976–991File:Ani-Cathedral, Ruine.jpeg|Cathedral of Ani, 989–1001File:Ամրոց «Կաքավաբերդ» («Թաթուլի բերդ») 02.jpg|Kakavaberd,9th–10th centuryFile:Pjni Fortress 03.jpg|Bjni Fortress, 9th–10th centuryFile:Jugha-002l.jpg|Holy Saviour Monastery of Julfa, 9th–10th centuryFile:Ani Church of St Gregory of the Abughamrents 3574.jpg|The church of St Gregory of the Abughamrents, Ani, 10th centuryFile:2014 Prowincja Gegharkunik, Cmentarz Noratus (01).jpg|Noratus cemetery, 10th centuryFile:Tmogvi fortress (Photo A. Muhranoff, 2011)-1.jpg|Tmkaberd, 10th centuryFile:Der Architekt, 1919 - 08.jpg|Horomos, 10th centuryFile:Berdavan fortress.jpg|Berdavan Fortress, 10th centuryFile:Byurakan Saint Hovhannes.JPG|Surp Hovhannes Church, Byurakan, 10th centuryFile:Narekavank 1911.png|Narekavank, 10th centuryFile:Tsakhats Kar 42.JPG|Tsaghats Kar Monastery, 10th centuryFile:Karmravank Armenian monastery (Lake Van).JPG|Karmravank, 10th centuryFile:-Ô±Õ³Õ¡Ö€Õ¯Õ¸Ö‚Õ¿Õ« Առաքելոց Õ¾Õ¡Õ¶Ö„.jpg|Arakelots Monastery, Kirants, 10th centuryFile:Surb Nshan church (Sebastia).jpg|Surb Nshan Monastery, 10th century.File:2014 Prowincja Szirak, Klasztor Marmaszen (07).jpg|Marmashen Monastery, 988–1029File:Vorotnavank 205.JPG|Vorotnavank, 1000.File:Ani King Gagik church of St Gregory 5718.jpg|King Gagik’s church of St Gregory, Ani, 1001–1020File:Amberd church.jpg|Vahramashen Church, 1026File:20110419 Surp Arakelots Holy Apostles Ani Turkey.jpg|The Church of the Holy Apostles, Ani, 1031File:Kecharis Monastery 24.03.2018.jpg|Kecharis Monastery, 1033File:20110419 Church of Redeemer Ani Turkey view1.jpg|The church of the Holy Redeemer, Ani, 1035File:Bgheno-Noravank.jpg|Bgheno-Noravank, 1062File:Sights of Meghri (5).jpg|Meghri Fortress, 1083File:Eghegnamor vank1.jpg|Eghegnamor Monastery,10th century–11th centuryFile:Monastery Neghuts 149.jpg|Neghuts Monastery,10th century or 11th centuryFile:Armenian monastery of s apostles in moush.jpg|Arakelots Monastery 11th centuryFile:Goshavank View.JPG|Goshavank, 1191–1196File:Voskevaz Church1.JPG|Surp Hovhannes Church, 7th–12th centuryFile:Monasterio de Hnevank, Armenia, 2016-09-30, DD 83.jpg|Hnevank, 7th–12th centuryFile:Garni Mashtots Hayrapet Church.JPG|Mashtots Hayrapet Church of Garni, 12th centuryFile:Church in Kish (P1090438).jpg|Church of Kish, 12th centuryFile:2014 Prowincja Tawusz, Klasztor Jukhtakwank (11).jpg|Jukhtak Vank, 12th centuryFile:Kars castle and hill 3329.jpg|Castle of Kars, 1153File:Kobayr 016.JPG|Kobayr monastery, 1171File:Lori Berd, Armenia, 2016-09-30, DD 71.jpg|Lori Fortress, 1177File:Tejaruyqi monastery.JPG|Tejharuyk Monastery, 1196–1199File:16102022 Õ€Õ¡ÕµÖ€Õ¡Õ¾Õ¡Õ¶Ö„ 02.jpg|Hayravank Monastery,9th–12th centuryFile:Õ‡Õ¸Õ¼Õ¸Õ©Õ« Õ½Õ¢. Õ€Õ¡Õ¯Õ¸Õ¢ Õ€Õ¡ÕµÖ€Õ¡ÕºÕ¥Õ¿ եկեղեցին.jpg|St. Hakob-Hayrapet Church, Shurud, 12th centuryFile:Çandır castle, Mersin Province, Turkey.jpg|Paperon, 12th centuryFile:Harichavank-Harich2 - Copy.JPG|Harichavank Monastery, 1201File:St. Karapet Church (1205).png|Hogevank Monastery, 1205File:Geghard Monastery (5211712780).jpg|Geghard, 1215File:20110419 Saint Gregory (Tigran Honents) Ani Turkey.jpg|St Gregory of Tigran Honents, Ani, 1215File:Gandzasar Monastery1.jpg|Gandzasar Monastery, 1216–1238File:Hovhannavank 24.jpg|Hovhannavank, 1216File:Սաղմոսավանք (Õ´Ö…Õ¿Õ«Õ¯).JPG|Saghmosavank, 1215–1221File:KtiÅŸvÉ™ng monastırının ümumi görünüşü.jpg|Gtichavank, 1241–1246File:Matosavank Inscription.JPG|Matosavank,1247File:Arapgir church2.png|Cathedral of Arapgir, 1249File:Saint Gevorg Armenian Church in Old Tbilisi seen from Samghebro Street, 5.jpg|Saint George’s Church, 1251 or earlierFile:Katoghike05.jpg|Katoghike Church, Yerevan, 1264File:Ashtarak S. Mariane.jpg|Saint Marianeh Church, Ashtarak, 1271File:Yeghishe Arakyal Monastery - ÔµÕ²Õ«Õ·Õ¥ Õ¡Õ¼Õ¡Ö„ÕµÕ¡Õ¬Õ« Õ¾Õ¡Õ¶Ö„.JPG|Yeghishe Arakyal Monastery, 5th–13th centuryFile:SAINT SARGIS MONASTERY OF USHI 237.JPG|Saint Sarkis Monastery of Ushi, 7th–13thFile:1 ÕŽÕ¡Õ¶Õ¡Õ¯Õ¡Õ¶ Õ°Õ¡Õ´Õ¡Õ¬Õ«Ö€. Ô¹Õ¡Õ¶Õ¡Õ°Õ¡Õ¿Õ« Õ¾Õ¡Õ¶Ö„Õ¨ (11).JPG|Tanahat Monastery, 8th–13th centuryFile:Makenyats Vank.JPG|Makenyats Vank,9th–13th centuryFile:St Nshan in Horomayr Bottom of canion 01.JPG|Horomayr Monastery, 10th–13th centuryFile:Makravank Monastery 1.JPG|Makravank Monastery, 10th–13thFile:Haghartsin monastery 2015.jpg|Haghartsin Monastery, 10th–13thFile:Makaravank 110.jpg|Makaravank, 10th–13th centuryFile:Bagnayr Monastery from the east Photo by Yermakov, late 19th century.jpg|Bagnayr Monastery, 10th-13tg centuryFile:Armenian Church in Yeghipatrush.JPG|Yeghipatrush Church, 10th–13th centuryFile:Khuchap Monastery 1.JPG|Khuchap Monastery, 12th–13th centuryFile:Կուսանաց Ô±Õ¶Õ¡ÕºÕ¡Õ¿ Õ”Õ¡Ö€Õ¾Õ¡Õ³Õ¡Õ¼Õ¸Ö‚Õ´ 03.jpg|Kusanats Anapat, 12th–13th centuryFile:ÕŽÕ¡Õ¶Õ¡Õ¯Õ¡Õ¶ Õ€Õ¡Õ´Õ¡Õ¬Õ«Ö€ «Սամսոն» (03).jpg|Samsonavank Monastery, 12th–13th centuryFile:Klasztor dziewic Ani.JPG|Chapel in the Monastery of the Hripsimian Virgins, Ani, 13th centuryFile:Աղջոց Õ¾Õ¡Õ¶Ö„ 02.jpg|Aghjots Vank, 13th centuryFile:Snake Castle - Yılankale 2748.jpg|Levonkla, 13th centuryFile:IÄŸdır kervansaray - panoramio.jpg|Caravanserai of Zor, 13th centuryFile:Tegher Southeast.JPG|Tegher Monastery, 13th centuryFile:Tsiranavor Ashtarak 1.jpg|Spitakavor Church of Ashtarak, 13th centuryFile:Akhtala church 3.jpg|Akhtala Monastery, 13th centuryFile:Tanahat Monastery-4.jpg|Tanahat Monastery, 13th centuryFile:Saint Bartholomew Monastery general view.png|Saint Bartholomew Monastery, 13th centuryFile:Ô·Ö€Õ©Õ«Õ» Õ¢Õ¥Ö€Õ¤Õ¨ Õ°Õ¡Ö€Õ¡Õ¾-արևելքից.jpg|Ertij Fort, 13th centuryFile:ÕŠÕ¼Õ¸Õ·Õ¡Õ¢Õ¥Ö€Õ¤15.JPG|Proshaberd, 13th centuryFile:Church of Saint Elia, Kizkale.jpg|Church of Saint Elia, Kizkale, 13th centuryFile:Geghardavanq, Krtsanisi Tsiranavor Holy Mother of God Armenian church. Tbilisi.jpg|Krtsanis Tsiranavor Surp Astvatsatsin, 13th centuryFile:Bodrumkale, Osmaniye Province, Turkey.jpg|Bodrumkale, 13th centuryFile:Yeghvard Church Right 1.JPG|Holy Mother of God Church, Yeghvard, 1301File:Lim Island.png|Lim Island, 1305File:Qareh kelissa.jpg|Saint Thaddeus Monastery, 1319–1329File:Areni ch.jpg|Areni Church, 1321File:2014 Prowincja Wajoc Dzor, Klasztor Spitakawor (03).jpg|Spitakavor Monastery, 1321–1330File:FBQH3930.jpg|Orbelian’s Caravanserai, 1332File:Noravank-astvatsatsin-IMG 2015.JPG|Noravank, 1339File:Õ‘Õ²Õ¶Õ¡ÕµÕ« Õ½Õ¢. Ô±Õ½Õ¿Õ¾Õ¡Õ®Õ¡Õ®Õ«Õ¶ եկեղեցին.jpg|St. Astvatsatsin Monastery (Channab), 1349File:Famagusta 01-2017 img08 Armenian Church.jpg|Ganchvor monastery, 1364File:Lwów - Katedra OrmiaÅ„ska 01.JPG|Armenian Cathedral of Lviv, 1363–1370File:Sinap Castle, Mersin Province.JPG|Sinap Castle, 12th–14th centuryFile:-Õ†Õ¸Ö€ ÕŽÕ¡Ö€Õ¡Õ£Õ¡Õ¾Õ¡Õ¶Ö„.jpg|Nor Varagavank, 13th–14th centuryFile:Mayravank (Solak)1.jpg|Mayravank, 7th–14th centuryFile:Castle Kosh.JPG|Kosh Fortress, 14th centuryFile:Armenian cathedral of Vank, Tbilisi (de Baye).JPG|Vank Monastery, 14th century

15th–18th century

File:Armenian-church-in-Istanbul.jpg|Saint Gregory the Illuminator Church of Galata, 1391–1436File:Forty Martyrs Armenian Cathedral Alp.jpg|Forty Martyrs Cathedral, 1491File:Ktuts monastery 1986.jpg|Ktuts monastery, 15th centuryFile:Mănăstirea Zamca31.jpg|Armenian monastery of Suceava, 15th centuryFile:Ô±Õ£Õ¸Ö‚Õ¬Õ«Õ½Õ« Õ½Õ¢.Õ”Ö€Õ«Õ½Õ¿Õ¡ÖƒÕ¸Ö€ եկեղեցի.jpg|St. Kristapor Church, Yukhari Aylis, 15th centuryFile:Churches, Tbilisi - panoramio.jpg|Norashen Church, 1507File:ChapelofChupan.jpg|Chapel of Chupan, 1518File:Armenian church of Saint George in Isfahan.JPG|St. Georg Church, 1611File:Bedkhem Church 12.jpg|Bedkhem Church, 1627File:New Julfa - Armenian quarter of Isfahan 02.jpg|St. Nicholas Church, New Julfa, 1630File:XweÅŸav.jpg|HoÅŸap Castle, 1649File:کلیسای وانک. عکس Rasool AB.JPG|Vank Cathedral, 1655–1664File:Ô½Õ¸Ö€ ÕŽÕ«Ö€Õ¡Õº55.JPG|Khor Virap, 1661File:St. Gevorg 2.jpg|Saint Gevork Monastery of Mughni, 1661–1669File:Kanaker Saint Hakob church (56).jpg|Saint Hakob Church of Kanaker, 1679File:Ô¿Õ¡Ö€Õ´Õ«Ö€ Õ¯Õ¡Õ´Õ¸Ö‚Ö€Õ» 1.JPG|Red Bridge, 1679File:Ô³Õ¥Õ©Õ½Õ¥Õ´Õ¡Õ¶Õ« Õ´Õ¡Õ¿Õ¸Ö‚Õ¼.jpg|Gethsemane Chapel, 1690sFile:Yerits Mankants 14.jpg|Yerits Mankants Monastery, 1691File:Karbi Church.JPG|Surp Astvatsatsin Church, 1338–1693File:Shoghakat Church, Ejmiadsin.JPG|Shoghakat Church, 1694File:Surb Zoravor Astvatsatsin Church in 2019 (8).jpg|Zoravor Surp Astvatsatsin Church, 1694File:S. Astvatsatsin Church 1695 Kanaker.jpg|The Holy Mother of God Church, 1695File:Aparank Monastery.jpg|Aparank Monastery,10th–17th centuryFile:Kond 1.JPG|Kond, 17th centuryFile:Armenian St. Karapet church in Tbilisi (before 1917).jpg|Saint Karapet Church, 1705File:Saint Nshan Armenian church, Old Tbilisi (Dome & Belfry).jpg|Surb Nshan Church, 1703–1711File:St John The Baptist Church of Yerevan.jpg|Saint John the Baptist Church, Yerevan, 1710File:Армянская Церковь Сурб Аствацацин (Цхинвал).jpg|St. Mary’s Church, 1718File:View from Narikala2.jpg|Holy Mother of God Church of Bethlehem, 13th century–1727File:Õ‹Õ«Õ£Ö€Õ¡Õ·Õ¥Õ¶ - Jigrashen.jpg|Jigrashen Avetyats Church, 1624 or 1729File:Saint Gevorg of Mughni Armenian Church, Old Tbilisi, XIX century, photo made by D. Ermakov.jpg|Saint Gevorg of Mughni Church, 13th century–1756File:St.George of Kldisubani.jpg|Church of Saint George, 1753File:The Armenian Church of the Red Gospel, Tbilisi (early 1900s).png|Church of the Red Gospel, 1775File:Saint Catherine’s Armenian Church, St Petersburg, Russia (retouched).jpg|Saint Catherine’s Armenian Church, 1771–1776File:Armenian Church in Old Dhaka.JPG|Holy Resurrection Church, 1781File:Saint Mary Church (Tabriz).jpg|Saint Mary Church of Tabriz, 1785File:Kamoyants St. Gevorg.jpg|Kamoyants Saint Gevork Church, 1727 or 1788File:Церковь Сурб-Амбарцум.JPG|Church of the Ascension, 1790File:Saint Cross in Rostov-on-Don.jpg|Holy Cross Church, 1786–1792File:St. George’s church of Sighnaghi (1).jpg|Church of St. Gevorg (Sighnaghi), 1793File:The Armenian church in Sultan-Saly.JPG|St. George’s Church, 1795File:Saint George church (Tehran).jpg|Saint George Church of Tehran, 1795File:Jolfa-Aras-3.jpg|Church of the Holy Mother of God, Darashamb, 18th centuryFile:S. Sargis Church of Ashtarak.JPG|St. Sarkis Church (Ashtarak, Aragatsotn, Armenia), 18th centuryFile:Եկեղեցական Õ€Õ¡Õ´Õ¡Õ¬Õ«Ö€ Õ†Õ¸Ö€Õ¡Õ£Õ¡Õ¾Õ©Õ« Ս. Ô³Ö‡Õ¸Ö€Õ£ (48).JPG|Surp Gevork Church, Noragavit, 18th centuryFile:Princely Palace of Meliz Dizak (56).jpg|Togh’s Melikian Palace, 18th century

19th–20th century

File:Kirke og kloster ved Musch - fo30141712180027.jpg|Surb Karapet Monastery, 4th–19th centuryFile:Tatevi Anapat 49.JPG|Tatevi Anapat, 18th–19th century.File:Ejmiatsin Armenian Cathedral, Avlabari, Old Tbilisi, Georgia.jpg|Nor Ejmiatsin Church, 1806–1809File:Katholische Hl.-Dreieinigkeits-Kirche.jpg|Surp Yerrortutyun Armenian Catholic Church, 1836File:St.Sarqis.jpg|Saint Sarkis Cathedral, 1842File:Дворик церкви.jpg|Church of the Holy Mother of God, 1848File:Saint Minas church, Tehran.jpg|Saint Minas Church of Tehran, 1856File:Surp Krikor Lusavoriç Armenian Church.jpg|Surp Krikor Lusavoriç Armenian Church, Kuzguncuk, 1861File:Armenian church in Baku.jpg|Armenian Church, Baku, 1863–1869File:Tbilisi, Bethlehem Quarter.jpg|Lower Bethlehemi Church, 1868–1870File:Церковь Сурб Карапет (Ростовская область, село Несветай).jpg|Church of John the Baptist, 1870File:Церковь. Вид из парка.jpg|Church of the Holy All-Savior, 1860–1871File:Holy Saviour’s Church, Gyumri.jpg|Holy Saviour’s Church, 1858–1872File:Ô·Õ»Õ´Õ«Õ¡Õ®Õ¶Õ« Õ´Õ¡ÕµÖ€ Õ¿Õ¡Õ³Õ¡Ö€, ArmAg 11 121 (2).jpg|Gevorgian Seminary, 1874File:Saint Mesrop Mashtots Church 2023 drone.jpg|Saint Mesrop Mashtots Church, 443–1879File:Церковь св. Карапета в Ростове (2012).jpg|St. Karapet’s Church, 1881File:Martakert, Church - panoramio.jpg|Saint John the Baptist Church, 1883File:2014 Prowincja Szirak, Giumri, Katedra Matki Bożej (02).jpg|Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God, 1873–1884File:Church of St. George of Samatya 01.jpg|Church of St. George of Samatya, 1866–1887File:Ghazanchetsots Cathedral in June 2018.jpg|Ghazanchetsots Cathedral, 1868–1887File:Taksim Surp Harutyun Church.jpg|Taksim Surp Harutyun Church, 1895File:Сурб-Аменапркич.jpg|Church of Christ the Savior, 1895File:Armenian Church in Ichery Sheher (1987).jpg|Church of the Holy Virgin (Baku), 19th centuryFile:Surb grigor lusavorich.png|Saint Gregory the Illuminator Church, 1900File:St. Grigor Lusavorich Church In Goris 2023.1.jpg|St. Grigor Lusavorich Church, Goris, 1903File:Holy Mother of God Church, Gavar by ArmAg (7).jpg|St. Astvatsatsin Church, 1902–1905File:Crimea South Coast 04-14 img13 Yalta Armenian Church.jpg|Saint Hripsime Church of Yalta, 1905File:Budagovski Armenian cathedral in Baku.jpg|Saint Thaddeus and Bartholomew Cathedral, 1910File:Armenian Church Troinex1.jpg|Church of Surp Hakob, 1967–1969File:St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church.jpg|St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, 1983File:Surb Sargis Church Nor Nork 03.JPG|St. Sarkis Church, 1998

Khachkar

File:Թալին խաչքար9.3.JPG|Khachkars in Talin Cathedral, 9th centuryFile:986 khatchkar in Mughni.jpg|Mughni Church, 986KhachkarFile:Խաչքար՝ Երիցակ վանականի, Գորիսի Սբ. Գրիգոր Լուսավորիչ եկեղեցի.jpg|Goris, 991File:2014 Prowincja Armawir, Wagharszapat, Chaczkar z 996 roku.jpg|Vagharshapat, 996File:2014 Prowincja Lorri, Hachpat, Klasztor Hachpat (32).jpg|Haghpat Monastery, 1023File:Խաչքար1056 01.jpg|1056File:Vahanavank (khachkars) (6).jpg|Khachkar of Queen Sophie, 1081File:Khachqar 0140.jpg|Sisian, 10th centuryFile:Խաչքար՝ Դեղոյնի 02.jpg|Vagarshapat, 1148File:Tootevordi khatchkar, Sanahin Monastery 03.jpg|Sanahin, 1184File:Aprank or Surb David Monastery Twin Khachkars5.jpg|Aprank, 1194File:Անտառուտ խաչքար` նվիրված Ամբերդի ազատագրմանը2.2-1.JPG|Holy Mother of God Church, Vagharshapat, 1200File:Khachkar with Swastikas, 11th century, Sanahin, Armenia, small.jpg|12th centuryFile:Armenian Cross (10335866573).jpg|12th centuryFile:Khachkar Arinj Louvre RF3083.jpg|Louvre, 12th–13th centuryFile:Sirun khach 04.jpg|1210File:Haghbad-kk-sur-03-m.jpg|Haghpat Monastery 1211File:Kecharis 2014 nov pic 101.JPG|1211File:Geghard - Khatchkar 1213 retouched.jpg|Geghard Monastery, 1213File:2014 Prowincja Lorri, Sanahin, Klasztor Sanahin (09).jpg|Sanahin, 1215File:Khachkar at Haghpat Monastery.jpg|Haghpat Monastery, 1220File:Խաչքար՝ Գրիգոր Խաղբակյանի.jpg|Vagharshapat, 1233File:ԽԱՉՔԱՐ «ՍՈՒՐԲ ՏԵՐՈՒՆԱԿԱՆ», ՍԻՐՈՒՆ ԽԱՉ».JPG|1251File:Khacqar in Sanahin 09.JPG|Sanahin, 1262File:Geghard Monastery - Proshian khachkar.jpg|Geghard Monastery, 1263File:Spitak Khach, Lor 03.jpg|1271File:Ter Hovhannes Khachkar 0404.jpg|1271File:Khachkar at Haghpat Monastery - panoramio.jpg|Haghpat Monastery, 1273File:Kachkar at Echmiadzin Cathedral, Armenia.jpg|Etchmiadzin Cathedral, 1279File:Geghard - khachkar Proshian church.jpg|Geghard Monastery, 1283File:Dadivank Monastery 10.JPG|Dadivank, 1283File:Chgnavori Khach, Marts 30 cropped.jpg|1285File:Khatchkar at Goshavank Monastery in Armenia.jpg|Goshavank Khachkar, carved in 1291 by the artist PoghosFile:+Vardan Zoravar chapel 03.jpg|1298File:2014 Prowincja Armawir, Wagharszapat, Chaczkar z Geghard z XIII wieku.jpg|Vagharshapat, 13th centuryFile:4.2.14.1.16 Խաչքար Գեղարդից, Էջմիածին.jpg|Vagharshapat, 13th centuryFile:4.2.14.1.15 Խաչքար Գեղարդից, Էջմիածին.jpg|Vagharshapat, 13th centuryFile:Dadivank-khachkars2.jpg|Armenian-inscribed double khachkars of the Memorial Bell-Tower of the Dadivank MonasteryFile:Stonework at the Cathedral of Saint James in the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem 3.jpg|A 15th century khachkar at the Armenian Cathedral of Saint James, Jerusalem

Periods in Armenian architecture

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

The formative period

File:Etchmiadzin cupola.jpg|thumb|The cupola of the Cathedral of EtchmiadzinCathedral of EtchmiadzinThe 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.BOOK, Edwards, Robert W., “Armenia”, The Eerdmans Encyclopedia of Early Christian Art and Archaeology, ed., Paul Corby Finney, 2016, William B. Eerdmans Publishing, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 978-0-8028-9016-0, 119–122,

Bagratid revival

File:Akdamar Church.JPG|thumb|External reliefs of David and Goliath 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.

Monasteries flourish

File:Kecharis Monastery Complex Tsaghkadzor 12.jpg|thumb|Kecharis MonasteryKecharis MonasteryFrom 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 .

Seventeenth century

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.

Nineteenth century

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.

Gallery of Armenian architecture of the 19th century – 20th century

File:Old building of Yerevan State University2.jpgFile:Hovhannes Grigoryan’s house - 2021-12-04 - f1.jpgFile:Residential house of Vladimir Brazhnikov, Yerevan 01.jpgFile:Yerevan, House of Araqel Afrikyan, arch. Mirzoyan V. - panoramio.jpgFile:39 Pavstos Buzand Street - 2021-12-04.jpgFile:Nalbandyan street, Yerevan 06.jpgFile:Yerevan, Old bank’s building - panoramio.jpgFile:3 Abovyan Street in Yerevan - 2021-12-03 - f3.jpgFile:Ô±Ö†Ö€Õ«Õ¯ÕµÕ¡Õ¶ 1.JPGFile:24 Hanrapetutyan Street.jpgFile:Ô³Ö€Õ«Õ£Õ¸Ö€ ÔµÕ²Õ«Õ¡Õ¦Õ¡Ö€ÕµÕ¡Õ¶Õ« Õ¿Õ¸Ö‚Õ¶Õ¨, Ô±Õ¢Õ¸Õ¾ÕµÕ¡Õ¶ 8,ArmAg.jpgFile:Yerevan 1.1 Abovyan Street 01.jpgFile:Ô²Õ¶Õ¡Õ¯Õ¥Õ¬Õ« Õ¿Õ¸Ö‚Õ¶, Ô±Õ¢Õ¸Õ¾ÕµÕ¡Õ¶ 31, ArmAg (1).jpgFile:Abovyan street, Yerevan 19.jpgFile:Old building in Abovyan Street, Yerevan.jpgFile:Building in Yerevan 07.jpgFile:Amiryan Street, Yerevan 111.JPG|Hripsime School for GirlsFile:Melik-Adamyan Street.jpgFile:Mher Mkrtchyan Street (7).jpgHome Gyumri (Տուն Ô³ÕµÕ¸Ö‚Õ´Ö€Õ«Õ¸Ö‚Õ´) 19.jpgFile:Dzitoghtsonts1.JPGFile:Old Gyumri by Asbed.jpgFile:Gyumri apartament 03.jpgFile:Gyumri apartament 22 a.jpgFile:Ô²Õ¶Õ¡Õ¯Õ¥Õ¬Õ« Õ¿Õ¸Ö‚Õ¶ 19 Õ¤. Õ¾Õ¥Ö€Õ»- 20 Õ¤. Õ½Õ¯Õ«Õ¦Õ¢. Õ€Õ¡Õ¶Õ¥Õ½Ö…Õ²Õ¬ÕµÕ¡Õ¶ ÖƒÕ¸Õ². 22.JPGFile:Ô´Ö€Õ¡Õ´ÖƒÕµÕ¡Õ¶Õ¶Õ¥Ö€Õ« Õ¿Õ¸Ö‚Õ¶.JPGFile:Ô¿Õ¸Ö‚Õ´Õ¡ÕµÖ€Õ« արգելոց Ö„. Ô³ÕµÕ¸Ö‚Õ´Ö€Õ« 11.JPGFile:Rustaveli 33, 2019-09-07 1.jpgFile:Կառույց Ô¿Õ¸Ö‚Õ´Õ¡ÕµÖ€Õ« արգելոցում 05.JPGFile:Gyumri apartament 03.jpgFile:Ô³ÕµÕ¸Ö‚Õ´Ö€Õ¸Ö‚ Օրիորդաց Õ£Õ«Õ´Õ¶Õ¡Õ¦Õ«Õ¡Õ¶ 01.JPGFile:Building in Gyumri 2015 sep pic 42.JPGFile:Building in Gyumri 4.jpgFile:Здание русской школы XIX века, Горис.jpgFile:Одно из зданий в Горисе.jpgFile:Goris Komitas 12.JPGFile:Goris, Mashtots st., 22.JPGFile:Building on Orbelyan street 12.jpgFile:A house where Zoravar Andranik lived in 1918-1919 0426.jpgFile:Ô²Õ¶Õ¡Õ¯Õ¥Õ¬Õ« Õ¿Õ¸Ö‚Õ¶ jpg.jpgFile:Residental building, Orbelyanner str. 9-11, view 07.JPGFile:Ô²Õ¶Õ¡Õ¯Õ¥Õ¬Õ« Õ¿Õ¸Ö‚Õ¶ Ô³Õ¸Ö€Õ«Õ½ Ö„Õ¡Õ²Õ¡Ö„Õ¸Ö‚Õ´ 1.jpgFile:Ô²Õ¶Õ¡Õ¯Õ¥Õ¬Õ« Õ¿Õ¸Ö‚Õ¶, Ղափանցյան փողոց, Ô±Õ·Õ¿Õ¡Ö€Õ¡Õ¯ (1).JPGFile:Ô²Õ¶Õ¡Õ¯Õ¥Õ¬Õ« Õ¿Õ¸Ö‚Õ¶, Ղափանցյան փողոց, Ô±Õ·Õ¿Õ¡Ö€Õ¡Õ¯ (6).JPGFile:Kars Mirror Villa 5785.jpgFile:Kars probably Baltic style building 3446.jpgFile:Kars probably Baltic style building 3756.jpgFile:Kars probably Baltic style building 3767.jpg

Modern times

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.

Devastation of Armenian architecture

File:Vanatoun Hyuranoc.jpg|thumb|upright|The Vanatoon monastic residence in Etchmiadzin by Baghdasar ArzoumanianBaghdasar ArzoumanianAs 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.WEB,iwpr.net/report-news/azerbaijan-famous-medieval-cemetery-vanishes, Azerbaijan famous medieval cemetery vanishes, 2012-12-30, 2014-02-17,iwpr.net/report-news/azerbaijan-famous-medieval-cemetery-vanishes," title="web.archive.org/web/20140217145307iwpr.net/report-news/azerbaijan-famous-medieval-cemetery-vanishes,">web.archive.org/web/20140217145307iwpr.net/report-news/azerbaijan-famous-medieval-cemetery-vanishes, dead,

Armenian architecture in the diaspora

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.

20th century secular buildings in Armenia

File:2014 ErywaÅ„, 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 ErywaÅ„, ArmeÅ„ska 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 ErywaÅ„, 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 ErywaÅ„, 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:Armenian architectural characteristics, Mashtots Avenue building in Yerevan, 2009.jpg|Residential building with Armenian decoration in YerevanFile:Ô¹Õ¸Ö‚Õ´Õ¡Õ¶ÕµÕ¡Õ¶ 40, ÔµÖ€Ö‡Õ¡Õ¶.jpgFile:Yerevan Sayat-Nova 3-7 1.jpgFile:Tumanyan Street, 15.pngFile:Õ€Õ¡ÕµÕ¶Õ¡Õ­Õ¡Õ£Õ«Õ® Õ«Õ¶Õ½Õ¿Õ«Õ¿Õ¸Ö‚Õ¿.jpgFile:Õ„Õ¸Õ¾Õ½Õ¥Õ½ Խորենացու ÖƒÕ¸Õ²., 26Õ¡ Õ·Õ¥Õ¶Ö„-Ô±Õ£Õ¡Õ©Õ¡Õ¶Õ£Õ¥Õ²Õ¸Õ½ Õ­Õ¡Õ¹Õ´Õ¥Ö€Õ¹Õ¸Ö‚Õ¯.JPGFile:Building on the crossroad of Agatangeghos and Tigran Mets.jpgFile:Zakiyan10-Yerevan3.JPGFile:Yerevan 20190106 150925.jpgFile:Кинотеатр Наири.jpg|Nairi CinemaFile:Abovyan Street, 33.pngFile:Hayenergo (1).jpgFile:Ô±Õ´Õ«Ö€ÕµÕ¡Õ¶ 3 2.JPGFile:Ô¹Õ¸Ö‚Õ´Õ¡Õ¶ÕµÕ¡Õ¶ 23, ÔµÖ€Ö‡Õ¡Õ¶ (4).jpgFile:Ô¹Õ¸Ö‚Õ´Õ¡Õ¶ÕµÕ¡Õ¶ 20, ÔµÖ€Ö‡Õ¡Õ¶ (1).jpgFile:Children’s hospital, Yerevan, Abovyan str. 60, 01.jpgFile:Komitas Market.jpgArazul Yerevan.jpg

21st century buildings in Armenia

File:Cathedral of Yerevan Armenia msu-2018-2640.jpg|Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral, 1997–2001File:The Holy Trinity Church, Malatia-Sebastia district, Yerevan, Armenia.jpg|Holy Trinity Church, 2001–2003File: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, 2011–2014File: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

UNESCO designated World Heritage Sites

File:+Ayrivank 47.jpg|thumb|GeghardGeghardArmenian 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:

• Incide 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

Gallery

Examples of Armenian religious architecture

Armenia

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

Azerbaijan

File:Gandzasar (Vanq) Church.JPG|13th century Gandzasar monastery, near Vank villageFile:Klášterní komplex Dadivank - panoramio.jpg|9th century Dadivank monastery in KarvacharFile:Amaras-church.jpeg|4th century Amaras Monastery near Sos villageFile:Տիգրանակերտ25.JPG|7th century Vankasar Church near TigranakertFile:Dizapaytt.jpg|4th century Katarovank close to Hin Tagher villageFile:Армянская церковь в Баку. Охраняется государством. - panoramio.jpg|19th century Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in BakuFile:-Õ‡Õ¸Ö‚Õ·Õ«Õ« Ղազանչեցոց եկեղեցին 2.jpg|Ghazanchetsots Cathedral, ShushiFile:Kanach Zham2018-13.jpg|Kanach Zham, ShushiFile:...Ô¾Õ«Õ®Õ¥Õ¼Õ¶Õ¡Õ¾Õ¡Õ¶Ö„.jpg|Tsitsernavank, near Tsitsernavank villageFile:Yeritzmankantz-Monastery.jpg|Yerits Mankants Monastery, near JraberdFile:Tsakuri “Holy Mother of God” church, XII c.jpg|12th-century Holy Mother of God Church, Hunarli, Azerbaijan

Iran

File:Iran - Aras - St. Stepanos Monastry - panoramio.jpg|Saint Stepanos Monastery near JulfaFile:Armenian Monastery of Saint Thaddeus - closeup.jpg|Saint Thaddeus Monastery near JulfaFile:Holly Serkis (tehran).jpg|Saint Sarkis Church (1970) in Tehran, Iran

Turkey

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

Elsewhere in Western Asia

File:St Elie - St Gregory Armenian Catholic Cathedral.jpg|Saint Gregory the Illuminator – Saint Elie (Eghishe) Armenian Catholic Cathedral (1909) in downtown Beirut, LebanonFile:Antelias - Armeni.jpg|The Holy Mother of God Cathedral (1940) at the Catholicossate of the Great House of Cilicia in Antelias, LebanonFile:Sourp Nshan Church in downtown Beirut.JPG|Holy Cross Church (Sourp Nshan) in downtown Beirut, Lebanon, adjacent to the Grand SerailFile:Sourp Asdvadzadzin Church in Bikfaya.JPG|Holy Mother of God Church (Sourp Asdvadzadzin) at the Armenian Seminary in Bikfaya, LebanonFile:Armenian Church of the Holy Mother of God, Aleppo, 2010 (1).jpg|Holy Mother of God Armenian Apostolic church, AleppoFile:Forty Martyrs Cathedral of Aleppo, the belfry.jpg|The belfry of the Forty Martyrs Armenian Cathedral of Aleppo erected in 1912File:Armenian Genocide Memorial in Der Zor, Syria.jpg|Armenian genocide Memorial Church in Deir ez-Zor, SyriaFile:Armenian orthodox patriarchate in cairo- khazarian.jpg|St. Gregory The Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church (1928) in Cairo, EgyptFile:The Armenian Orthodox Patriarchate and St. Gregory The Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church in Cairo.jpg|Interior of St. Gregory The Illuminator Church of CairoFile:Սբ. Կարապետ եկեղեցին Հորդանանում.jpg|Saint John the Baptist Armenian church on Jordan River, Al-Maghtas, Jordan

North America

File:St Paul Armenian.JPG|St. Paul’s Armenian Apostolic Church, (1908).File:The Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church in Fresno, California.jpg|Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church (1914) in Fresno, CaliforniaFile:Saint Paul Armenian Church in Fresno, California.jpg|Saint Paul Armenian Church (1979) in Fresno, CaliforniaFile:Saint Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Catholic Church in Glendale , California (2001) crop.JPG|The Saint Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Catholic Church (2001) in Glendale, CaliforniaFile:St. Stepanos Armenian Church - Elberon, NJ.jpg|www.ststepanos.org/index.html" title="web.archive.org/web/20110728065619www.ststepanos.org/index.html">Saint Stepanos Armenian Church (1986) in Elberon, New JerseyFile:StGregoryMerguerian.jpg|St Gregory Armenian Church in Springfield, Massachusetts,USAFile:Saint Mary Armenian Church in Toronto, Canada.jpg|St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, Toronto (1983) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Russia

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

Singapore

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

See also

• Armenian art
• Armenian church architecture
• Armenian Khachkars
• Armenian Palaces
• Armenian Union of Architects
• Children of Armenia Fund
• Research on Armenian Architecture
• Tumo Center for Creative Technologies

References

{{Reflist}}

Bibliography

• {{Garbis Armen 1992}}

External links

{{Category Commons|Architecture of Armenia}}

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

{{Armenian Churches}}{{Contemporary Armenian Churches}}{{Asia in topic|Architecture of}}{{Architecture of Europe}}{{authority control}}