Aruchavank

Coordinates: 40°17′21″N 44°04′50″E / 40.289078°N 44.080572°E / 40.289078; 44.080572
Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Aruchavank
Արուճավանք
The Church of Aruch with collapsed dome, 2008.
Religion
AffiliationArmenian Apostolic Church
Location
LocationAruch, Aragatsotn Province,
Armenia Armenia
Aruchavank is located in Armenia
Aruchavank
Shown within Armenia
Aruchavank is located in Aragatsotn
Aruchavank
Aruchavank (Aragatsotn)
Geographic coordinates40°17′21″N 44°04′50″E / 40.289078°N 44.080572°E / 40.289078; 44.080572
Architecture
TypeDomed hall single-nave basilica
StyleArmenian
Completed660s
Dome(s)1 (collapsed)

Aruchavank or the Cathedral of Aruch (Արուճավանք; also Surb Grigor) is situated on a rocky plateau at the western foot of

Grigor Mamikonian and his wife Heghine/Heline between 661 and 682 AD.[1]
Architecturally it is one of the most important Armenian churches of the Middle Ages and also one of the largest.

History

Aruch became a citadel in the later Middle Ages. The ruins of the palace were excavated in 1947 and between 1950 and 1952. The remains of two structures of the palace complex of Prince Grigor Mamikonian were found on the south side of the church of St. Grigor.

There is some controversy as to the exact date of the completion of this church because of the reference in the inscription to the reign of the Byzantine Emperor

Constantine III (641). According to Marr, Haroutyunyan, and Manutcheryan, it is believed that there is confusion with the emperor Constans II (641-668).[2]

The church was restored during 1946–1948, except for the drum and cupola. The church had been extensively damaged by earthquakes and possibly by its use as a fortress in the 16th and 17th centuries (Oramanian, 1948).[3]

Architecture

Aruchavank is a domed hall single-nave basilica type structure. Its drum and drum have since collapsed prior to restoration efforts.

Gallery

  • Map of Aruchavank and surrounding region.
    Map of Aruchavank and surrounding region.
  • South façade of the cathedral.
    South façade of the cathedral.
  • Apse of Aruch cathedral.
    Apse of Aruch cathedral.
  • Inscription on the tympanum over the main portal.
    Inscription on the tympanum over the main portal.
  • One of two capitals from the ruins just outside the church.
    One of two capitals from the ruins just outside the church.

Notes and references

  1. ^ Encyclopedia of Armenia; Armenian Studies Program at CSU, Fresno
  2. Der Nersessian
    , 1969; 670's according to Mnatsakanyan in Aknark, 1964, and Haroutyunyan 1975; 666 by Manutcheryan, 1977.
  3. ^ Aruchavank at Armenica Archived October 10, 2007, at the Wayback Machine

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to St. Grigor church complex in Aruch.
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