The umbrella dome
Unique among Armenian churches.
Soghomon Matevosyan — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Soghomon Matevosyan — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Soghomon Matevosyan — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Soghomon Matevosyan — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Soghomon Matevosyan — CC BY-SA 4.0
Hovhannavank is a medieval monastery in the village of Ohanavan in Aragatsotn Province, on the edge of the deep Kasagh River canyon. It combines an old church with a 13th-century cathedral and looks out over wide mountain scenery, making it one of the handiest and loveliest monasteries around Yerevan. Its oldest part is the single-nave basilica of St John the Baptist, which tradition attributes to St Gregory the Illuminator at the start of the 4th century. It was renovated between 1652 and 1734. The cathedral went up between 1216 and 1221 with funding from Prince Vache I, and his son Kurt added a gathering hall in 1250, with its central rotunda following in 1274. The cathedral has a cross plan, two-storey rooms in its four arms and an umbrella-shaped dome roof, unique among Armenian churches. It is decorated with carved scenes from the parable of the wise and foolish virgins. The gathering hall rests on four pillars, old cross stones stand around it, and the canyon begins right outside the wall. It is 4.6 km in a straight line from Saghmosavank and about 20 km from central Yerevan, reached by car or tour. It is a place of worship, so dress modestly, keep your voice down and ask before taking pictures inside. Bring suitable shoes if you want to go near the canyon edge, and take care there.
Unique among Armenian churches.
The parable of the virgins.
Right outside the wall.
Ohanavan village, Aragatsotn Province
The basilica of St John the Baptist, attributed by tradition to the early 4th century.
Yes, especially with Saghmosavank and the Alphabet Monument.