Saint Hovhannes Church in Avan

Saint Hovhannes Church in Avan (also known as Avan Katoghike) is a unique monument of early medieval Armenian architecture, located in the northeastern part of Yerevan, in the old district of the Avan administrative region. This magnificent church was built in the late 6th century, between 591 and 602, by Catholicos Hovhan Bagratuni, who established his residence in the village of Avan under Byzantine control. The church is one of the oldest preserved four-apse structures in Armenian architecture, with a rectangular exterior composition and circular apses in the corners. This architectural style laid the foundation for the creation of such renowned masterpieces as the Hripsime-type structures. The church was heavily damaged by the devastating Yerevan earthquake of 1679, which caused the collapse of the domes and upper parts of the walls. Despite being in a semi-ruined state today, the monument retains numerous historical layers, including 7th-century Georgian inscriptions and ancient khachkars. Saint Hovhannes Church in Avan and the ruins of the adjacent Catholicos palace are crucial witnesses to the history and spiritual culture of Armenia's early Christian period.

Avan, Yerevan

Monasteries & Churches