"Yereruyk Church in Anipemza, Gyumri" K'aghak' Gyumri by RedEaredPanda

K'aghak' Gyumri Travel Guide: 16 reviews and 121 photos

Yereruyk Church in Anipemza - K'aghak' Gyumri

In Gyumri => Shirak => Anipemza lies Yereruyk church. Though roofless, it is one of the most architecturally important in Armenia and often features in collections of photographs of the country. Its significance rests with its early date (5th to 6th century) and the idea it gives of early Armenian church architecture which was modelled on the style of churches in the eastern provinces of the Roman empire.
The basilica-style building is erected on a large plinth approached by steps. The porches are framed by elaborately carved pediments of Graeco-Roman style, contrasting with the different style of the carved widow arches and the plain pilasters.
From where the church is located, if you look only a few hundred meters to the west, you can see the Turkish border.
On a clear day, both mount Aragats, the highest peak in present day Armenia and mount Ararat, the highest peak in historic Armenia can be seen.

To get there, drive North West of Yerevan towards the city of Gyumri.
From Yerevan, head west towards Armavir.. Pass the villages of Nairi, Hatsik etc.. I strongly recommend purchasing a good map of Armenia before you head off to different parts of the country and you may do so at Art Bridge Cafe in Yerevan which you can get an address and more information by clicking on Art Bridge link. You may also ask locals where the church is by the Turkish border if lost..

Last visit to K'aghak' Gyumri: Jul 2004
Intro Written Aug 22, 2004
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (5)

Rafi Inside Yereruyk Church - K'aghak' Gyumri

Inside the Yereruyk Church Front... Things to Do (5)

This is me standing in the middle of the roofless Yereruyk church in Anipemza... Behind me used to be the front... more travel advice

A "Hope Hope" bird inside of Yereruyk Church - K'aghak' Gyumri

Only Inhabitant of Yereruyk Church Things to Do (5)

Once I entered the church, I noticed it to be calm and quite environment with no one around.. Except this little... more travel advice

The two doors of Yereruyk Church in Anipemza - K'aghak' Gyumri

A close up of Yereruyk Church wall... Things to Do (5)

You can see with a bit more detail the architecture of the walls on the southern part of the Yereruyk church. The two... more travel advice

Inside of Yereruyk Church in Anipemza - K'aghak' Gyumri

Inside of Yereruyk Church looking at... Things to Do (5)

The inside of the roofless church is covered by grass and weed. Not many people or tourists do visit this church on... more travel advice

Comments (7)

Reply
- Report abuse
ettenaj Nov 24, 2004 at 9:36 AM

Super pictures, shame about the bird I "hope" he flew away sometime.
Reply
- Report abuse
tini58de Oct 27, 2004 at 12:24 PM

interesting destination and great pics!
Reply
- Report abuse
mtncorg Oct 20, 2004 at 10:37 AM

A glorious piece of Armenian history brought to life here!
Reply
- Report abuse
andal13 Sep 18, 2004 at 5:08 PM

This church is like a little gem... so beautiful!
Reply
- Report abuse
Jim_Eliason Sep 12, 2004 at 4:02 PM

great pics of this old church!
Reply
- Report abuse
dlandt Sep 1, 2004 at 9:18 PM

Interesting closeups. Yourpics really bring the place to life.
Reply
- Report abuse
MalenaN Aug 26, 2004 at 11:00 AM

This is a place I have not visited. Hopefuly I can do another trip to Armenia in a few years and can then include it in my plan. It remineds me a bit of Ani. Great tips!