View source for Armenian architecture

{{Short description|none}} <!-- "none" is preferred when the title is sufficiently descriptive; see [[WP:SDNONE]] -->
{{toomanyimages}}{{Accessibility dispute|date=July 2024|reason=Articles with many images may time out on mobile versions of Wikipedia. Ideally, a page should have no more than 100 images (regardless of how small). See [[mediawikiwiki:Recommendations for mobile friendly articles on Wikimedia wikis#Limit number of images in a page|MediaWiki:Limit number of images in a page]]}}
{{Infobox art movement
| name = Armenian architecture
|image = {{photomontage
|photo1a= Saint Stepanos Monasteryy.jpg
|photo2b= Insel Akdamar Աղթամար, armenische Kirche zum Heiligen Kreuz Սուրբ խաչ (um 920) (39711448964).jpg
|photo3a= +Mayr Ator Vagharshapat 01.jpg
|photo2a= Ani Surp Arak'elots - Holy Apostles church South narthex 3542.jpg
|photo4a= Interior de capilla en la roca, Geghard.jpg
|photo4b= Արգելոց «Կումայրի» 262.jpg
|size = 250
|color_border = #AAAAAA
|color = #F9F9F9
}}
| caption = 
'''From top to bottom''': [[Saint Stepanos Monastery]] of [[Jolfa, Iran|Julfa]] (12th century); [[Church of the Holy Apostles (Ani)|Church of the Holy Apostles]] in [[Ani]] (c. 9th century); [[Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Aghtamar|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]]
|commons =yes
}}
'''Armenian architecture''' comprises architectural works with an aesthetic or historical connection to the [[Armenians|Armenian people]]. It is difficult to situate this architectural style within precise geographical or chronological limits,<ref>[[Patrick Donabédian]], [[Jean-Michel Thierry]], "Armenian Art", New York, 1989, pp. 29–30</ref> but many of its monuments were created in the regions of historical Armenia, the [[Armenian Highlands]].<ref>Vazken Lawrence Parsegian, 1996</ref> 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 Church]], 618, with later alterations, an important early church]]
[[File:Xoyakner 2.jpg|thumb|Armenian chapiters]]
[[Medieval architecture|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.<ref name="CSU">[http://armenianstudies.csufresno.edu/arts_of_armenia/architecture.htm Architecture, Arts of Armenia (c) Dr. Dickran Kouymjian, Armenian Studies Program, California State University, Fresno] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081231160331/http://armenianstudies.csufresno.edu/arts_of_armenia/architecture.htm |date=December 31, 2008 }}</ref>

Common characteristics include:
*Pointed domes, reminiscent of the volcanic cone of [[Mount Ararat|Greater Ararat]]. The conical or semiconical radially segmented dome or cupola is mounted above vaulted ceilings on a cylindrical [[Tholobate|drum]] (usually polygonal on the outside, most often octagonal)<ref name="GA1992-p71">{{Garbis Armen 1992|pages=71}}</ref>
*The vertical emphasis of the whole structure, with the height often exceeding the length of a church<ref name="GA1992-p71" />
*Reinforcement of the verticality with tall, narrow windows<ref name="GA1992-p71" />
*Stone [[Vault (architecture)|vaulted ceilings]]
*Composed almost entirely of stone, usually volcanic [[tuff]] or [[basalt]].
*A [[Composite material|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 ==
[[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:<ref name="GA1992-p71" />

{| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto; width:75%; text-align:center"
|+ The Classical Styles of Armenian Architecture According to [[Toros Toramanian]]<ref name="GA1992-p71" />
! Style !! Armenian nomenclature !! Example
|-
| Basilica || ''Bazilik'' (Բազիլիկ)|| [[Yererouk|Ererouk]]
|-
| Domed basilica || ''Gmbetakir bazilik'' (Գմբեթակիր բազիլիկ)|| [[Tekor Basilica]]
|-
| Cruciform || ''Etchmiadznatip'' (Էջմիածնատիպ; literally "Etchmiadzin-type")|| [[Etchmiadzin Cathedral]]
|-
| Vertical-emphasis rectangular || ''Oughghagitz karankiun'' (Ուղղագիծ քառանկյուն)|| [[Saint Gayane Church]]
|-
| Radial || ''Sharavighayin'' (Շառավիղային)|| [[Saint Hripsime Church|Saint Hripsime]]
|-
| Circular || ''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 Mehoffer]]. ]]

Armenian 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 Cathedral|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.<ref name="CSU" /> 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.<ref name="CSU" /> 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<ref name="CSU" /> 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 ===
{{Main|Architecture of Urartu}}
During the [[3rd millennium BC|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 [[Kültəpə]], near [[Nakhchivan (city)|Nakhchivan]]. These buildings were approximately 6–7 metres wide and about 5 metres high.<ref>''History of Armenian Architecture: Volume 1'' {{full citation needed|date=December 2022}}</ref>

Urban architectural traditions, and other forms of art in the years before Christ continued to develop and later were influenced by Greco-Roman art.<ref name="tourismarmenia" /> [[Architecture of Urartu|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 [[Yerevan|Erebuni]]).

[[File:Garni Armenien msu-2018-3149.jpg|thumb|The [[Temple of Garni]], the only standing Greco-Roman building in Armenia]]
Urartian 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]].<ref name="past"/> 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 (mythology)|Jupiter]], [[Juno (mythology)|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 [[pagan]]s 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.<ref name="tacentral">[http://www.tacentral.com/architecture.asp?story_no=2 Sacred Geometry and Armenian Architecture | Armenia Travel, History, Archeology & Ecology | TourArmenia | Travel Guide to Armenia<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

===10th century BC – 1st century BC===
[[File:Bains publics artaxata arménie.jpg|thumb|Ruins of [[Artaxata]], 176 BC]]
* [[Horom Citadel]], Bronze Age
* [[Haykaberd]], 1st millennium BC
* [[Musasir]], 825 BC
* [[Van Fortress|The Van Citadel]], 9th century BC
* [[Erebuni Fortress]], 782 BC
* [[Odzaberd]], 735–713 BC
* [[Teishebaini]], Between 650 and 600 BC
* [[Argishtikhinili]], 8th and 6th centuries BC
* [[Kumayri historic district]], 5th century BC
* [[Armavir (ancient city)|Armavir]], 331 Bc (originally 8th century BC)
* [[Artaxata]], 176 BC
* [[Tigranakert of Artsakh]], 2nd–1st century BC
* [[Mount Nemrut]], 1st century BC

=== Christian Armenia ===
[[File:Armenian gravestones. Lake Van.JPG|thumb|left|Armenian gravestones. [[Lake Van]].]]
[[File:Jugha-khachkar-CIMG1581.JPG|thumb|upright|Late-medieval Armenian [[Khachkar]]s from [[Julfa, Azerbaijan (city)|Julfa, Azerbaijan]]. They were removed from the Julfa graveyard before its destruction and are now on display within the precincts of [[Vagharshapat|Etchmiadzin]] in Armenia.]]

Christianity's institution as Armenia's official religion in 301 allowed new developments in Armenian architecture, which nevertheless preserved older traditions.<ref name="tourismarmenia">{{Cite web |url=http://www.tourismarmenia.net/architecture.html |title=Architecture of Armenia – Tourist Guide: Tourism Armenia<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=2007-06-18 |archive-date=2018-09-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926173850/http://www.tourismarmenia.net/architecture.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> 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 [[Eastern Christianity|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.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0422/is_4_88/ai_n17093711/pg_2 |title=Building churches in Armenia: art at the borders of empire and the edge of the canon {{!}} Art Bulletin, The {{!}} Find Articles at BNET.com<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=2007-06-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080127131709/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0422/is_4_88/ai_n17093711/pg_2 |archive-date=2008-01-27 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

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.<ref name="tacentral" />

===Gallery 4th–7th century===
<gallery class="center"> 
Էջմիածնի Մայր Տաճար.jpg|[[Etchmiadzin cathedral]], 303
File:Amaras 18.JPG|4th century [[Amaras Monastery]] near [[Sos, Nagorno-Karabakh|Sos]]
File:Dvin Capital.jpg|[[Dvin (ancient city)|Dvin]], 4th century
File:Arshakunyats Dambaran and Chapel, Aghdzk, Armenia.jpg|[[Arshakid Mausoleum]], 4th century
File:Երերույքի Տաճար 05.jpg|[[Yererouk|Yererouk Bazelika]], 4th–5th century
File:Quşçu church.jpg|[[Monastery of Saint Translators]], 4th–5th century
File:Ապարանի Սուրբ Խաչ.jpg|[[Kasagh Basilica]], 4th–5th century
File:Crviz 2015 jun pic 24.JPG|[[Tsrviz Chapel]], 5th century
File:Qızılvəng foto.JPG|[[Karmir Monastery (Astapat)|Karmir Monastery]], 5th century
File:Tsiranavor church of Ashtarak, front view.jpg|[[Tsiranavor Church of Ashtarak|Tsiranavor Church]], 5th century
File:Ani 2.jpg|[[Ani]], 5th century
File:Smbataberd Fortress 03.jpg|[[Smbataberd]], 5th century
File:Tekor.jpg|[[Tekor Basilica]], end of 5th century
File:...Ծիծեռնավանք.jpg|[[Tsitsernavank Monastery]], [[Syunik (historic province)|Syunik]], 4th–6th century
File:St peter paul yerevan 1930.png|[[Saint Paul and Peter Church, Yerevan|Saint Paul and Peter Church]], 4th–6th century
File:Avan 1.JPG|[[Cathedral of Avan]], 6th century
File:Սուրբ Գևորգ եկեղեցի (Իրինդ) (10).jpg|Saint Gevorg church in [[Irind]], 6th century
File:-Խաչգունդի տաճար 1.jpg|[[Odzun Church]], 6th century
File:Church of Sohroul.jpg|[[Saint John Church of Sohrol]], 5th century or 6th century
File:Sverdlov St. George Church 3.jpg|[[St. George Church, Sverdlov]], 6th century
File:St John the Baptists monastery of Bagavan.jpg|[[Bagavan|Bagavan church]], 613–619
File:Jerevan - Armenië (2892629248).jpg|[[Saint Hripsime Church]], 618
File:Saint Gayane Church-front.JPG|[[Saint Gayane Church]], 630
Red church Zarinja.JPG|[[Zarinja Sourp Khach Armenian Church|Sourp Khach Church]], c. 635
File:Mren Cathedral.jpg|[[Cathedral of Mren]], 631–639
File:Zvartnots img 6965.jpg|Ruins of [[Zvartnots Cathedral]], 641–652
File:Bana cathedral (view from the south).JPG|[[Bana cathedral]], 653–658
File:Gharghavank.JPG|[[Gharghavank]], 661–685
File:Aygeshat Targmanchats Vank.JPG|[[Targmanchats monastery, Aygeshat]], 6th–7th century
File:Պտղավանք տաճար 05.jpg|[[Ptghnavank]], 6th century or 7th century
File:Talin Cathedral.JPG|[[Talin Cathedral]], 7th century
</gallery>
<gallery class="center">
File:Swallows over Aruchavank.jpg|[[Aruchavank]], 7th century
File:Mastara-v-vgn04.jpg|[[Church of Saint John, Mastara]], 7th century
File:Sisian church.jpg|[[Sisian|St. Gregory the Illuminator church]], 7th century
File:Khtzkonk1920.jpg|[[Khtzkonk Monastery]], 7th century
File:Karmravor Surb Astvatsatsin.JPG|[[Karmravor Church]], 7th century
File:St. Gevorg church of Garnahovit 2018-06-20.jpg|[[Saint George's Church, Garnahovit|Saint George's Church]], mid-7th century
File:Vospekar church2.jpg|[[Holy Mother of God Church, Voskepar]] 7th century
File:Saint Christopher Monastery 22-10-2018.jpg|[[Saint Christopher Monastery]], 7th century
File:Artavazik North Wall2.JPG|[[Artavazik Church]], 7th century
File:Ddmashen S. Tadevos Church South.JPG|[[St. Thaddeus Church, Ddmashen]], 7th century
File:Լմբատավանք 20.jpg|[[Lmbatavank]], 7th century
File:2ԱՄՐՈՑԻ ՀԱՄԱԼԻՐ ԱՄԲԵՐԴ.jpg|[[Amberd]], 7th century
File:Mahardzan.jpg|[[Aghitu|Aghitu tomb]], 7th century
File:161 Eglise d'Atenis Sioni -VIIe siècle- près de Gori.JPG|[[Ateni Sioni Church]], 7th century
</gallery>

===8th–14th century===
<gallery class="center">
File:Kiranc Monastery (108).jpg|[[Kirants Monastery]], 8th century
File:Սևան Եկեղեցի Սբ. Առաքելոց.jpg|[[Sevanavank]], [[874]]
File:Dzor Dzor church.jpg|[[Chapel of Dzordzor]] 9th century
File:St-Stepanous-02.jpg|[[Saint Stepanos Monastery]], 9th century
File:Կոթավանք, Ներքին Գետաշեն գյուղ 37.jpg|[[Kotavank]], 9th century
File:Dashtadem fortress (citadel) 17-11-2019v1.jpg|[[Dashtadem Fortress]], 9th century
File:Klášterní komplex Dadivank - panoramio.jpg|9th century, [[Dadivank]] monastery in [[Kalbajar District|Karvachar]]
File:Holy Savior Armenian Church (Shirakavan, Yerazgaors) - Սուրբ Ամենափրկիչ եկեղեցի.jpg|[[Holy Saviour's monastery of Yerazgavors]], end of 9th century
File:TatevMonastery.jpg|[[Tatev Monastery]], 895–906
File:Վանական համալիր Վանեվանք, Արծվանիստ 311.jpg|[[Vanevan Monastery]], 903
File:Vahanavank 2023 1.jpg|[[Vahanavank]], 911
File:AkdamarIslandChurch.jpg|[[Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Aghtamar]], 915–921
File:Kars Church Of The Apostles 2009.JPG|[[Cathedral of Kars]] 930–967
File:ՎԱՆԱԿԱՆ ՀԱՄԱԼԻՐ «ԳՆԴԵՎԱՆՔ.jpg|[[Gndevank]], 931–936
</gallery>
<gallery class="center">
File:Sanahin Monastery.jpg|[[Sanahin Monastery]], 957–966
File:Haghpat Monastery, Armenia.jpg|[[Haghpat Monastery]], 976–991
File:Ani-Cathedral, Ruine.jpeg|[[Cathedral of Ani]], 989–1001
File:Ամրոց «Կաքավաբերդ» («Թաթուլի բերդ») 02.jpg|[[Kakavaberd]],9th–10th century
File:Pjni Fortress 03.jpg|[[Bjni Fortress]], 9th–10th century
File:Ani Church of St Gregory of the Abughamrents 3574.jpg|[[Ani|The church of St Gregory of the Abughamrents, Ani]], 10th century
File:2014 Prowincja Gegharkunik, Cmentarz Noratus (01).jpg|[[Noratus cemetery]], 10th century
File:Tmogvi fortress (Photo A. Muhranoff, 2011)-1.jpg|[[Tmogvi|Tmkaberd]], 10th century
File:Der Architekt, 1919 - 08.jpg|[[Horomos]], 10th century
File:Berdavan fortress.jpg|[[Berdavan Fortress]], 10th century
File:Byurakan Saint Hovhannes.JPG|[[Surp Hovhannes Church, Byurakan]], 10th century
File:Narekavank 1911.png|[[Narekavank]], 10th century
File:Tsakhats Kar 42.JPG|[[Tsaghats Kar Monastery]], 10th century
File:Karmravank Armenian monastery (Lake Van).JPG|[[Karmravank (Vaspurakan)|Karmravank]], 10th century
File:-Աճարկուտի Առաքելոց վանք.jpg|[[Arakelots Monastery (Kirants)|Arakelots Monastery, Kirants]], 10th century
File:Surb Nshan church (Sebastia).jpg|[[Surb Nshan Monastery]], 10th century.
File:2014 Prowincja Szirak, Klasztor Marmaszen (07).jpg|[[Marmashen Monastery]], [[988]]–[[1029]]
File:Vorotnavank 205.JPG|[[Vorotnavank]], 1000.
File:Ani King Gagik church of St Gregory 5718.jpg|[[Ani|King Gagik's church of St Gregory, Ani]], 1001–1020
File:Amberd church.jpg|[[Vahramashen Church]], 1026
File:20110419 Surp Arakelots Holy Apostles Ani Turkey.jpg|[[Ani|The Church of the Holy Apostles, Ani]], 1031
File:Kecharis Monastery 24.03.2018.jpg|[[Kecharis Monastery]], 1033
File:20110419 Church of Redeemer Ani Turkey view1.jpg|[[Ani|The church of the Holy Redeemer, Ani]], 1035
File:Bgheno-Noravank.jpg|[[Bgheno-Noravank]], 1062
File:Sights of Meghri (5).jpg|[[Meghri Fortress]], 1083
</gallery>
<gallery class="center">
File:Eghegnamor vank1.jpg|[[Eghegnamor Monastery]],10th century–11th century
File:Monastery Neghuts 149.jpg|[[Neghuts Monastery]],10th century or 11th century
File:Armenian monastery of s apostles in moush.jpg|[[Arakelots Monastery]] 11th century
File:Goshavank View.JPG|[[Goshavank]], 1191–1196
File:Voskevaz Church1.JPG|[[Surp Hovhannes Church of Voskevaz|Surp Hovhannes Church]], 7th–12th century
File:Monasterio de Hnevank, Armenia, 2016-09-30, DD 83.jpg|[[Hnevank]], 7th–12th century
File:Garni Mashtots Hayrapet Church.JPG|[[Mashtots Hayrapet Church of Garni]], 12th century
File:Church, Kish (P1090438).jpg|[[Church of Kish]], 12th century
File:2014 Prowincja Tawusz, Klasztor Jukhtakwank (11).jpg|[[Jukhtak Vank]], 12th century
File:Kars castle and hill 3329.jpg|[[Castle of Kars]], 1153
File:Kobayr 016.JPG|[[Kobayr monastery]], 1171
File:Aprank or Surb David Monastery Surb Hovanes Church01.jpg|[[Aprank monastery]], 1171
File:Lori Berd, Armenia, 2016-09-30, DD 71.jpg|[[Lori Fortress]], 1177
File:Tejaruyqi monastery.JPG|[[Tejharuyk Monastery]], 1196–1199
File:16102022 Հայրավանք 02.jpg|[[Hayravank Monastery]],9th–12th century
File:Çandır castle, Mersin Province, Turkey.jpg|[[Çandır Castle|Paperon]], 12th century
File:Harichavank-Harich2 - Copy.JPG|[[Harichavank Monastery]], 1201
File:St. Karapet Church (1205).png|[[Hogevank Monastery]], 1205
File:Geghard Monastery (5211712780).jpg|[[Geghard]], 1215
File:20110419 Saint Gregory (Tigran Honents) Ani Turkey.jpg|[[St Gregory of Tigran Honents]], [[Ani]], 1215
</gallery>
<gallery class="center">
File:Gandzasar Monastery1.jpg|[[Gandzasar Monastery]], [[1216]]–[[1238]]
File:Hovhannavank 24.jpg|[[Hovhannavank]], 1216
File:Սաղմոսավանք (մօտիկ).JPG|[[Saghmosavank]], 1215–1221
File:Ktişvəng monastırının ümumi görünüşü.jpg|[[Gtichavank]], 1241–1246
File:Matosavank Inscription.JPG|[[Matosavank]],1247
File:Arapgir church2.png|[[Cathedral of Arapgir]], 1249
File:Saint Gevorg Armenian Church in Old Tbilisi seen from Samghebro Street, 5.jpg|[[Saint George's Church, Tbilisi|Saint George's Church]], 1251 or earlier
File:Katoghike05.jpg|[[Katoghike Church, Yerevan]], 1264
File:Ashtarak S. Mariane.jpg|[[Saint Marianeh Church, Ashtarak]], 1271
File:Yeghishe Arakyal Monastery - Եղիշե առաքյալի վանք.JPG|[[Yeghishe Arakyal Monastery]], 5th–13th century
File:SAINT SARGIS MONASTERY OF USHI 237.JPG|[[Saint Sarkis Monastery of Ushi]], 7th–13th
File:1 Վանական համալիր. Թանահատի վանքը (11).JPG|[[Tanahat Monastery]], 8th–13th century
File:Makenyats Vank.JPG|[[Makenyats Vank]],9th–13th century
File:St Nshan in Horomayr Bottom of canion 01.JPG|[[Horomayr Monastery]], 10th–13th century
File:Makravank Monastery 1.JPG|[[Makravank Monastery]], 10th–13th
File:Haghartsin monastery 2015.jpg|[[Haghartsin Monastery]], 10th–13th
File:Makaravank 110.jpg|[[Makaravank]], 10th–13th century
File:Bagnayr Monastery from the east Photo by Yermakov, late 19th century.jpg|[[Bagnayr Monastery]], 10th-13tg century
File:Armenian Church in Yeghipatrush.JPG|[[Yeghipatrush Church]], 10th–13th century
File:Khuchap Monastery 1.JPG|[[Khuchap Monastery]], 12th–13th century
File:Կուսանաց Անապատ Քարվաճառում 03.jpg|[[Kusanats Anapat]], 12th–13th century
File:Վանական Համալիր «Սամսոն» (03).jpg|[[Samsonavank Monastery]], 12th–13th century
File:Klasztor dziewic Ani.JPG|[[Ani|Chapel in the Monastery of the Hripsimian Virgins, Ani]], 13th century
File:Աղջոց վանք 02.jpg|[[Aghjots Vank]], 13th century
File:Snake Castle - Yılankale 2748.jpg|[[Yılankale|Levonkla]], 13th century
File:Iğdır kervansaray - panoramio.jpg|[[Caravanserai of Zor]], 13th century
File:Tegher Southeast.JPG|[[Tegher Monastery]], 13th century
File:Tsiranavor Ashtarak 1.jpg|[[Spitakavor Church of Ashtarak]], 13th century
File:Akhtala church 3.jpg|[[Akhtala Monastery]], 13th century
File:Tanahat Monastery-4.jpg|[[Tanahat Monastery]], 13th century
File:Saint Bartholomew Monastery general view.png|[[Saint Bartholomew Monastery]], 13th century
File:Church of Saint Elia, Kizkale.jpg|[[Church of Saint Elia, Kizkale]], 13th century
File:Yeghvard Church Right 1.JPG|[[Holy Mother of God Church, Yeghvard]], 1301
File:Lim Island.png|[[Adır Island|Lim Island]], 1305
File:Qareh kelissa.jpg|[[Saint Thaddeus Monastery]], 1319–1329
File:Areni ch.jpg|[[Areni Church]], 1321
File:2014 Prowincja Wajoc Dzor, Klasztor Spitakawor (03).jpg|[[Spitakavor Monastery]], 1321–1330
File:FBQH3930.jpg|[[Orbelian's Caravanserai]], 1332
File:Noravank-astvatsatsin-IMG 2015.JPG|[[Noravank]], 1339
File:Stary Krym Monastyr Surb Chacz.jpg|[[Surp Khach Monastery]], 1358
File:Famagusta 01-2017 img08 Armenian Church.jpg|[[Ganchvor monastery]], 1364
File:Lwów - Katedra Ormiańska 01.JPG|[[Armenian Cathedral of Lviv]], 1363–1370
File:-Նոր Վարագավանք.jpg|[[Nor Varagavank]], 13th–14th century
File:Mayravank (Solak)1.jpg|[[Mayravank]], 7th–14th centuries
</gallery>

===15th–18th century===
<gallery class="center">
File:Ktuts monastery 1986.jpg|[[Ktuts monastery]], 15th century
File:Mănăstirea Zamca31.jpg|[[Armenian monastery of Suceava]], 15th century
File:Churches, Tbilisi - panoramio.jpg|[[Norashen Church]], 1507
File:ChapelofChupan.jpg|[[Chapel of Chupan]], 1518
File:Xweşav.jpg|[[Hoşap Castle]], 1649
File:کلیسای وانک. عکس Rasool AB.JPG|[[Vank Cathedral]], 1655–1664
File:Խոր Վիրապ55.JPG|[[Khor Virap]], 1661
File:St. Gevorg 2.jpg|[[Saint Gevork Monastery of Mughni]], 1661–1669
File:Kanaker Saint Hakob church (56).jpg|[[Saint Hakob Church of Kanaker]], 1679
File:Yerits Mankants 14.jpg|[[Yerits Mankants Monastery]], 1691
File:Karbi Church.JPG|[[Surp Astvatsatsin Church of Karbi|Surp Astvatsatsin Church]], 1338–1693
File:Shoghakat Church, Ejmiadsin.JPG|[[Shoghakat Church]], 1694
File:Surb Zoravor Astvatsatsin Church in 2019 (8).jpg|[[Zoravor Surp Astvatsatsin Church]], 1694
File:Aparank Monastery.jpg|[[Aparank Monastery]],10th–17th century
File:Bridge in Shvanidzor 31.JPG|Bridge in [[Shvanidzor]], 17th century
File:Armenian Church in Old Dhaka.JPG|[[Armenian Church, Dhaka|Holy Resurrection Church]], 1781
File:Церковь Сурб-Амбарцум.JPG|[[Church of the Ascension (Chaltyr)|Church of the Ascension]], 1790
File:Saint Cross in Rostov-on-Don.jpg|[[Holy Cross Church, Rostov-on-Don|Holy Cross Church]], 1786–1792
File:St. George's church of Sighnaghi (1).jpg|Church of St. Gevorg (Sighnaghi), 1793
File:Jolfa-Aras-3.jpg|[[Church of the Holy Mother of God, Darashamb]], 18th century
File:S. Sargis Church of Ashtarak.JPG|[[St. Sarkis Church (Ashtarak, Aragatsotn, Armenia)]], 18th century
File:Եկեղեցական Համալիր Նորագավթի Ս. Գևորգ (48).JPG|[[Surp Gevork Church, Noragavit]], 18th century
File:Princely Palace of Meliz Dizak (56).jpg|[[Togh's Melikian Palace]], 18th century
</gallery>

=== 19th–20th century ===
<gallery>
File:Kirke og kloster ved Musch - fo30141712180027.jpg|[[Surb Karapet Monastery]], 4th–19th century
File:Tatevi Anapat 49.JPG|[[Tatevi Anapat]], 18th–19th century.
File:St.Sarqis.jpg|[[Saint Sarkis Cathedral, Yerevan|Saint Sarkis Cathedral]], 1842
File:Armenian church in Baku.jpg|[[Armenian Church, Baku]], 1863–1869
File:Церковь. Вид из парка.jpg|[[Church of the Holy All-Savior of Derbent|Church of the Holy All-Savior]], 1860–1871
File:Holy Saviour's Church, Gyumri.jpg|[[Holy Saviour's Church, Gyumri|Holy Saviour's Church]], 1858–1872
File:Էջմիածնի մայր տաճար, ArmAg 11 121 (2).jpg|[[Gevorgian Seminary]], 1874
File:Saint Mesrop Mashtots Church 2023 drone.jpg|[[Saint Mesrop Mashtots Church]], 443–1879
File:2014 Prowincja Szirak, Giumri, Katedra Matki Bożej (02).jpg|[[Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God, Gyumri|Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God]], 1873–1884
File:Ghazanchetsots Cathedral in June 2018.jpg|[[Ghazanchetsots Cathedral]], 1868–1887
File:Surb grigor lusavorich.png|[[Saint Gregory the Illuminator Church, Yerevan|Saint Gregory the Illuminator Church]], 1900
File:St. Grigor Lusavorich Church In Goris 2023.1.jpg|[[Goris|St. Grigor Lusavorich Church, Goris]], 1903
File:Holy Mother of God Church, Gavar by ArmAg (7).jpg|[[Gavar|St. Astvatsatsin Church]], 1902–1905
File:Crimea South Coast 04-14 img13 Yalta Armenian Church.jpg|[[Saint Hripsime Church of Yalta]], 1905
File:Budagovski Armenian cathedral in Baku.jpg|[[Saint Thaddeus and Bartholomew Cathedral]], 1910
File:Armenian Church Troinex1.jpg|[[Troinex|Church of Surp Hakob]], 1967–1969
File:St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church.jpg|[[St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church]], 1983
File:Surb Sargis Church Nor Nork 03.JPG|[[St. Sarkis Church (Yerevan, Armenia)|St. Sarkis Church]], 1998
</gallery>

== Periods in Armenian architecture ==
Classical and Medieval Armenian architecture is divided into four separate periods.<ref name="CSU" />

=== The formative period ===
[[File:Etchmiadzin cupola.jpg|thumb|The cupola of the [[Cathedral of Etchmiadzin]].]]
The 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 [[basilica]]s, 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.<ref name="edwards">{{cite book|last1=Edwards|first1=Robert W., "Armenia" |title=The Eerdmans Encyclopedia of Early Christian Art and Archaeology, ed., Paul Corby Finney |date=2016 |publisher=William B. Eerdmans Publishing| location=Grand Rapids, Michigan |isbn=978-0-8028-9016-0| pages=119–122}}</ref>

=== Bagratid revival ===
[[File:Akdamar Church.JPG|thumb|External reliefs of [[David and Goliath]] on the 10th century [[Armenian Cathedral of the Holy Cross|Cathedral at Akdamar]]]]

From the 9th to 11th century, Armenian architecture underwent a revival under the patronage of the [[Bagratuni dynasty|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.<ref name="past">Armenia, Past and Present; Elisabeth Bauer, Jacob Schmidheiny, Frederick Leist, 1981</ref> 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 Monastery|Haghpat]] and [[Haritchavank Monastery|Haritchavank]] were built. This period was ended by the [[Great Seljuq Empire|Seljuk]] invasion.

=== Monasteries flourish ===
[[File:Church of Saint Gregory the Illuminator, Ani 16.jpg|thumb|Dome of 13th century [[St Gregory of Tigran Honents]] church]]
[[File:Kecharis Monastery Complex Tsaghkadzor 12.jpg|thumb|[[Kecharis Monastery]]]]
From the 12th to 14th century under the [[Zakarid Armenia|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 [[Timur]]lane and the destruction of [[Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia|Cilician Armenia]] ended architectural progression from another 250 .

=== Seventeenth century ===

The last great period in classic Armenian construction was under the Iranian [[Safavid dynasty|Safavid]] [[Shah]]s, under which a number of new churches were built, usually at existing holy sites such as [[Vagharshapat|Etchmiadzin]] as well as in [[Armenian diaspora|diaspora communities]] like [[New Julfa]].<ref name="CSU" />

=== Nineteenth century ===
[[File:Armenian architects from Constantinople.jpg|thumb|Painting of Armenian architect from Constantinople (18th century)]]
Armenian architecture experienced a huge stage of development during the 19th century, when the [[Treaty of Turkmenchay|Russians entered Eastern Armenia]]. A number of architectural masterpieces were built in the [[Kumayri historic district]] of [[Gyumri|Alexandropol]] and Yerevan, as well in [[Kars]], which is now a part of the [[Turkey|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 ===
<gallery mode="nolines" caption="'''[[Yerevan]]'''">
File:Old building of Yerevan State University2.jpg|[[Yerevan State University]] old building
File:Hovhannes Grigoryan's house - 2021-12-04 - f1.jpg
File:Amiryan Street, Yerevan 111.JPG|[[Hripsime School for Girls (Yerevan)|Hripsime School for Girls]]
File:Melik-Adamyan Street.jpg
File:Mher Mkrtchyan Street (7).jpg
</gallery><gallery mode="nolines" caption="'''[[Gyumri]]'''">
Home Gyumri (Տուն Գյումրիում) 19.jpg
File:Dzitoghtsonts1.JPG
File:Old Gyumri by Asbed.jpg
File:Building in Gyumri 2015 sep pic 42.JPG
File:Building in Gyumri 4.jpg
</gallery><gallery mode="nolines" caption="'''[[Goris]]'''">
File:Одно из зданий в Горисе.jpg
File:Goris Komitas 12.JPG
File:Բնակելի տուն Գորիս քաղաքում 1.jpg
</gallery><gallery mode="nolines" caption="'''[[Ashtarak]]'''">
File:Բնակելի տուն, Ղափանցյան փողոց, Աշտարակ (1).JPG
File:Բնակելի տուն, Ղափանցյան փողոց, Աշտարակ (6).JPG
</gallery><gallery mode="nolines" caption="'''[[Kars]]'''">
File:Kars probably Baltic style building 3756.jpg
File:Kars probably Baltic style building 3767.jpg
</gallery>

== 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 Tamanian|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 [[Vagharshapat|Etchmiadzin]] by [[Baghdasar Arzoumanian]].]]
As a result of [[Anti-Armenian sentiment|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 [[Julfa, Azerbaijan (city)|Jugha]] in [[Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic|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.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://iwpr.net/report-news/azerbaijan-famous-medieval-cemetery-vanishes |title=Azerbaijan famous medieval cemetery vanishes |access-date=2012-12-30 |archive-date=2014-02-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140217145307/http://iwpr.net/report-news/azerbaijan-famous-medieval-cemetery-vanishes |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Due to the endless development and neglect, the historical architecture of [[Yerevan]] is often desecrated or in some cases demolished.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-11-06 |title=Chief architect says famous Afrikyan House can be restored after 2014 demolishing |url=https://armenpress.am/en/article/953456 |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=ARMENPRESS Armenian News Agency |language=en}}</ref> One of the most noticeable cases was the creation of Northern Avenue in Yerevan as per original plans of [[Alexander Tamanian]], which destroyed the rich architectural heritage located in the area.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gasparyan |first=Vazgen |date=2021-12-11 |title=Yerevan Remade: The Case of the Northern Avenue |url=https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/923fe230ab2f43faac15e12fee52f221 |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=ArcGIS StoryMaps |language=en}}</ref> There are also plans going on to destroy the historical district of Noragyugh to build a business center called "New Yerevan".<ref>{{Citation |last=Rodabaugh |first=Cathy |title=Burned-Over District, New York |date=2006-04-06 |work=African American Studies Center |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/acref/9780195301731.013.44601 |access-date=2024-09-05 |publisher=Oxford University Press |doi=10.1093/acref/9780195301731.013.44601 |isbn=978-0-19-530173-1|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

== Vernacular architecture of Armenia ==
{{Main|Vernacular architecture of Armenia}}
Armenia has a rich tradition of vernacular architecture, which varies by region. Out of them the most noticeable surviving examples are the following:

* In Syunik region Armenians used to live in carved out cave dwellings with decorated entrances. Between 12 and 25 people lived in each cave, depending on the economic status of the family, with the complex network of ropes, ladders and narrow pathways connecting each dwelling.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MyArmenia |url=https://myarmenia.si.edu/en/guide/experience/explore-armenias-abandoned-cave-city/index.html |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=MyArmenia}}</ref> The examples of this style can be found in the old parts of [[Khot, Armenia|Khot]], [[Khndzoresk]], [[Shinuhayr]] and [[Halidzor]] villages, as well as in [[Meghri]] and [[Goris]] cities.
* In [[Dilijan]] the local vernacular architecture is a product synthesis between the Armenian architecture of [[Tbilisi]] and [[Baku]] and the [[Molokans|Molokan]] architecture due to the high Molokan and Tbilisi Armenian population living in the city. The architecture of Dilijan consisted of one- or rarely two-story housing, made of uncut gray basalt and sandy limestone. The windows and doorways of the houses were covered with arches traditional to Armenia, and high gabled roofs were covered with roofing tiles due to the abundance of precipitation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Impulse {{!}} Blog {{!}} Dilijan. City at an architectural crossroad |url=https://impulse.am/blog/dilijan-city-at-an-architectural-crossroad/ |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=impulse.am |language=ru-RU}}</ref>
* The vernacular architecture of Yerevan is primarily represented by the historical [[Kond]] district, as well as the integrated villages of Old Nork, Kanaker and [[Noragyugh]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-12-08 |title=Вернакулярные районы Еревана |url=https://34travel.me/post/vernakulyarnye-rayony-erevana |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=34travel.me |language=ru}}</ref> Demirbulagh and Dzoragyugh districts, which also represented the vernaculars of Yerevan, were mostly demolished, as can be seen on the architectural plan of Tamanian.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Alexander Tamanian- Projects of the renowned Armenian Soviet Architect |url=http://www.alexandertamanian.com/ |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=www.alexandertamanian.com}}</ref> The vernaculars of Yerevan are characterised by simple wooden balconies, narrow streets and terraces, which are often situated on top of the other houses due to the mountainous terrain.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kond: the Elements of Memory |url=https://csnlab.net/article/kond |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=csnlab.net |language=en}}</ref>
* The vernaculars of [[Lori Province|Lori]] region in Armenia are similar to the vernaculars of Dilijan, though they are more sparse due to the major reconstruction of the capital of the region, [[Vanadzor]], by Soviets, which almost entirely destroyed its vernacular heritage. Traditional housing in Lori is almost exclusively one-story and has white plastered walls, representing the unique combination of cultures.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Green |first=Anna |date=2022-04-07 |title=Archive Fever: Vanadzor's Bucolic Past in Hamo Kharatyan's Photographs |url=https://evnreport.com/et-cetera/archive-fever-vanadzors-bucolic-past-in-hamo-kharatyans-photographs/ |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=EVN Report |language=en-US}}</ref> Nowadays, probably the best example of the architecture of that region is the house-museum of [[Stepan Shaumian]] in [[Stepanavan]].
<gallery>
File:Հին Խոտ գյուղատեղի 106.jpg|House in the old part of [[Khot, Armenia|Khot]] village of [[Syunik Province|Syunik]].
File:Ժողովրդական արվեստի թանգարանի Դիլիջանի մասնաճյուղ.JPG|Traditional house in [[Dilijan]].
File:Shaumyan3.jpg|House of Shaumian, [[Stepanavan]], [[Lori Province|Lori]].
File:House in Kond, Yerevan.jpg|Old house in the [[Kond]] district of [[Yerevan]].
</gallery>

== 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 [[Sacral architecture|sacred architecture]] of churches built by the Armenian community, where designs based on historic landmarks such as the cathedrals of [[Cathedral of Ani|Ani]], [[Zvartnots Cathedral|Zvartnots]] and [[Etchmiadzin Cathedral|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 [[Americas|the Americas]] and Australia.

[[Khachkar]]s 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]].

<gallery>
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.
</gallery>

== 20th century secular buildings in Armenia ==
<gallery class="center" heights="100px" perrow="5" caption="20th century">
File:2014 Erywań, Budynek Zgromadzenia Narodowego Republiki Armenii.jpg|[[National Assembly (Armenia)|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 Theatre|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 Erywań, Armeńska 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 Erywań, 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 Erywań, 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).
</gallery>

== 21st century buildings in Armenia ==
<gallery>
File:Cathedral of Yerevan Armenia msu-2018-2640.jpg|[[Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral, Yerevan|Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral]], 1997–2001
File: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, Yerevan|Saint Anna Church]], 2011–2014
File: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, Stepanakert|Holy Mother of God Cathedral]], 2006–2019
</gallery>

== UNESCO designated World Heritage Sites ==
{{main|List of World Heritage sites in Armenia}}

[[File:+Ayrivank 47.jpg|thumb|[[Geghard]] monastery]]
Armenian cross-stones art and Symbolism and craftsmanship of [[Khachkar]]s, 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:
*Inside 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
**[[Ani|The church of the Holy Redeemer]] in Turkey
**[[Ani|The church of St Gregory of the Abughamrents]] in Turkey
**[[St Gregory of Tigran Honents]] in Turkey
**[[Ani|Monastery of the Hripsimian Virgins]] in Turkey
**[[Ani|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 ===
<gallery heights="90" perrow="5">
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|Malatia-Sebastia]] district of Yerevan
File:Vanadzor-new-church.jpg|The ''Saint Gregory of Narek Cathedral'' (2005) in [[Vanadzor]], Armenia
</gallery>

=== Azerbaijan ===
{{Main|List of Armenian churches in Azerbaijan}}
<gallery heights="90" perrow="5">
File:Gandzasar (Vanq) Church.JPG|13th century [[Gandzasar monastery]], near [[Vank, Nagorno-Karabakh|Vank]] village
File:Kanach Zham2018-13.jpg|[[Kanach Zham]], [[Shusha|Shushi]]
File:Tsakuri "Holy Mother of God" church, XII c.jpg|12th-century Holy Mother of God Church, [[Hunarli]], Azerbaijan
</gallery>

=== Iran ===
{{Main|List of Armenian churches in Iran}}

=== Turkey ===
{{Main|List of active Armenian churches in Turkey|Armenian cultural heritage in Turkey}}
<gallery heights="90px" perrow="5">
File:Aghperig Monastery in the Sasun Mountains, East Anatolia 03.jpg|[[Aghperig Monastery]], 300
File:Khtzkonk-monastery.jpg|[[Khtzkonk Monastery]] in [[Kars Province|Kars]]
</gallery>

=== Elsewhere in Western Asia ===
<gallery heights="90" perrow="5">
File:St Elie - St Gregory Armenian Catholic Cathedral.jpg|''Saint Gregory the Illuminator – Saint Elie (Eghishe) Armenian Catholic Cathedral'' (1909) in downtown [[Beirut]], Lebanon
File:Antelias - Armeni.jpg|The ''Holy Mother of God Cathedral'' (1940) at the [[Holy See of Cilicia|Catholicossate of the Great House of Cilicia]] in [[Antelias]], Lebanon
File:Sourp Nshan Church in downtown Beirut.JPG|''Holy Cross Church'' (Sourp Nshan) in downtown Beirut, Lebanon, adjacent to the [[Grand Serail]]
File:Sourp Asdvadzadzin Church in Bikfaya.JPG|''Holy Mother of God Church'' (Sourp Asdvadzadzin) at the Armenian Seminary in [[Bikfaya]], Lebanon
File:Armenian Church of the Holy Mother of God, Aleppo, 2010 (1).jpg|[[Church of the Holy Mother of God (Aleppo)|Holy Mother of God Armenian Apostolic church]], [[Aleppo]]
File:Forty Martyrs Cathedral of Aleppo, the belfry.jpg|The belfry of the [[Forty Martyrs Cathedral|Forty Martyrs Armenian Cathedral of Aleppo]] erected in 1912
File:Armenian Genocide Memorial in Der Zor, Syria.jpg|[[Armenian Genocide Memorial Church, Der Zor|Armenian genocide Memorial Church]] in [[Deir ez-Zor]], Syria
File:Armenian orthodox patriarchate in cairo- khazarian.jpg|''[[St. Gregory The Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church]]'' (1928) in [[Cairo]], Egypt
File:The Armenian Orthodox Patriarchate and St. Gregory The Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church in Cairo.jpg|Interior of ''St. Gregory The Illuminator Church'' of Cairo
File:Սբ. Կարապետ եկեղեցին Հորդանանում.jpg|Saint John the Baptist Armenian church on [[Jordan River]], [[Al-Maghtas]], Jordan
</gallery>

=== Georgia ===
{{Main|Armenian churches of Tbilisi}}

=== North America ===
<gallery heights="90" perrow="5">
File:The Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church in Fresno, California.jpg|''[[Holy Trinity Church, Fresno|Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church]]'' (1914) in [[Fresno, California|Fresno]], California
File:Saint Paul Armenian Church in Fresno, California.jpg|''Saint Paul Armenian Church'' (1979) in Fresno, California
File:Saint Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Catholic Church in Glendale , California (2001) crop.JPG|The ''Saint Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Catholic Church'' (2001) in [[Glendale, California|Glendale]], California
File:St. Stepanos Armenian Church - Elberon, NJ.jpg|[https://web.archive.org/web/20110728065619/http://www.ststepanos.org/index.html ''Saint Stepanos Armenian Church''] (1986) in [[Elberon, New Jersey|Elberon]], New Jersey
File:StGregoryMerguerian.jpg|''St Gregory Armenian Church'' in [[Springfield, Massachusetts]], USA
File:Saint Mary Armenian Church in Toronto, Canada.jpg|[[St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church]], Toronto (1983) in [[Toronto]], Ontario, Canada
</gallery>

=== Russia ===
{{Main|List of Armenian churches in Russia}}
<gallery heights="90" perrow="5">
File:Սբ. Պայծառակերպության եկեղեցին և Սբ. Խաչ մատուռը Մոսկվայում.JPG|[[Armenian Cathedral of Moscow|Holy Transfiguration Cathedral]], Moscow
</gallery>

=== Singapore ===
<gallery>
File:Armenian Church of Saint Gregory the Illuminator Սուրբ Գրիգոր Լուսավորիչ եկեղեցի (Սինգապուր) 01.jpg|[[Armenian Church, Singapore]], (1836).
</gallery>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Architecture}}
*[[Armenian art]]
*[[Armenian church architecture]]
*[[List of castles in Armenia]]
*[[List of monasteries in Armenia]]
*[[List of cathedrals in Armenia]]
*[[List of bridges in Armenia]]
*[[Khachkar|Armenian Khachkars]]
*[[Palace#Armenia|Armenian Palaces]]
*[[Gavit]]
*[[Vishapakar]]
*[[Stone sculptures of horses and sheep in the Caucasian States]]
*[[Armenian Union of Architects]]
*[[Children of Armenia Fund]]
*[[Research on Armenian Architecture]]
*[[Tumo Center for Creative Technologies]]
*[[Architecture of Urartu]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== Bibliography ==
* {{Garbis Armen 1992}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Architecture of Armenia}}
* [http://www.armenianarchitecture.am/v2/index.php?Language=2 Armenian Historical Monuments] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923173718/http://www.armenianarchitecture.am/v2/index.php?Language=2 |date=2015-09-23 }} presented by the [[Research on Armenian Architecture]] organization
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20081231160331/http://armenianstudies.csufresno.edu/arts_of_armenia/architecture.htm Arts of Armenia:Architecture], a chapter in a book by [[Dickran Kouymjian]] of Cal State University, Fresno
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090611071858/http://armenianstudies.csufresno.edu/iaa_architecture/index.htm Index of Armenian Art: Armenian Architecture], a listing and details of Armenian architecture grouped by classification
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20101125050334/http://kamit.jp/18_armenia/gallery_eng.htm Pictorial Gallery of Armenian Architecture]
* [http://digitool.rpi.edu:8881/R/3EICQBYRI1RSQ936658IRU8LN5GPYMYGRUP2VUR3I9FA2UDVPP-00979?func=collections-result&collection_id=1137 Armenian Architecture Collection] of the Rensselaer Digital Collections, part of [[Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute]] (includes monasteries in Western Armenia)
* [http://www.virtualani.org/beyondani.htm Armenian Architecture in Turkey] and [http://www.virtualani.org/citymap.htm the City of Ani]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20111113015655/http://www.strategicoutlook.org/2011/08/armenian-architectures-and-its-protection-in-turkey/ Armenian Architectures and Its Protection in Turkey]
* [https://charlvarchive.org/ Cilician Armenian Architecture]

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

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Architecture in Armenia]]
[[Category:Church architecture]]
[[Category:Christian architecture]]