he structural design of the Cathedral of Avan reached a higher degree of perfection in the Cathedral of Virgin Martyr Hripsime (618) and in similar structures such as the Monastery of the Holy Translators, the churches of Garnhovit and Sisavan in the vast and powerful Armenian province of Syunik. In contrast to Avan, the Cathedral of Hripsime are square-corned and the exterior walls under the apse are indented with trapezoidal niches. This arrangement results in thinner exterior walls while at the same time enhances the structural integrity and aesthetic balance of the overall edifice. The broad, massive outline of St. Hripsime has an extraordinarily harmonious composition. Its lean, stable and yet soaring structure is a fitting match to Ararat and Aragats which grace its background. The Church of Virgin martyr St. Hripsime is rightly considered a gem of VII th Century classical Armenian Architecture. The dome on pendentives becomes the unifying architectural characteristic of VI th and VII th century Armenian Churches.
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The Church of Virgin Martyr St. Hripsime |
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