Sourb Astvatzatzin Church :: ARMENIAN HISTORICAL MONUMENTS

Sourb Astvatzatzin Church 1595 y․

Georgia / Kakhet / Ghvarel / Grem

Location
1595 y․

It is situated in the southwest of the town site.

Samvel Karapetian, Kakhet Armenians, Yerevan, 2004, p. 119. The original in Armenian.

Historical Introduction

It is the only Armenian church in Grem which has attracted the attention of many researchers thanks to the tri-language construction inscription, preserved on its western facade.

Garla Serena, Three Months in Kakhet, "Bazmavep", 1883, p. 323; V. Kiknadze, The Monuments of Antiquity in Telav District, Yelizavetpol Province. A Collection of Statistical Data on the Basis of the Family Lists of Caucasia’s Population, Tiflis, 1888, pp. 41-43. The original in Russian; Kakhet: Appendix to the Reference-Book by Starazhil, "Kavkaz", Tiflis, 1891, N 3, p. 59; Zakaraya Parmen, The Architecture of Grem Town Site, Tbilisi, 1975, pp. 118-124. The originals in Armenian, Russian and Georgian respectively.

1595 y․

Architectural Description
1595 y․

Sourb Astvatzatzin (Holy Virgin) Church, representing a domed basilica with two pilasters, can righteously be considered Grem’s main Armenian church. Its principal apse is distinguished for its special structure: it has both underground and overground storeys. On both its sides double-floor vestries can be seen, their entrances opening into the hall on the first storey and the apse on the second. The baptistery niche is preserved in its traditional place, i.e. the northern wall. The drum, now annihilated, used to be supported by a pair of pillars and another of pylons. The three entrances of the church, whose exterior dimensions are 10,65 x 7,25 m, open in the northern, southern and western facades. The sanctuary, which is remarkable for its irregular masonry, has a tegular roof and is built of finely-dressed stone, bricks and mortar.

Samvel Karapetian, Kakhet Armenians, Yerevan, 2004, p. 120. The original in Armenian.

Repairs
1595 y․

In 1988 the church was in the process of restoration.

Samvel Karapetian, Kakhet Armenians, Yerevan, 2004, p. 120. The original in Armenian.

Description

Type Photo
View Partial view
Direction From the south-west
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Black-and-white negative
Date 1985 y․

Type Photo
View Partial view
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Black-and-white negative
Date 1988 y․

Type Photo
View Exterior
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Colour Negative
Date 1988 y․

Type Photo
View Exterior
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Black-and-white negative
Date 1998 y․

Type Photo
View Exterior
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Colour Negative
Date 1998 y․

Type Photo
View Detail
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Black-and-white negative
Date 1998 y․

Type Measurement
View Exterior
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Sketch

Type Photo
View Exterior
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Colour Negative
Date 1988 — 1992 yy․

Type Photo
View Interior
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Colour Negative
Date 1988 — 1992 yy․

Type Photo
View Exterior
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Colour Negative
Date 1988 — 1992 yy․

Type Photo
View Detail
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Colour Negative
Date 1988 — 1992 yy․

Name	Year/Century	Etymology
Tarsagalavani