Garni Temple, Armenia

 

The Temple of Garni is the only standing Greco-Roman colonnated building in Armenia and the former Soviet Union. Built in the Ionic order by (probably) king Tiridates I in the 1st century AD, it is the best-known structure and symbol of pre-Christian Armenia, i.e of Hetanism (Armenian paganism).

I was looking for autumny postcards in my collections and noticed that I haven't posted this one from my trip to Armenia four years ago. To see it inspired a special kind of yearning.

UNESCO - Cathedral And Churches Of Echmiatsin And The Archaeological Site Of Zvartnots, Armenia

The cathedral and churches of Echmiatsin ( or Etchmiadzin ) and the archaeological remains at Zvartnots graphically illustrate the evolution and development of the Armenian central-domed cross-hall type of church, which exerted a profound influence on architectural and artistic development in the region. 

Etchmiadzin Cathedral is the mother church of the Armenian Apostolic Church, located in the city of Vagharshapat (Etchmiadzin). According to scholars it was the first cathedral built in ancient Armenia (early 4th century), and is considered the oldest cathedral in the world. The tour I was with included a visit to the museum of the cathedral, which has numerous items on display, including manuscripts and religious objects. Among its notable exhibits are the Holy Lance (Spear), relics belonging to Apostles of Jesus and John the Baptist, and a fragment of Noah's Ark. Many relic-containers offer no view of what is inside, so when I asked our guide 'how do we know what is inside?' she simply replied 'we don't' lol.

Zvartnots Cathedral (literally 'celestial angels cathedral') is a 7th-century centrally planned aisled tetraconch type Armenian cathedral built by the order of Catholicos Nerses the Builder from 643-652. Now in ruins, it is located at the edge of the city of Vagharshapat (Etchmiadzin). As ruins, there wasn't much to look at, but the atypical arches were still pretty cool :)

UNESCO - Monastery Of Sanahin, Armenia

Actually the full name of the site is Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin, and although I'd normally want to receive both monasteries before posting here, I don't think it will happen any time soon, and I am just too excited about my first viewcard from Armenia for it not to be shown!

Both were Byzantine monasteries in the Tumanian region from the period of prosperity during the Kiurikian dynasty (10th to 13th century). They were important centres of learning - Sanahin was renown for its school of illuminators and calligraphers. It consists of a large group of buildings on the plateau above the Debet gorge and skilfully integrated into the impressive mountain landscape.

Thanks so much Patrik! :))

 

Armenian Donkey

A truly heart-warming piece of mail in my mailbox this week - my first written & stamped postcard from Armenia shows the cutest donkey doing his work in the snowy mountains of Armenia. This is so great on so many levels, thanks so SO much Radim! :))