Surb Astvatsatsin Church of Karbi: An Armenian Apostolic Church
Site at a Glance
- Popularity
- Medium
- Country
- Armenia
- Primary era
- Early Modern
- Eras represented
- Medieval, Early Modern
- Civilizations
- Armenian, Mongolian, Safavid
- Site type
- Religious
- Remains
- Basilica
On this page5 sections
History
Surb Astvatsatsin Church of Karbi, in Armenia, belongs to the Armenian Apostolic Church, an ancient Christian church in the Oriental Orthodox tradition. Its name means “Holy Mother of God.” The basilica was completed between 1691 and 1693. Its separate belfry had been built in 1338, more than three centuries earlier.
Remains
Architectural layout
The site comprises a rectangular church and a separate belfry standing in front of its eastern end. The basilica has three naves, meaning a central nave flanked by side aisles, and a single gabled roof covers the building.
Basilica
A small cupola, or dome-like roof feature, rises above the basilica. Several large khachkars, carved stone cross monuments characteristic of Armenian Christian art, are set into the church’s exterior walls. Inscriptions are also placed in its upper exterior walls.
Belfry
The freestanding belfry is a large, two-storey structure. A broad archway supports its upper cupola, which rests on eight columns and is topped by a conical dome. Inscriptions are set into the belfry wall at its middle level.
