Armenia has very diverse architecture. The country is a mixture of old and new. Ancient temples, medieval churches, Soviet buildings: all these can be revealed in Armenia.
A special place in Armenian architecture is occupied by churches that are very similar to each other, especially when it comes to floor plans. Most of them are cross-domed. The elevated sanctuary is always located in the eastern part of the church.
Basilicas, tomb churches and chapels are typical of the early Christian Armenian architecture. Basilicas were built on a rectangular plan and were three-league. The nave is higher in the Armenian basilicas than the two others, however not all of them have survived. One can visit, for example, the basilica Yereruk in Anipemza in the province of Shirak.
With the adoption of Christianity in Armenia, architecture also changed. The medieval Armenian churches have a special value in the world of architecture. The typical features are: pointed dome, the structure made of stone, mostly from the tuff or basalt, murals, tall columns, the interesting position of light. The murals were not so popular until 1204 because it was forbidden to depict Jesus and the saints. You can discover it in the churches of Haghpat or Hovhannavank.
When talking about Armenian structures and architecture one should definitely mention Khachkars (cross-stones). These are crosses cut into the stone blocks which represent an important cultural asset of Armenia. There are thousands of cross-stones in the country each with different pattern. First of all khachkars are monuments, and only afterwards, tombstones. The cross-stones cemetary Noratus which dates back to the 5th century is located in the province of Gegharkunik.
One of the best-known Armenian medieval architects is Momik, who lived in the 14th century and designed many churches and Khachkars, such as the Monastery of Noravank.
Armenian architecture underwent a new development in the 19th century. At that time, Armenia was under the rule of the Russian Empire. The buildings of that period were mainly built of basalt, for this reason they often had black colour.
The capital Yerevan is one of the oldest cities in the world. The first quarter of the city is Kond, where a lot of small, stacked houses can be still found. It is a popular and colourful district of Yerevan and now offers some night entertainment for the youngsters. Yerevan also known as Pink City, because many buildings are built from the pink stone tuff which is typical Armenian stone.
The architect of the pink capital is Alexander Tamanyan, whose monument adorns one of the most beautiful sights of the city, Cascade.
