• Location: North of Vardablur village, on the bank of a tributary of the Dzoraget River, Lori Region

• Period: 5th–7th centuries

• Type: Single-nave, vaulted church

 

Jgrashen Church is a remarkable monument of early medieval Armenian architecture. It is located north of Vardablur village, on the bank of a tributary of the Dzoraget River.

The church was built of finely dressed basalt. Its walls rise above a two-step base molding. Although the roof has not survived, the preserved sections of the structure provide an insight into its early medieval architectural features. One of the monument’s notable features is the vegetal ornamentation preserved around the southern window. It includes carvings of grapevines, three-lobed and multilobed leaves, characteristic of early medieval Armenian sculpture. The animal-shaped carvings on the corbels are of particular interest. They depict a ram’s head, a deer, and a stylized sheep. These sculptures give Jgrashen Church its distinctive character and make it a noteworthy example of early medieval Armenian ecclesiastical architecture. Jgrashen is one of Lori’s lesser-known historical and cultural monuments, where preserved architectural and sculptural details tell the story of Armenia’s early medieval culture and art.

Why visit? Jgrashen Church is an interesting stop for those who want to discover Lori’s lesser-known historical and cultural monuments and explore unique examples of early medieval Armenian architecture and sculpture.