SOURP GEVORG MONASTERY

Situated on a small fertile plateau at the entrance to the Kazakh Gorge, which is not yet deep at this level, this monastery, founded in the 10th century, was rebuilt in 1661-1669 on the orders of the priest Hovannés, by the architect Sahak Khitsantési and his pupil and son-in-law Mourat, during this troubled period in the history of Armenia, which was then disputed between Persians and Ottomans. Like all the buildings of this late period of Armenian architecture, the monastic complex is reduced to a church surrounded by a quadrangular enclosure, which contains a few monastery buildings lost in the surrounding orchards and vegetable gardens. Following the traditional plan of Armenian cult buildings, the Church of St George (Sourp Kévork) is particularly original because of its wall cladding, alternating black and ochre volcanic stones, in lateral bands on the drum (topped by an elegant umbrella pleated roof) or in a checkerboard pattern on the side facades. The building is preceded by a vast three-arched gallery porch, topped by a rotunda with openwork columns. The carved decoration on the exterior bears witness to the influence of oriental decorative arts on Armenian architecture of the time, and more timidly to Baroque influences, as shown by the tympanum of the portal, carved with lush plant decoration. The interior space, organised around four pillars supporting the dome, is sober but enhanced by the bright colours of the frescoes, depicting saints or biblical scenes, in the oriental style.