SOURP ASDVADZADZINE CHURCH OF ARENI

This beautiful church stands on a promontory overlooking the village of Aréni and the river Arpa. An inscription engraved on the portal indicates that the church Sourp Asdvadzadzine (Holy Mother of God) was built in 1321 by the architect Momik for Archbishop Hovannés Orbelian, proof that the Mongolian occupation had not completely stopped the activity of Armenian builders in Vayots Dzor. The artistic school of the region was also renowned and these banks of the Arpa river were, since the end of the 13th century, the stronghold of one of the most powerful principalities of Siunie (the former name of Southern Armenia), that of the Orbelian people. Inspired by Georgian and Byzantine buildings, the church of Areni surprises by its slender lines.
Recently rebuilt, the dome, highlighted by a cornice with stalactites, is supported by four pillars, two of which are engaged in the walls of the chevet. The sculpted decoration is inspired by the themes of Byzantine iconography, as shown by the angel of Matthew spreading his wings at the base of the dome, while outside, a medallion engraved with a face with Mongolian features recalls that the country was dominated at that time by invaders from the distant steppes of the Altai.

A little before Areni, a tribute will be paid to the great Armenian writer of the 20th century, Parouïr Sévak, who rests with his wife under a huge rock in a garden, a stone's throw from his birth house and the museum dedicated to him, indicated by a panel.