Surp Hovhannes (
Armenian
Armenian may refer to:
* Something of, from, or related to Armenia, a country in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia
* Armenians, the national people of Armenia, or people of Armenian descent
** Armenian Diaspora, Armenian communities across the ...
: Սուրբ ՅովհաննԷս Եկեղեցի; meaning ''
Saint John'') or Voskevaz Church (Armenian: Ոսկեվազ եկեղեցի) is a 7th- to 12th-century
basilica
In Ancient Roman architecture, a basilica is a large public building with multiple functions, typically built alongside the town's forum. The basilica was in the Latin West equivalent to a stoa in the Greek East. The building gave its name ...
located in the village of
Voskevaz
Voskevaz ( hy, Ոսկեվազ; formerly, Kiziltamur and Ghzltamur) is a village in the Aragatsotn province of Armenia. Not far from the center of the village is the church of Surp Hovhannes, built between the 7th and 12th centuries. The village i ...
in the
Aragatsotn Province
Aragatsotn ( hy, Արագածոտն, ) is a province ('' marz'') of Armenia. It is located in the western part of the country. The capital and largest city of the province is the town of Ashtarak. The Statistical Committee of Armenia reported ...
of
Armenia
Armenia (), , group=pron officially the Republic of Armenia,, is a landlocked country in the Armenian Highlands of Western Asia.The UNbr>classification of world regions places Armenia in Western Asia; the CIA World Factbook , , and ''Ox ...
.
Architecture
The church of S. Hovhannes is a large cruciform central plan interior and rectangular exterior plan type basilica. It is missing the
drum
The drum is a member of the percussion group of musical instruments. In the Hornbostel-Sachs classification system, it is a membranophone. Drums consist of at least one membrane, called a drumhead or drum skin, that is stretched over a she ...
and
dome
A dome () is an architectural element similar to the hollow upper half of a sphere. There is significant overlap with the term cupola, which may also refer to a dome or a structure on top of a dome. The precise definition of a dome has been a m ...
that once stood above. Two portals lead into the church. Much of the church is void of any decoration.
Renovation
The structure is currently (as of late 2009) being renovated and parts are being reconstructed.
Gallery
Image:Voskevaz Church1.JPG, Voskevaz church from another angle.
Image:Voskevaz Portal.JPG, The main portal of the church.
References
Bibliography
*
*
External links
Christian monasteries in Armenia
Armenian Apostolic churches in Armenia
Buildings and structures in Tavush Province
Voskepar
Tourist attractions in Aragatsotn Province
Buildings and structures in Aragatsotn Province
12th-century Oriental Orthodox church buildings
12th-century churches in Armenia
7th-century churches in Armenia
{{Armenia-OO-church-stub