Lmbatavank

Lmbatavank or Saint Stepanos Church of Lmpat Monastery is located in the Shirak Region of Armenia, 1.5-2 km southwest of the city of Artik, on the slope of a hill. VI-VII centuries. is a cross-domed structure. The architectural features are the north and south rectangular wings covered with a dome instead of a nave, horseshoe-shaped nave and arches. In terms of volume, it is a cozy architectural building with excellent proportions. It is built with large stones of artic-tuff. On the walls there are paintings from the XII-XIII centuries. Inscriptions with donation content. The villages of Tsitsk, Sarnaghbyur (the monastery is also called St. Stepanos of Sarnaghbyur), Hayrenyaits Taghk, Yardik (the present city of Artik) that were donated to Lmbatavank are mentioned. The earliest inscription left by Barsegh, the son of Prince Vahram Pahlavun in 1191. is the record. Remains of frescoes contemporary to the construction of Lmbatavank have been preserved on the dome of the Upper Tabernacle and on the eastern wall adjacent to it. The scene of the "Revelation of God" created mainly based on the vision of the prophet Ezekiel is depicted. It is one of the original examples of Armenian monumental painting in the style of depiction. 1953-1954 the area around Lmbatavank was excavated. Pedestals of khachkars were discovered, IX-X centuries. graves, VII-XIII centuries. Sculpted fragments, tiles, metalwork and other objects.

Photo By: Cosmo Deus