St. Sarkis Church

St. Sarkis Church stands as a well-preserved stone structure featuring traditional Armenian architectural elements including detailed carvings, a rectangular plan with prominent altar area, and thick walls supporting a barrel vault ceiling constructed from irregular stones and sand-lime mortar.

Built between the 3rd and 5th centuries during the Sassanian period, this ancient Christian structure was reportedly commissioned by Queen Shirin, wife of Emperor Khosrow Parviz, representing one of the earliest examples of Armenian church architecture in Iran.

The church serves as a spiritual center for local Armenian Christians, hosting annual Saint Sarkis feast day celebrations and preserving Armenian customs, language, and religious traditions through regular services and community gatherings that maintain cultural identity across generations.

Designated as Iranian National Heritage, the church is accessible to visitors interested in historical architecture and religious studies, with guided tours available and ongoing preservation efforts ensuring structural integrity for future generations.

This remarkable structure comprises two parallel naves connected by a narrow passage, with the southern nave dedicated to Saint Sergius and the northern to Saint Bacchus, both featuring distinctive horseshoe-shaped Tavizeh vaults characteristic of Sassanian architectural influence.

Location: Urmia County

GPS coordinates: 37.46972,45.03361

Latest update: July 25, 2025 19:35