Saint Sargis Church of Tsovinar, Medieval church in Tsovinar, Armenia
Saint Sargis Church stands on a promontory near Lake Sevan, featuring a grass-covered flat roof and a single-aisle basilica design with stone walls. The structure sits elevated above the surrounding landscape, offering views across the water and the surrounding countryside.
This structure was built between the 12th and 13th centuries as part of the medieval religious building tradition in Armenia. The roof was restored during the 20th century to protect the ancient church from deterioration.
The church belongs to the Armenian Apostolic Church and hosts a small cemetery with medieval grave markers that reflect how local communities honored their deceased. These graves show burial practices that have remained important to people in this region for many centuries.
This site sits in a remote area near Lake Sevan in southeastern Armenia, requiring some travel time to reach. The best time to visit is during the warmer months when paths are dry and easy to walk.
A natural spring and cave formation exist in the ravine directly beneath the church, creating an unexpected geological feature at this religious site. Few visitors notice this hidden element while exploring the area below the sanctuary.
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