Surb Hovhannes Church of Byurakan, 10th century Armenian church in Byurakan, Armenia.

Surb Hovhannes Church is a stone basilica from the 10th century built in the traditional Armenian architectural style. Its facade is decorated with detailed carvings, including temple-like steps and Maltese crosses that are carved directly into the walls.

Surb Hovhannes Church was founded in the 10th century, according to the Russian Wikipedia article on the building. The same article records that the church has two entrances and that a cross carved on its facade takes the form of a Maltese cross. Khachkars stand around the church.

The church is dedicated to Hovhannes Mkrtich (John the Baptist), a name still used locally. Around the building stand khachkars, carved cross-stones that mark graves and votive offerings in Armenian practice. The Maltese-style cross carved on the facade is a detail visitors can pick out.

The church stands in Byurakan village, Aragatsotn Province, at about 40.34°N, 44.27°E. Two portals lead inside: the main entrance is on the side of the building and carries an inscription above the door. Temple-style steps lead up to S. Hovhannes, and carved Maltese crosses mark the facade. Khachkars and decorative stones lie around the grounds; the Artavazik church ruins are across the ravine.

Next to the church stands a large carved cross-stone from the 13th century, showing how important such monuments were in Armenian traditions. Across a nearby ravine, ruins of an even older church are visible, revealing the long religious history of this place.