Areni Surb Astvatsatsin, Church in Areni, Vayots Dzor Province, Armenia

Areni Surb Astvatsatsin is a single-nave, two-aisled domed church completed in 1321, standing on a plateau above the Arpa River and the village of Areni. Its single drum carries a conical umbrella dome, and two portals open from the south and west. Above the west portal's lintel, a high-relief Virgin Mary is carved on the tympanum.

Built in 1321 on the order of Tarsaitch Orbelian, prince of Syunik, and designed by the architect Momik. In 1840 the dome collapsed, destroying part of the reliefs; the symbols of the evangelists survive in the pendentives. Nearby are the ruins of Orbelian's 13th-century palace, moved from Yeghegis to Areni.

The carvings inside bear the hand of Momik, a master artist whose work adorns the western entrance. Visitors can observe these fine stone details and sense the deep spiritual role this place held for the community.

The site sits on a plateau and requires walking through the landscape to reach it. The best time to visit is in spring or fall when temperatures are mild and the paths are easier to walk.

Nearby stand the remains of a 13th-century palace and two old bridges, one built by Bishop Sarkis between 1265 and 1287. These ruins show that this place was once a larger complex with both secular and religious authority.