Bagaran, Archaeological site near Akhurian River, Armenia.
Bagaran is an ancient settlement spread across three hills on both sides of the Akhurian River, with remains of temples, palaces, and fortification walls. The visible foundations reveal structures from different periods, including a former ducal palace and several religious buildings.
A king established this settlement in the third century BC as Armenia's main religious center, giving it major importance in the region. This founding marked a turning point in Armenia's spiritual landscape, as other sacred places lost their prominence.
The Church of Saint Theodore shaped how religious buildings were designed across the region, and its layout became a model others followed. Walking through the site today, you notice how this structure set standards for worship spaces in Armenia.
The site is in open landscape and best explored on foot, since ruins are spread across several hills. There is little shade, so bring water and sun protection, especially on hot days.
A church at this site was once entirely covered with inscriptions running across three different sides of the building. These carvings have mostly faded over time, but visitors can still find traces of these ancient markings.
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