Surp Hovanes, Christian church in Mastara, Armenia
Surp Hovanes is a church in Mastara in Armenia's Aragatsotn Province, distinguished by a large central dome supported by four projecting apses arranged in a square layout with inward-curving circular walls. The ground plan combines a rectangular exterior form with rounded interior spaces, creating a distinctive geometric composition.
The church was built in the 5th century and rebuilt in the 7th century under Bishop Teodoros Gnuni, housing relics of John the Baptist brought from Caesarea. This early foundation and later restoration show the site's continuing religious importance across several centuries.
The church displays typical features of medieval Armenian religious architecture, with traditional khachkars, stone crosses scattered throughout and around the building. These elements shape how the place looks and reflect deep religious traditions.
The church is located in Aragatsotn region, several kilometers from Yerevan, and stands near other historical buildings like Aruch Cathedral and Artavazik Church. It works well to visit several sites in the area together to compare architecture from different periods.
The building merges a square exterior form with completely rounded interior spaces, an unusual architectural feature that sets it apart from most other Armenian churches. This interior rounding creates a surprising spatial experience when entering, contrasting with the strictly geometric exterior.
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