Okonavank, Church building in Yenokavan, Armenia.
Okonavank is a church in Yenokavan built with thick walls roughly 3 meters wide and featuring defensive towers in the southwestern section. The structure combines elements of a chapel with fortification features that were typical of churches in this region and period.
The church was built in 1863 and stands in Yenokavan as a testament to 19th-century Armenian architecture. Its creation came during a period when churches in this region needed to serve as defensive structures as well.
The church shows features of 19th-century Armenian architecture that combined religious and defensive design. Visitors can observe this practical approach to building that was typical for the period.
The church sits at about 1600 meters elevation and can be reached by main roads connecting nearby villages in the Tavush region. Visitors should expect hilly terrain and wear sturdy footwear.
The church has separate fortified structures with sections positioned roughly 20 meters away from the main walls. This unusual layout pattern is uncommon in Armenian churches and shows a distinctive defensive approach.
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