Basilica in Qum village

This early Christian basilica in Qum village features three interior aisles separated by L-shaped pillars, with a central nave roughly three times wider than the side sections. A horseshoe-shaped apse sits at the eastern end, and the entire structure measures about 120 feet by 63 feet (36.5 by 19.3 meters).

The building dates to the 6th-7th centuries and stands among the earliest documented Christian monuments in Caucasian Albania. Its construction relates to the death of Palestinian missionary Elisha, an event central to the site's founding.

The structure reflects local building methods using bluish stone and fired square bricks typical of the region's ancient craftsmanship. These materials and techniques shaped how the building appears to visitors today.

The site requires sturdy footwear and caution when walking over scattered stone remains and uneven ground. A local guide helps visitors understand the scattered ruins more clearly.

Historical records show that Vachagan III ordered construction at the exact location where Palestinian missionary Elisha died. This turned the site into an important shrine for early Christian communities in the region.

Location: Qakh District

GPS coordinates: 41.45722,46.90972

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:22