Church of Saint Gregory of Gagkashen, Armenian church in Ani, Turkiye
The Church of Saint Gregory of Gagkashen is a church building in Ani with a circular walkway around its four-lobed interior space. The structure displays fine stonework and geometric patterns throughout its design.
The building was created in the early 1000s and was built by master builder Trdat. A few years later it received reinforcing stonework at the columns for stability.
The church reflects a blend of Byzantine and Armenian building styles that shows how different cultures met in this region. You can see this mixing in the stonework details and the basic shape of the building.
The site shows foundations and remaining parts of the structure that reveal how people built with stone in medieval times. When you visit the remains, notice the columns and arches to better understand the construction method.
Excavations in the early 1900s uncovered a statue showing a king holding a model of the building in his hands. This discovery gives a rare glimpse into how the complete church originally looked.
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