Yereruyk Basilica
5th-century basilica near the Turkish border
- Area Shirak
- Type Historic site
- Time needed 30m
Yereruyk is a ruined basilica on the Akhurian river in Shirak, one of the earliest substantial church buildings in Armenia, generally placed in the 5th to 6th centuries. It stands roofless on a stepped platform in open country near the closed border with Turkey.
Open in the planner →Getting there
About 115 km from Yerevan, roughly 2h 05m of driving, by the Gyumri road and then a side road down towards Anipemza. The last stretch runs through a quarrying village.
What you see
What survives is the long aisled plan, the arcaded side walls and carved door surrounds, with the stepped base that lifts the building above the plain. The form is a basilica rather than the domed churches that came later, which is why it matters to anyone following Armenian architectural history. Across the river gorge lies Turkish territory, with the site of Ani not far off.
What to pair it with
It goes with Gyumri, Marmashen and the Arpi area as a Shirak day.
When to go
Spring is best, when the plain is green. There is no shade at all, so avoid the middle of a summer day, and the plateau is harsh in winter.
What is hard about it
It is a ruin with no facilities, no shade and little on-site explanation, and the surrounding village is run-down. The site is in a border area and a military presence is normal, so be sensible about photography towards the river.
Common questions
How old is it?
It is usually dated to the 5th or 6th century, which makes it one of the oldest major churches in the country. Precise dating is debated.
Is the border a problem?
The frontier is closed and guarded but the site itself is open to visitors. Avoid pointing cameras at installations or across the river.
Is there anything else nearby?
Anipemza village and its quarry, and views towards Ani on the Turkish side. There are no visitor facilities.
Nearby
- Marmashen Monastery10th-century monastery in the Akhurian valley
- Harichavank7th-century monastery near Artik
- Holy Saviour's ChurchGyumri's landmark church, restored after the 1988 quake
- Yot Verk Church19th-century church on Vardanants Square
- Black FortressRound 19th-century Russian fort above Gyumri
- Lake ArpiHighland lake and national park famed for birdlife
More of the same kind
- Garni TempleFirst-century Hellenistic temple above the Azat gorge
- PtghnavankRoofless 7th-century basilica above the Kasakh
- Zvartnots Cathedral ruinsRuins of a 7th-century circular cathedral
- MetsamorBronze Age metallurgy site and museum