G(H)Eghart

A large monastic complex standing at the bottom of a rocky valley in the Kotaik region, in the central-eastern part of the country. It consists of a series of spaces, partly built and partly rock-cut (hence the name Airivank, or “monastery of the cave”), hewn out of the living rock but repeating traditional architectural motifs and systems. The main church is of the domed-hall type (1215), with a very tall drum surmounted by a greatly elongated pointed roof. The outer walls are adorned with sculptural motifs, partly of local type (decoration of the portal with grapes and pomegranate), partly close to the achievements of European Romanesque. The large gavit (of 1225) has a great stalactite dome of clearly Islamic derivation, as do many other parts of the complex. Towards the mountain a whole articulated series of rooms is carved out, also on several levels, including a small church preceded by an endonarthex rich in very remarkable sculptural motifs (relief of the two chained lions). The complex is enclosed within a walled perimeter, with living quarters built into and against the east and south sides. In the enclosure and on the rocky slopes of the mountain all around there are a series of small cells, also carved on several levels, and a very large collection of khatchkars and incised crosses.