Otzoun

It stands in the Lorì region, in the far north of Armenia, near the ancient village of Otzounlar, overlooking the deep valley through which the river Tsoraket flows. A basilica of the domed-hall type, with 3 aisles, the 2 side aisles being of reduced proportions. It is built of tuff of a warm pink colour. The omega-shaped dentil decoration on the front of the portico suggests that it is contemporary with the church, whose overall plan is therefore of extreme interest when compared with the earlier types of Yererouk and Tekor. It is surrounded by a portico (now partly collapsed) that encloses it on 3 sides and ends in 2 rooms surmounted by 2 small bell towers. To the north, on a high stepped podium, stands an exceptional and unusual funerary monument of the 6th-7th century, consisting of 2 arches within which rise 2 finely carved obelisks of most elegant proportions.