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Yereruyk

Region

Shirak

Distance from Yerevan

104.3 km

Type

Monastery/Church

Yereruyk temple (IV-V centuries) is located on a plateau near the Akhuryan River, about 5 km southeast of one of the oldest Armenian capitals – Ani (currently Ani is not located in the territory of Armenia). Yereruyk is considered one of the very first Christian buildings in Armenia, which has survived to this day. In this regard, Yereruyk was included in the UNESCO list. The name of the unique structure is translated from Armenian as “flutter”.

Interesting

facts about Yereruyk

Facts

The burials of babies were found on the territory of Yereruyk temple. A large number of graves of newborns supposes that an unrevealed disaster occurred in this area. According to some researchers, Yereruyk temple was dedicated to St. John the Baptist, who was very popular in Armenia. Being the Baptist of Jesus Christ might have “allowed” people to bury newborn children here.

Sculptural stones scattered throughout the whole territory show that there are remains of an early Christian era. However, there are very few traces of medieval and late medieval ages.

According to folk etymology, the name arose because of an architectural design: seeing the temple from a distance, you may think that the structure is swaying (Armenian yereral – sway). Yereruyk is one of the most valuable structures in Armenia. According to experts, this is one of the oldest known medieval structures.

Weather in Shirak

The high season in Armenia lasts for a long time due to the pleasant climate conditions. Warm days in Armenia start in March and last until late autumn; winter is usually snowless and not long. The high precipitation season is variable. The tourist season for Yereruyk depends on the weather conditions.

Sights

near Yereruyk

Talin Cathedral

35 km

KEVORK CHAVOUSH MUSEUM

46 km

Dashtadem Fortress

46 km

DZITOGHTSYAN MUSEUM OF NATIONAL ARCHITECTURE

47 km

Yereruyk on the map on Armenia