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”.
The well-established transport infrastructure of Armenia allows to get to Yereruyk by a private car or with the help of various travel companies which offer regular excursions and tours to different sights of the country. Due to the geographical location of Yereruyk the trip will not seem long.
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.
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.
TALIN CATHEDRAL
61 km
DASHTADEM FORTRESS
56 km
YERERUYK
70 km