Obscure yet beautiful

Another couple of pics from the locations we visited last week with Roxy.

This impressive ruin belongs to a large 6th century church (cathedral, actually), ruined, like many other monuments in Armenia, by the horrific 1679 earthquake. It was originally located in the village of Avan, which is now one of the districts of Yerevan, and the church is hidden in the thick of a residential district. Beside being the oldest church in Yerevan, it is also unique because it was a Catholic church, not an Orthodox one. (http://www.armeniapedia.org/index.php?title=Avan_Church).


The next one is located in the village of Ptghni (literally - Fruitful) very close to the capital. Ruined by the same earthquake, it still retains a sad sort of beauty. It is about as old as the previous one, built around 6th or 7th century.

Another view of the same church. I am so glad I wasn't there when that piece fell! (Doesn't it remind you of the siege of Minas Tirith?)

So what? - one may say. What did you post it here for? Well, I guess one thing I always enjoy about Armenia is the layers of history right under your feet. There is a lot to learn from it, and it's just cool!