Yereruyk Temple

Yereruyk temple is one of the most mysterious sites in Armenia. You might think it’s just another church among the hundreds of churches in Armenia, but brace yourself, as this spot will exceed all your expectations. Yereruyk temple is a relatively rare destination among tourists, which gives you a unique opportunity to appreciate its full beauty. Since it is not an active church, not even the locals visit Yereruyk very often. Yereruyk’s appeal lies in its charming and alluring ruins.

Seeing the temple during sunset is exquisite. Visit Yereruyk just before dusk to enjoy the sunkissed views over the reddish temple stones. While you relish the hues of orange, pink, and purple as the sun sets over the ruins, take a few photos that will later remind you of the breathtaking and unforgettable scene you’ve just witnessed. Put your camera in time-lapse mode – the clouds moving overhead create a dramatic combination with the vibrant sunset. 

How to get to Yereruyk temple?

Yereruyk temple is located in the Shirak province, in the northwestern part of Armenia. To reach Yereruyk, you can either take a taxi, join group tours, or rent a car to drive around all the sightseeing places in Shirak, including the ruins of Yereruyk. Getting to Gyumri from Yerevan by fast train is also an option. Driving directly from Yerevan to Yereruyk temple will take approximately two hours - a drive worth taking while admiring the scenery.
 

Shirak province has plenty of sites worth visiting, such as the cultural capital of Armenia – the town of Gyumri with its historic district, museums, and churches, as well as the Marmashen and Harichavank monasteries, Black Fortress, Yereruyk, and many others. So, spend a day or two in the Shirak province to discover its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. 

What is so unique about Yereruyk?

At first glance, it appears to be nothing more than a ruined old church in a flat area with massive stairs leading to the entrance. Initially, historians had very little information about this monument, despite the fact that it has been researched several times, adding to the mystery of its origins. Fortunately, archaeological excavations from 2009 to 2016 shed light on this magnificent structure. Scholars date Yereruyk to the 5th-6th centuries AD based on its architectural style and patterns. Interestingly, Yereruyk has many design similarities with Turmanin Basilica (480 AD) in Syria. This similarity is one of the oddities of Yereruyk; how could such similar architectural patterns be used almost simultaneously in two entirely different locations (Armenia and Syria)? 

Although Yereruyk is one of a kind in Armenia, local architect T. Toramanyan claims it shares significant similarities with the once-existing and still-standing cathedral in Tekor, which is 20 kilometers from Ani, Armenia's historical capital (currently in the territory of Turkey). Since the early Christian era, approximately 15 basilica-style temples have been discovered around the world.

Guess what? Yereruyk was built with tufa stone, a common natural stone in the area. It adds to the structure's charm by arranging its orange to pink shades during sunset. Apparently, the architects of this one-of-a-kind monument considered the sunrise and sunset directions when designing the ornaments on the temple's eastern and western walls. The west entrance is lavishly decorated, as are the east wall engravings and decorations - all of this is done on purpose because the beauty of these ruins is magnified when the sun shines on them. Yereruyk temple was originally a three-nave basilica, the ceiling of which did not survive. However, standing in front of the western entrance, you will notice the precise division of the building's interior and internal design via its arches. Recent excavations have revealed burial grounds, cemeteries, dams, and 6th-century fortress walls.
 

You should definitely visit Yereruyk to experience its absolute beauty and feel its majesty, lavishly decorating the ravine and creating a unique mood around it. Everyone who comes to Armenia should go to Yereruyk and experience its celestial vibes and atmosphere.