Aruchavank
| Aruchavank Արուճավանք | |
|---|---|
The Church of Aruch with collapsed dome, 2008. | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Armenian Apostolic Church |
| Location | |
| Location | Aruch, Aragatsotn Province, Armenia |
| Geographic coordinates | 40°17′21″N 44°04′50″E / 40.289078°N 44.080572°E |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Domed hall single-nave basilica |
| Style | Armenian |
| Completed | 660s |
| Dome(s) | 1 (collapsed) |
Aruchavank or the Cathedral of Aruch (Արուճավանք; also Surb Grigor) is situated on a rocky plateau at the western foot of Mount Aragats in the village of Aruch in the Aragatsotn Province of Armenia. According to wall inscriptions on the east wall and manuscripts written by historians Ghevond, Hovhannes Draskhanakerttsi, and Stepanos Asoghik, the church and adjoining building for residence (the palace) were commissioned by Prince Grigor Mamikonian and his wife Heghine/Heline between 661 and 682 AD. Architecturally it is one of the most important Armenian churches of the Middle Ages and also one of the largest.