Karmravor Church
Karmravor Church, also known as Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God), is a small 7th-century Armenian church located in Ashtarak, near Yerevan. Built around the 600s, it features a cruciform plan with a central dome and is unique for preserving its original red tile roof. Despite its modest size, the church is admired for its harmonious architecture and intricate stonework.
Local legend links it to three sisters who tragically died for love, inspiring the names of three churches nearby: Karmravor (red), Tsiranavor (apricot), and Spitakavor (white).
Karmravor Church, also known as Surb Astvatsatsin (“Holy Mother of God”), is a beautifully preserved 7th-century Armenian Apostolic church located in the town of Ashtarak, just northwest of Yerevan. Despite its small size, it stands out for its elegant design and historical significance. The church has a cruciform (cross-shaped) layout with a central dome on an octagonal drum, and it’s especially notable for its original red tile roof—a rare feature that has survived for over 1,300 years.
Built around the late 6th to early 7th century, Karmravor was constructed using tuff stone and decorated with modest yet refined carvings, including geometric patterns and simple cornices. The name “Karmravor” means “reddish,” referencing the unique color of the roof tiles.
In 1999–2000, the church underwent careful restoration by LEVGUK CJSC, helping to preserve its structure and original materials without compromising its historic character.
A popular legend surrounds Karmravor and two nearby churches—Tsiranavor and Spitakavor—telling the story of three sisters who fell in love with the same man. To avoid conflict, the elder two sacrificed themselves, followed by the youngest upon discovering their fate. Each wore a different colored dress (red, apricot, and white), and three churches named after those colors were built in their memory.
Today, Karmravor is not only a sacred site but also a remarkable example of early Armenian church architecture, offering visitors a peaceful and deeply symbolic glimpse into Armenia’s spiritual and cultural past.
