Koshavank St. Stepanos Church
St. Stepanos Church, also known as Koshavank, is a 7th-century Armenian church located near the village of Kosh in the Aragatsotn Province of Armenia. Perched on the edge of a mountainous gorge, it offers a striking view of the surrounding landscape. The church features a cruciform design with a central dome and is constructed from local tuff stone. Its main entrance is adorned with triple columns and an intricately carved tympanum, showcasing early Armenian architectural elements. Inside, remnants of wall paintings, including a depiction of "Christ in Glory," can still be observed. The site also includes a medieval cemetery with 13th-century khachkars (cross-stones) and a small chapel, adding to its historical and cultural significance.
St. Stepanos Church, commonly referred to as Koshavank, is a remarkable 7th-century Armenian church located near the village of Kosh in the Aragatsotn Province of Armenia. Perched dramatically on the edge of a mountainous gorge, the church offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and stands as a testament to early medieval Armenian architecture. Built from local tuff stone, the church features a traditional cruciform design crowned with a central dome. The main entrance is distinguished by three elegant columns supporting an intricately carved tympanum, showcasing the fine craftsmanship of its era. Inside the church, visitors can still see remnants of ancient wall paintings, including a notable depiction of "Christ in Glory." The site also includes a medieval cemetery adorned with finely carved 13th-century khachkars (cross-stones) and a small adjacent chapel, further emphasizing its historical and cultural importance.
Recognizing its significance, the church underwent a careful and comprehensive restoration from 2007 to 2008, conducted by LEVGUK CJSC. This restoration project focused on preserving the original architectural features and stabilizing the structure to ensure its endurance for future generations. Thanks to these efforts, St. Stepanos Church continues to be a vital cultural and spiritual landmark in the region, attracting both scholars and visitors interested in Armenia’s rich heritage.
