Church of St Prkitch


Walking from the west, Ani's distinctive Church of the Redeemer (1034–36) looks strikingly complete despite the supporting scaffolding. From other angles, however, it's evident that the eastern half has collapsed (due to a 1957 lightning strike) and fencing prevents closer access. The church was built to house a portion of what was believed to be the True Cross of Jesus' crucifixion, brought here from Constantinople; the facade's Armenian inscriptions relay the history.

Also look for the superb khatchkar (cross stone) carved on an elaborate rectangular background, about 3m above ground.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Küçük Hamam

0.07 MILES

Near the Church of St Prkitch are the excavated remnants of this late 11th-century bathhouse.

2. Tigran Honents Church

0.13 MILES

Appealingly sited overlooking a stretch of river gorge, this 13th-century church appears relatively intact, though the current main door is within what…

3. Convent of the Virgins

0.18 MILES

Out of bounds just above Arpaçay gorge, this complex of ruins is most notable for the dainty, serrated-domed chapel (probably 11th-century) enclosed by a…

4. Ani Cathedral

0.21 MILES

Completed in 1010, the grassy-roofed cathedral is the largest building among the Ani ruins. The building's elegantly finished stone walls are relatively…

5. Silk Road Bridge Supports

0.27 MILES

Two unconnected brick towers are all that remain of a once important 9th-century bridge that formerly straddled the Arpaçay, the river that now forms the…

6. Ebu'l Muammeran Camii

0.27 MILES

The most substantial remnant of this 11th-century mosque is its minaret, now lying on its side with the spiral stairs inside clearly visible. It was…

7. Kervansaray

0.33 MILES

The Church of the Holy Apostles (Arak Elots Kilisesi) dates from 1031, but after the Seljuks took the city in 1064 they added a gateway with a fine dome…

8. Zoroastrian Temple

0.35 MILES

This ruined temple is thought to have been built in the 4th century AD, during a period of Sassanian influence from Persia. It might have been converted…