The Church of Mashtots Airapet is located just a stone’s throw away from the majestic Garni Fortress, a mere kilometer apart. In the village of Garni, visitors can also discover the Church of the Holy Mother of God, the ruins of the Humarjam Church dating back to the 4th and 5th centuries, the remnants of the Tukh Manuk Temple from the 4th century, the Church of Saint Sergius, and the sanctuary of Queen Katranide I.
This cross-domed church was constructed in the 12th century and is adorned with intricate decorations featuring geometric and floral patterns that grace the entire perimeter of its windows, portal, dome, and interior. To the right of the portal, one can find lapidary inscriptions that add to the church’s historical significance.
Surrounding the church are numerous khachkars, or carved stone crosses, one of the oldest of which is found in Garni. This particular khachkar was erected in 879 AD by Armenian Queen Katranide I, the wife of King Ashot I the Great, who belonged to the noble Bagratuni dynasty. Ashot I, who held the title of sparapet (the supreme commander of the army), achieved a remarkable victory over the Arabs in the Battle of the Forty, subdued powerful feudal lords, and restored Armenia’s independence. In recognition of his achievements, he received a crown and gifts from the Arab caliph Al-Mu’tamid and King Basil I, acknowledging him as the sovereign with supreme authority over the other rulers of the South Caucasus.
