Gavit of Katogike church

Gavits, or narthexes, are a distinct element of Armenian church architecture. These forehalls served as gathering spaces for parishioners who could not fit inside the main sanctuary. They also hosted important meetings and often became burial sites for the nobility.

The gavit of Geghard, constructed in 1225, is no less remarkable than the Katoghike Cathedral itself. Architecturally, it holds its own significance.

At the center of the ceiling is a circular opening that allows in light. This oculus is framed by a dome constructed from seven concentric rings of precisely cut stones, arranged in a cascading, faceted pattern. Known as a “stalactite” or “muqarnas” dome, its form mimics the mineral formations found in caves. While this decorative system is typical of Islamic and Central Asian architecture, Armenian craftsmen were the first to translate it into stone.

Four massive columns uphold the central vault. At a glance, they appear uniform, but closer inspection reveals that each differs in base, girth, and ornamentation. The windows, too, are slightly uneven in size. Historians believe these variations were deliberate, a subtle architectural commentary on the imperfection of human craftsmanship when set against the divine.

Another defining feature of the gavit is its structure. Unlike conventional halls enclosed by four walls, this one merges with the surrounding geology. Its western side is a sheer cliff face, into which the complex is directly built. Two doors in this rock wall lead into the cave churches, seamlessly integrating the natural and the man-made.