Not far from the fortress gates lie the ruins of the Armenian church of Surb Gevork. According to one version, before it became Armenian, it was an Albanian church for several centuries—this part of modern Azerbaijan once belonged to the Christian Caucasian Albania.
Close to the plane tree alley stands an abandoned church from the 19th century. Built in 1803, shortly before the Albanian Catholicosate ceased to exist, it was operational for only a brief period. During Soviet times, it served various functions, including that of a residential building. Now, it is overgrown with grass and small trees.
While the construction of the temple prominently featured elements of Eastern architecture, the octagonal crosses on the external walls of the church draw the most attention. Some sources suggest that the walls of the church were painted during the Soviet era. It is also reported that a fire later broke out within the temple.
To learn more about the intriguing history of Zagatala, visit the local history museum on Heydar Aliyev Avenue.
