Yereruyk Basilica

Yereruyk Basilica is one of the oldest churches standing in Armenia, raised in the 4th or 5th century on a plateau above the Akhurian River, on ground that had held a pagan temple before the church went up. It stands about 5 km southeast of Ani, once one of the medieval Armenian capitals, near the village of Anipemza in Shirak province. The Akhurian here marks the boundary with Turkey.

The basilica is built from the same orange tuff (volcanic building stone) quarried at Ani, laid out on the three-nave plan typical of Armenia's earliest church architecture. Centuries have not been kind to it: the structure survives half-ruined today, though enough of the original stonework remains to trace its plan clearly on the ground.

Local tradition ties the name Yereruyk to matagh, the custom of animal sacrifice, said to have carried on at this spot from pagan times even after the church replaced the temple. That's the traditional account, not a documented one, but it's the explanation that has stuck.

Anipemza itself is a small village today. If you're planning to go, check locally beforehand for anything about access, since conditions this close to the border can change.

Yereruyk Basilica is in Shirak province, near the village of Anipemza, northwest of Yerevan. Given its position right along the Akhurian River border with Turkey, it's worth checking the approach locally before setting out rather than assuming an easy or unrestricted route.