Armenia: Saint Hripsime Church
Hripsime Church is one of the oldest surviving churches in Armenia and is considered a masterpiece of early medieval Armenian architecture. Built in 618 AD, it is dedicated to Saint Hripsime, a Christian martyr who fled to Armenia from Roman persecution. The church is renowned for its architectural style, which features a cruciform plan with a central domed structure. It has a tetraconch (four apses) layout and elegant use of stone. The interior is dark and solemn and almost devoid of any decoration, typical of all Armenian churches. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
