Surp Astvatsatsin Church of Karbi

Surp Astvatsatsin Church Սուրբ Աստվածածին եկեղեցի
275 px The belfry of S. Astvatsatsin at Karbi, September 2009.
Shown within Armenia
Basic information
Location	Karbi, Aragatsotn Province, Armenia
Geographic coordinates
Affiliation	Armenian Apostolic Church
Architectural description
Architectural type	Triple-nave Basilica; rectangular plan outside
Architectural style	Armenian
Completed	Church: 1691-1693; belfry: 1338
Specifications
Dome(s)	0 domes; 1 cupola centered above the basilica; 1 belfry in front

The church of Surp Astvatsatsin (Armenian: Սուրբ Աստվածածին; meaning Holy Mother of God) is located just off of the main highway through the village of Karbi in the Aragatsotn Province of Armenia. The basilica was completed between the years of 1691-1693, while the belfry was built earlier in 1338.

Architecture

S. Astvatsatsin is a triple-nave basilica, with a single gable roof covering the entire body of the structure and a small off-centered cupola. Several large khachkars are embedded into the exterior walls of the church. A large two-storey belfry it situated in front of the eastern end of the church. The belfry is a separate structure from the basilica. It has a large archway that serves as the support for the upper cupola. The cupola is supported by eight columns and has a conical dome above.

Gallery

• Կարբիի ս. Աստվածածին.JPG

  S. Astvatsatsin Church and belfry

• Karbi Belfry Inscription.JPG

  Belfry inscription (at the midsection of the wall)

• Karbi Khachkar.JPG

  Khachkar embedded into the wall of S. Astvatsatsin

• Karbi Khachkar 2.JPG

  Another khachkar

• Karbi Church Inscription.JPG

  Inscription built into the upper walls of the church exterior

References

Bibliography

• Brady Kiesling, Rediscovering Armenia, p. 20, 21; original archived at Archive.org, and current version online on Armeniapedia.org.