Cathedral of Virgin Martyr Hripsime.

Eriged in 618 the structural design of the Cathedral of Virgin Martyr Hripsime reached a higher degree of structural perfection for this time. The Cathedral of Hripsime is square-corned and the exterior walls under the apse are indented with trapezoidal niches. This arrangement results in thinner exterior walls while at the same time enhances the structural integrity and aesthetic balance of the overall edifice. Don’t forget that we are in VIIth century. The Church of Virgin martyr St. Hripsime is rightly considered a gem of VIIth century classical Armenian Architecture. The dome on pendentives becomes the unifying architectural characteristic of VIth and VIIth century Armenian Churches. The broad, massive outline of St.-Hripsime has an extraordinarily harmonious composition. Its lean, stable and yet soaring structure is a fitting match to Ararat and Aragats which grace its background.