St. Hovhannes Mkrtich (St. Sargis) church of Meghri

Meghri church and Fortress: A Treasure of Armenian Art and History

As you stand at the entrance of the St. Hovhannes Mkrtich (St. Sargis) Church of Meghri, a sense of awe washes over you. The centuries unfold before your eyes, and you can almost hear the whispers of history echoing through the hallowed halls.
This remarkable church, nestled within the community of Meghri in the Syunik region of Armenia, is a treasure trove of art, faith, and enduring tradition. Nearby, the Meghri Fortress stands as a sentinel, its unique design guarding the memory of past battles and victories.
Get ready to embark on a journey through time and history, as you explore these captivating sites and unravel the tales they hold. Here in Meghri, the past comes to life and you can’t help but feel a part of it all.

Located in the town of Mghri, in the Syunik region in Armenia, the St. Hovhannes Mkrtich Church, affectionately known as the Church of Poqr Tagh, transports visitors back to the Late Middle Ages, specifically to the 17th century. This sacred site, with its commanding position atop the Meghri landscape, has been meticulously restored, breathing life into its storied history.

Meghri Church: A Canvas of Frescoes

The church’s architectural design is a testament to the craftsmanship of its era. It follows the style of three-nave basilicas that were prevalent in Armenia during the Late Middle Ages. The rectangular hall of the church is divided into three naves by two pairs of T-shaped gables, lending it an air of grandeur and symmetry. Adjacent to the semi-circular altar, two-story vaulted chambers stand as silent witnesses to centuries of worship.
The most striking feature, however, is the 6-column brick belfry that crowns the church. Rising from the roof, it adds an element of dimensionality and visual intrigue to the structure, which is primarily constructed from semi-finished basalt.
Stepping into the St. Hovhannes Mkrtich Church is like entering an art gallery frozen in time. The interior is adorned with frescoes that cover nearly every surface, and their historical significance cannot be overstated. These frescoes represent an unparalleled treasure trove of Armenian art, unrivaled in their richness among late medieval frescoes in the region.
Remarkably, the frescoes reveal at least three distinct layers, created in 1700, 1793, and 1866. The layer from 1700, likely the work of Naghash Hovnatan or one of his apprentices, comprises 23 plot scenes and numerous depictions of saints. In 1793, Astvatatur Astapattsi contributed four additional frescoes, depicting apostles and saints. An unknown artist left their mark in 1866 by painting or repainting several saintly figures, adding to the tapestry of history within the church’s walls.

Meghri Fortress: A Defiant Sentinel

Just a stone’s throw away from the St. Hovhannes Mkrtich Church lies the Meghri Fortress, a testament to Armenia’s medieval defensive prowess. Situated strategically on the northern side of Mets Tagh, this fortress boasts an innovative horseshoe-shaped design that provided impenetrable protection against threats from the northern, western, and eastern directions.

While the exact origins of Meghri Fortress remain shrouded in mystery, historical records point to its existence as early as 1083. The fortress underwent a complete reconstruction in the 18th century, reinforcing its defensive capabilities. Comprising six towers, the fortress stands out for its unique layout – it lacks traditional walls, which are instead replaced by the natural rugged terrain of the surrounding mountains. This innovative design allowed the fortress to withstand the onslaught of Turkish attacks in 1723.

FACTS

❈ St. Hovhannes Mkrtich Church, or the Church of Poqr Tagh, in Mghri, Armenia, transports visitors to the 17th century, with meticulous restoration.

❈ The church’s architectural design showcases the grandeur and symmetry of three-nave basilicas, with a striking 6-column brick belfry.

❈ The church’s interior is an art gallery frozen in time, adorned with frescoes from 1700, 1793, and 1866, revealing a treasure trove of Armenian art.

❈ Meghri Fortress, located nearby, features an innovative horseshoe-shaped design, providing impenetrable defense against threats from various directions.

❈ The fortress’s origins date back to at least 1083, and it underwent reconstruction in the 18th century, with a unique layout that allowed it to withstand Turkish attacks in 1723.