Pokaberd (Tsiranavor Church)

Explore the partly ruined, apricot-colored Tsiranavor Church in Ashtarak, a 5th-century fortress and basilica steeped in Armenian legend.

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Փոկաբերդ / Pokaberd

Pokaberd, also known as Tsiranavor Church, is a partly ruined 5th-century Armenian church located in Ashtarak. This triple-nave basilica, encircled by walls, once served as both a religious site and a fortress. Legend says the church is named after one of three sisters who tragically threw themselves into a gorge.

A brief summary to Փոկաբերդ / Pokaberd

79XC+H2X, Khachatur Abovyan St, Ashtarak, AM

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Փոկաբերդ / Pokaberd.

Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the grounds, as the terrain can be uneven.
Visit during the spring or autumn for pleasant weather and picturesque scenery.
Take your time to appreciate the architectural details and imagine the church in its former glory.

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Getting There

Walking

From the center of Ashtarak, Pokaberd (Tsiranavor Church) is located a short walk away. Head east towards Khachatur Abovyan Street. The church is situated off Khachatur Abovyan Street, and is easily visible as you approach. The walk is generally easy, though the immediate vicinity of the church may involve some uneven terrain.
Public Transport

While there isn't a direct public transport route to Pokaberd, the new Ashtarak public transport system has bus stops throughout the city. From the Ashtarak bus station, you can take a local bus to a stop near the city center and then walk to the church. A one-way ticket on public transport costs approximately 133 AMD.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Ashtarak. A short taxi ride from the city center to Pokaberd will cost approximately 700 AMD, plus 120 AMD per kilometer. Several taxi services operate in Ashtarak, including U Taxi, Taxi Viva, and Noy Taxi.

Discover more about Փոկաբերդ / Pokaberd

Pokaberd, better known as Tsiranavor Church, is a historical landmark nestled in Ashtarak, Armenia. Believed to have been constructed between the 5th and 6th centuries under Catholicos Nerses II Bagrevandtsi's patronage, this ancient Armenian church offers a glimpse into the region's rich past. The name "Tsiranavor" translates to "apricot-colored," referring to the apricot-hued tufa stone used in its construction.This triple-nave basilica features a rectangular design with a horseshoe-shaped apse and chambers on either side. The church's structure was fortified with two rings of walls, which served as a stronghold called Pokaberd, meaning "Fortress of Pok". The central nave was supported by three pairs of T-shaped columns, a typical architectural element of 5th-century Armenian churches. Sadly, an earthquake caused severe damage to the church, resulting in the loss of its dome and parts of its walls.According to local lore, the church's name and those of nearby Karmravor (reddish) and Spitakavor (whitish) churches originate from a tragic legend involving three sisters. The sisters, all in love with the same prince, met a sorrowful end when the two eldest sacrificed themselves for the youngest, who then followed suit, each donning a dress of a different color before jumping into the gorge.