Background

Chapel of Dzordzor: A Testament to Armenian History

A relocated Armenian chapel in West Azerbaijan, Iran, dating back to the 14th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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The Chapel of Dzordzor, also known as the Church of St. Mary, is an Armenian church in Iran's West Azerbaijan Province. Originally constructed between 1315 and 1342 AD, it served as a school for religious, cultural, and literary education. In 1987-1988, the entire church was moved to higher ground to avoid submersion by the construction of the Baron Dam.

A brief summary to کلیسای زُر زُر - Chapel of Dzordzo

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the rocky terrain surrounding the church.
  • Bring water and snacks, as there are limited facilities in the immediate area.
  • Consider visiting the nearby Monastery of Saint Thaddeus (Qara Kelisa), another UNESCO World Heritage Site, while in the region.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Maku, take the road towards Qara Kelisa (Monastery of Saint Thaddeus). The Chapel of Dzordzor is located approximately 12 km northwest of Qara Kelisa, near the village of Baron. The road is generally accessible, but be prepared for some unpaved sections. There is no parking fee.

  • Taxi

    Taxis can be hired from Maku to visit the Chapel of Dzordzor. Negotiate the fare in advance, as there are no fixed rates. A round trip should cost approximately 500,000-800,000 Iranian Rial, depending on your negotiation skills.

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Discover more about کلیسای زُر زُر - Chapel of Dzordzo

The Chapel of Dzordzor, or Church of Holy Mary, stands as a poignant reminder of Armenia's rich cultural and religious heritage within Iran. Located in West Azerbaijan Province, near the village of Baron, this historical monument dates back to the 14th century. It is believed that the church was constructed between 1315 and 1342 AD under the guidance of Archbishop Zakaria, serving as a school for religious, cultural, and literary education. The architecture of the Zorzor Church is simple yet elegant, featuring a cruciform design constructed from carved stones. The chapel's dimensions are modest, measuring approximately 7 meters in length, 5 meters in width, and 12 meters in height. A dome with sixteen grooves crowns the structure, supported by four arches. The facade is adorned with false columns that end in a chin arch around the windows and skylights. In 1987, the construction of the Barun Reservoir Dam threatened to submerge the church. In an extraordinary feat of engineering and cultural preservation, the entire church was carefully dismantled, moved 600 meters to a higher location, and reconstructed stone by stone. This relocation, completed in collaboration with Armenian specialists, saved the Chapel of Dzordzor from certain destruction. Today, the Chapel of Dzordzor is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a testament to its outstanding universal value as an example of Armenian architectural and decorative traditions. The church is accessible through a metal door on its western side, decorated with Armenian inscriptions and a cross.

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