Karmravor St. Astvatsatsin

Karmravor St. Astvatsatsin Church, constructed from red colored tuff stone in the second half of the 7th century, is located on the outskirts of Ashtarak, in the Aragatsotn region. There is much lore concerning the construction of this church. According to one legend, three sisters were in love with the same young man. When they discovered this, in despair one by one they threw themselves off a precipice. Each was wearing a shawl–one red, one apricot, and the other white. Later, three churches were built in that region dedicated to these sisters and named Karmravor (red), Tsiranavor (apricot), and Spitakavor (white).

St. Karmravor Church is one of the finest examples of the compact, cruciform-style, domed Armenian church. Its original tiled roof, harmonious proportions and skillful volumetric design are especially striking. Inside the church, there are still vestiges of the 7th century mural Christ in Glory. Inscriptions on the outer walls indicate that the church was built by Davit and his sons.

In 1292, Hakob the Elder built a Shelter for the Homeless near the church. From the 8th to the 12th centuries, St. Karmravor served as a convent church. In 1860, it became a parish church and in 1987 the whole complex was renovated. The latest renovation to this wonderful church was completed in 2004 with diasporan sponsorship, during which the original altar of Karmravor was excavated.