Saint Gevork Monastery of Mughni

Saint Gevork Monastery of Mughni, also known as Saint George's Monastery of Mughni, is a significant religious site located in the Aragatsotn Province of Armenia, near the village of Mughni and the town of Ashtarak. The monastery's primary purpose was to house relics of Saint George, a venerated figure famously known as "the Slayer of Dragons." The current church stands on a site that once held a 6th-century chapel, also dedicated to Saint George and used to house his remains, indicating a long history of devotion at this location.

Architecture and Artistry

The monastery complex is enclosed within a rectangular walled area. The church itself is distinguished by its cylindrical drum, which features a striking horizontal alternating striped pattern, topped by a conical umbrella-type dome. This striped motif is also echoed within the interior of the dome. The front facade is notable for a triple-arched walkway, with additional arches on either side leading to a belfry. This belfry is an elaborate structure, comprising sixteen equally spaced columns that support a cupola.

Entry into the church is gained through a main portal, adorned with an intricately carved arched lintel and door frame. A smaller, equally detailed doorway is situated to the right of the main entrance. A distinctive architectural feature is the use of two contrasting colors of tuff stone in the stonework—a darker grey and an apricot hue. This dual-color scheme is particularly evident in the doorways, the drum, the facade peaks, and the capitals of the columns supporting the triple-archway.

Internally, the church boasts numerous religious frescoes. These artworks are found around the apse and on the left wall leading to the tomb of Saint George. Historical accounts suggest these frescoes were most likely created in the 17th century by Naghash Hovnatan, an artist renowned for his work on other notable Armenian churches, including Etchmiadzin Cathedral and various churches near Yerevan and Agulis.

Adjacent to the apse lies a room containing a single marble tomb. This tomb is topped with a semi-circular piece of green marble, which has been worn smooth by the touch of countless pilgrims. Tradition holds that this tomb originates from Jerusalem. While the 6th-century chapel previously served as a resting place for Saint George's remains, it was eventually superseded by the construction of the present-day Saint Gevork Church.