BIWRAKAN - ST. JOHN / Xth century
Biwrakan is a village near Ashtarak on the left side of the Amberd river. The single-naved basilica dedicated to St. John was built by the Katholikos John VI between 900 and 931. The apse seems to antedate the church (it is probably Vth century) and is rectangular even on the interior.
It is richly decorated with architectural motifs on the east façade. In order to balance the structure a two-storied room was added on each side of the apse and the front wall was redoubled.

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