GEŁARD / Xth-Xllth centuries
This large monastic complex which rises at the bottom of a rocky valley in the district of Kotayk (east of the central part of the country) is composed of a series of rooms partly free standing and partly rock cut, whence its name of Ayrivank («the monastery of the caves»). The rock-hewn structures reproduce the motifs and building techniques of traditional architecture. The main church (1215) is a domed hall with a cupola set on a very high drum and with a very elongated covering. The exterior walls are decorated with sculptured reliefs some of which are of local origin (eg. the decoration of the portal with grape clusters and pomegranantes) and others are reminiscent of western Romanesque art.
The large gavit (1225) is roofed over with a large cupola with stalactites of clearly Islamic inspiration. Many other parts of the complex likewise show signs of Islamic influence.
On the side of the mountain a whole series of chambers have been cut out at various levels, among these a small church preceded by an endonarthex adorned with remarkable sculptured motifs such as bas-relief of two chained lions. The entire complex is enclosed by a wall. It includes residential chambers cut into the rock and set on the southern and eastern sides. Within the enclosure and on the surrounding slopes of the mountain are found a series of small cells which are also cut out at various levels as well as a rich collection of Khach'k'ars and carved crosses.

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