As I wrote here, the armenian architecture developed over the last 4,500 years of habitation in the Armenian Highland, but its greatest achievement are the medieval churches and monastery. One of these is Tanahat (Tanadeh) Monastery, one of medieval Armenia's most important religious and cultural centers, mentioned as early as the 8th century. Its main church, Surb Stepanos (St. Stephen - in postcard), was built between the years 1273 to 1279 under the patronage of the Proshian family. The church has a cruciform interior with annexes in its four corners; those flanking the main altar on the east are two-story. The exterior is rectangular with a slender 12-facet drum and a dome with a tent-roof spire. The Proshian emblem, an eagle clutching a lamb in its talons, is carved on the southern wall of the church.
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