Bjni

The village of Bjni is located in the Kotayk Marz (region) of the RA, 35 km to the north from Yerevan. Bjni is rich in historical and architectural monuments. The churches of St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother), St. Gevorg, St. Sarkis and the medieval fortress of Bjni are located here. Bjni was first mentioned in historical works in the 5th century. The prosperity of the township began since the 11th century, when it passed to the most influential genus in Armenia after the genus of Bagratuni - to the genus of Pahlavuni. They built the fortress of Bjni, churches, established here episcopal diocese and Bjni became one of the most important spiritual, cultural and educational centers of medieval Armenia. The fortress of Bjni was one of the safest defensive buildings in Armenia with its strong fence and underground passages... The Church of St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother) was built by the famous medieval military leader and scholar, Armenian count Grigor Magistros Pahlavuni, in 1031. In the same year, there was established Episcopal throne in Bjni, which became one of the most influential in Armenia. Almost the entire central part of the present-day territory of the Republic of Armenia was within its jurisdiction. The Church of St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother) is a domed hall with a pair of Western pilasters. The polyhedral drum crowns with the dome with a fan-shaped roof. One of the adorning and architectural peculiarities of the Church is the central niche of the main altar rimmed with gorgeous gypsum. The stone-cantilevered shelves that stretch along the length of the walls are worth mentioning. It is assumed that they were prescribed for numerous manuscripts, which were created in the monastery. There are numerous beautiful khachkars (cross-stone) in the territory of the monastery. The church of Bjni was badly damaged during the invasions of Tamerlane, but it was renovated in the 15th century and its former glory and influence were restored. Several secular buildings and a school were built in the territory of the monastic complex in the 19th century. The rock Tsakkar is one of the notable places of Bjni. It is actually a miracle of nature. This is a huge natural arch, which opens in the rocks that stretch along the length of the gorge.