Hayravank Monastery Complex, Armenia

Hayravank monastery complex (IX-XII century) is located on the shore of Lake Sevan. It consists of a church and a porch. The church was built in the second half of IX century with internal axial dimensions 6,15m x 7,15m. On the western side of the church in XII century was build a porch. However, because of the proximity of the cliff, it had to be moved away from the axis of the church, and the two columns were changed into wall-mounted semi-columns. In Hayravank were developed all the elements of stalactite arched ceiling, with alternating oblique-lined red and black stones. The effect, achieved by the motion of solar beam passing through the dome, is truly magnificent.