Talin Cathedral

Talin has two seventh-century churches within the same walled ground. The cathedral is the larger, a domed building with three apses whose dome and part of the walls have come down, leaving the arches standing; the smaller church of Surb Astvatsatsin next to it is more complete and keeps carved detail around its windows. Both are built in warm reddish stone and sit in a graveyard full of old khachkars, with Aragats behind.

The main sights

• The cathedral - a large seventh-century domed church, partly collapsed, arches standing.
• The smaller church - Surb Astvatsatsin, more intact, with carved window frames.
• The khachkars - medieval cross-stones through the surrounding graveyard.
• The stone - warm red tufa that changes colour through the day.

When to go

April to November is the comfortable season. Late afternoon light on the red stone is the best of the day. Winter on the plain is cold and the wind is constant.

Good to know

The cathedral is a ruin and parts are fenced for safety. There is no interpretation on site and no facilities in the immediate area. The town of Talin has little else.

Nearby

Aruchavank is east along the highway, and Gyumri is northwest.

Key facts