Odzun Church
Odzun Church
4.5
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4.5
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Brun066
Florence, Italy13,327 contributions
Jul 2021
Odzun is now a rather sleepy town of about 4000 inhabitants, lying at about 1000m. high on a plateau overlooking the "dzor" of the Debed river.
The dzor, that is, a deep and narrow gorge enclosed between mountains or plateaus, is a characteristic physical element of the Lori region, as well as of much of the rest of Armenia. Today the Debed dzor is crossed on its bottom by a decent road and by the railway, the main communication routes between Armenia and Georgia, and this indicates that the bottom of it is now the main route; but instead in the past the plateaus must have been the center of population and trade. On the other hand, in the Armenian tradition, the "dzor" is the place of otherness, of mystery, of wilderness.
The church of Dzor seems to be a good witness to this reversal of values over the last few decades. Also wanting to ignore the tradition according to which the apostle Thomas, on his way to India, passed through here, is the size of the church, combined with its remote antiquity, which tells to us of the town of Odzun as a central place. Built in the sixth century, the current appearance of the church dates back to the eighth century, that is, it precedes what for Europeans is the still remote period of Charlemagne.
Such a venerable construction also shows architectural solutions different from those of the more famous Armenian monasteries, for example the arches flanking the external walls of the church are unusual. Even the stone, by which the church is built, is characteristic, and it differs from that of illustrious neighboring monasteries (such as Haghpat and Sanahin), it is "felsite", equally volcanic rock (almost everything is volcanic in Armenia ...), but very different from basalt; consequently this church strikes the visitor also by its warm reddish rather than blackish color.
We too, like other visitors, enjoyed the collaborative kindness of the local priest, who was generous with explanations, and also delighted us by singing for us, at the end of the visit, a moving eighteenth-century liturgical chant.
The dzor, that is, a deep and narrow gorge enclosed between mountains or plateaus, is a characteristic physical element of the Lori region, as well as of much of the rest of Armenia. Today the Debed dzor is crossed on its bottom by a decent road and by the railway, the main communication routes between Armenia and Georgia, and this indicates that the bottom of it is now the main route; but instead in the past the plateaus must have been the center of population and trade. On the other hand, in the Armenian tradition, the "dzor" is the place of otherness, of mystery, of wilderness.
The church of Dzor seems to be a good witness to this reversal of values over the last few decades. Also wanting to ignore the tradition according to which the apostle Thomas, on his way to India, passed through here, is the size of the church, combined with its remote antiquity, which tells to us of the town of Odzun as a central place. Built in the sixth century, the current appearance of the church dates back to the eighth century, that is, it precedes what for Europeans is the still remote period of Charlemagne.
Such a venerable construction also shows architectural solutions different from those of the more famous Armenian monasteries, for example the arches flanking the external walls of the church are unusual. Even the stone, by which the church is built, is characteristic, and it differs from that of illustrious neighboring monasteries (such as Haghpat and Sanahin), it is "felsite", equally volcanic rock (almost everything is volcanic in Armenia ...), but very different from basalt; consequently this church strikes the visitor also by its warm reddish rather than blackish color.
We too, like other visitors, enjoyed the collaborative kindness of the local priest, who was generous with explanations, and also delighted us by singing for us, at the end of the visit, a moving eighteenth-century liturgical chant.
Written 21 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Away With Anna - Travel Blog
58 contributions
Dec 2023 • Friends
Located high in the hills of Odzun is the Odzun church, a pinkish color Armenian basilica with stunning mountainous views and religious interior artwork. It’s said that part of the swaddling cloth of Jesus is buried here. While the monastery is quite simple, it’s setting is breathtaking as is the drive up to it.
Free to visit. Not busy. You can park on the streets outside the church’s gates.
Free to visit. Not busy. You can park on the streets outside the church’s gates.
Written 3 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ALISON H
Harrogate, UK686 contributions
Mar 2018
The church is the centre of a settlement that has grown up on an immense plateau above the Debed river . The oldest part of the building dates from the 5th century . It's great feature externally is the pillared arcade on the south side . It boasts two belfries and an interesting funerary monument in the grounds , thought to date from the 6th century an indication that this is a very ancient settlement . It was Easter Sunday when we were there and the two hour service was just beginning with the priest and his acolytes conducting the proceedings from a high platform on which stands the altar . They were all splendidly robed which gave an impressive air to the ceremony . The congregation seemed to come and go at will though unlike the orthodox they were able to sit down . We couldn't stay long as we were to have an Easter lunch in a local guest house .
Written 16 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark D
Havre, MT116 contributions
Aug 2011 • Couples
I wonder if I can really call this an "attraction," but there aren't any other ways to get this on-the-map. here's what it is: a beautiful, ancient church. Don't expect any stalls or vendors (maybe a couple at most), a lot of souvenirs (none that we saw), or any visitor's facilities (except for a restroom which is pretty run down, but at least is accessible, unlike lots of other churches in Armenia). On the 'services' front, there is a very welcoming cafe sort of stand across the street where you can get a very nice cup of coffee or other drink and probably a snack or two; the gentleman there was very accommodating even though my wife & I only had 2 coffees).
The church is huge for a village church, testament to what was once or was hoped to be. It is a basilica style church (with ruined side apses/chapels) and seems to be from the IV/V c. There is also a unique (from our experience) monument which incorporates what seems to be 2 Christianized vishaps (ancient pagan fertility stone pillars) in a stepped structure. We were told that the locals simply know it for miraculous fertility, but didn't know how old it was.
I know lots of folks get overwhelmed by all of the churches in Armenia, and this one is certainly not a UNESCO World Heritage site. However it is interesting architecturally and religiously and I would certainly recommend it if churches are your thing.
The church is huge for a village church, testament to what was once or was hoped to be. It is a basilica style church (with ruined side apses/chapels) and seems to be from the IV/V c. There is also a unique (from our experience) monument which incorporates what seems to be 2 Christianized vishaps (ancient pagan fertility stone pillars) in a stepped structure. We were told that the locals simply know it for miraculous fertility, but didn't know how old it was.
I know lots of folks get overwhelmed by all of the churches in Armenia, and this one is certainly not a UNESCO World Heritage site. However it is interesting architecturally and religiously and I would certainly recommend it if churches are your thing.
Written 1 December 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shushan
Yerevan, Armenia216 contributions
Apr 2019
Odzun church is on of the oldest churches in Armenia (dated back to 6th century). It is located in Lori province. The nature around the church is very beautiful and this makes the place very charming. One can sit near the church and admire both the church and surrounding.
Written 14 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynne S
Winters, CA573 contributions
Jun 2019
On a plateau after endless switchbacks, this red stone buildings has many stone carvings. Still in use as a village church. Mystical. Mary and Christ statues in front.
Written 27 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
an0nym0us65
5 contributions
Jun 2018 • Friends
Great site to know about Armenian cultural, historical, political development. You can reach Middle Ages history just by enjoying the site
Written 25 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike J
Chepstow, UK882 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
The St Astvatsatsin church in Odzun was purportedly built on the site where St Thomas buried Jesus’ swaddling clothes. We would recommend a visit if in the area as the church dates back to the 5th century and has magnificent views.
Written 1 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mylene_Laurent
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates261 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
In the end one of our favorite stops (we also slept in the village close by the church), the church has been completely refurbished in 2017 so it is a great place to visit. The local kids play on the ground and parents discuss on benches, it gives a great atmosphere.
The church itself is definitely worth seeing!
The church itself is definitely worth seeing!
Written 18 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Justin W
Canberra, Australia390 contributions
May 2018 • Friends
Visited it on a day trip through the canyon. The church is in good condition and sits up on a grassy plateau, but the drive up was more interesting than the church IMO.
Written 9 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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