Lmbatavank monastery

Lmbatavank (St.Stepanos church of the Lmbat monastery) is situated 2 km to the south-west of Artik (Shirak district). It has cruciform both from the outside and the inside. It is comprised of the small vaulted type of construction, built primarily by assumption, in the 6th century. The northern and southern wings are covered with vaults (a unique solution in Armenia). According to inscriptions the main vault was rebuilt in the 10th century. Still preserved upon the altar and to the sides there are remnants of frescoes dating back to the 7th century, with Jesus in the center and surrounding Him are symbols of heavenly powers. There is also an image of the horseman St.Gevorg with a cross-bearing-cane.