St. Shogakat Temple, Echmiadzin

The St. Shogakat Temple was constructed in 1694 on the site place of the 4 th – century chapel. Its original architecture is known under the name of "domed hall”.

Only few columns support the church's dome. Thanks to careful calculations the builders did without intermediate supports. From the western side the vaulted gallery was added from which the only door leads to the church. The gallery's entrance is crowned by the six-columned belfry. The high octahedral dome underlines the internal space of the most illuminated part of the hall.

The temple has very strict architecture and an interior and is practically deprived of external decor.