The Basilica of Yererouk

Yererouk is an archeological site characterized by the presence of an ancient Armenian church near the village of Anipemza in Shirak Province of Armenia. Yererouk was built on a plateau near the Akhurian River which defines the frontier with Turkey, about 5 km southeast of the ancient city of Ani. The basilica of Yererouk is one of the earliest surviving Christian monuments in Armenia and is listed in UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List on August 25, in 1995. The Basilica is considered to be one of the ancient examples of Armenian architecture referred to the Paleo-Christian epoch and dates back to 4th–6th centuries . It is located in the Shirak canton of the Ayrarat province of Ancient Armenia. Not much is known about the founders of the basilica. However, the church was renovated during the 11th century by the efforts of King Hovhannes-Smbat’s wife. As the Basilica isn’t mentioned in any source, so the datations are uncertain.
Yererouk means quivering in the Armenian language. According to popular tradition, the name of the temple was derived from its unique architectural solution of the structure which seems quivering on its 6 columns for viewers from a distance.
“Yererouk “ is one of the earliest examples of the Armenian Church architecture and one of the greatest structures of the early medieval ages that partly survived. According to Toros Toramanian, Yererouk is a clear and perhaps the earliest example of the basilica style of the Armenian Church buildings that are constructed on pillars. The church was surrounded with thick walls. From the surrounding buildings, underground rooms and the water reservoir, it becomes clear that the church was the centre of a developed residential community.