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Located near the village of Anipemza in Shirak Province, Yererouk is one of the earliest surviving examples of Armenian Christian architecture. Perched on a plateau near the Akhurian River, just 5 km from the ancient city of Ani, the Yererouk Basilica dates back to the 4th–6th centuries and is included on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List since 1995.
The name „Yererouk“ comes from the Armenian word for „quivering,“ referring to how the church appears to tremble when viewed from afar due to its architectural design resting on six columns.
Yererouk is believed to have been an important religious and residential center, as evidenced by surrounding fortified walls, underground chambers, and a water reservoir. Although its original builders remain unknown, the basilica was later renovated in the 11th century under the patronage of Queen of King Hovhannes-Smbat.
Architect Toros Toramanian described Yererouk as perhaps the earliest basilica-style Armenian church built on pillars—marking it as a cornerstone in the evolution of early medieval Armenian architecture.
