St.Astvatzatzin
(Holy Virgin) church is situated in Areni Village in Vayots Dzor district.
According to the inscriptions it was built by architect and painter Momik in
1321. In the center of the western entrance of the church there is a barelief
of St.Mary embracing The Holy Child. The Holy Mother is portrayed realistically
in contemporary attire.
Close to
the church are the ruins of the Tarsaitch ruler's palace. 1km to the north-eastern
section of Areni are the ruins of the bridge (13thc.), which was built by
bishop Sargis in 1265-1287. In the same location the ruins of the older bridge
can be seen.