Cathedral of Ani

The Cathedral of Ani, built in A.D by the architect Trdat offers an example of a cruciform domed church within a rectangular plan, The Catholicosate was relocated to the Arkina district, in the suburbs of Ani, and in 990, the talented architect Trdat completed the building of the Catholicosal palace and the Mother Cathedral of Ani. It was founded by the order of the King Smbat II and ended with the patronize of the wife of the King Gagik I the queen Katranide'. It was devoted to the Blessed Virgin. By its high art composition the Cathedral of Ani became one of the architectural masterpieces of Armenia. Some European scientists think that the volume composition of the interior elements had its development in the late Gothic architecture of the 12th - 14th centuries.

Mother Cathedral of Ani

Kings of Ani

Abas I first king 928/929-953, son of Smbat I Nahadak and father of Mouchel, first king of Kars

Ashot III Olomurdz (son) 953-977

Smbat II Tiezerakal (son) 977-989

Gagik I of Ani (brother) 989-1020

John I of Ani (son) 1020-1040/1041

Ashot IV Qadj (usurper) 1021-1039/1040

Gargis of Ani (usurper) 1040/1041-1042

Gagik II (son of Ashot IV) 1042-1045

To the Byzantine Empire 1045