The first phase of archaeological excavations has been completed at the Saint Stephen the Protomartyr Church of the Yeritsvank monastic complex in Kapan city of Armenia’s Syunik Province, the Service for the Protection of Historical and Cultural Reserve-Museums and Historical Environment has informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

The archaeological expedition conducted these excavations in July and August.

According to tradition, Yeritsvank was founded by Bishop Yeritsak of Syunik at the end of the 5th or beginning of the 6th century.

The results of the excavations confirmed, in particular, the assumption that Yeritsvank was probably surrounded by double walls in the 10th-11th centuries and turned into an impregnable fortress.

In the 12th-13th centuries, a two-story chapel-tomb was built on the northern side of the complex.

The excavations have been completed, but archaeologists continue to study the discovered finds in order to clarify their history and significance.

In parallel with the archaeological work, work is being carried out also to prepare a restoration project for the large church of the complex.

Restoration on the small church is planned to begin in the near future.

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