Egvard

an ancient settlement which is a present-day village in Ashtarak Raion, Armenian SSR. Three buildings were preserved among its ruins—a single-naved basilica (fifth century), a three-naved basilica (second half of the sixth century), and the two-story Astvatsatsin Church (1321–28). There is a square tomb on the first story; a cruciform memorial temple crowned with a 12-columned rotunda decorated with fretwork and reliefs comprises the second story. The ruins of the Zoravar Church (second half of the seventh century) are located near Egvard. This church has a central dome, eight apses, and two stories. Fragments of murals (seventh century) have been preserved.