Tsakhats: the Shirak village with its 7th-century medieval church

Tsakhats is one of those Armenian villages that mass tourism has yet to discover. Nestled in the foothills of the Caucasus in the Shirak region, this small rural settlement shelters a 7th-century medieval church and a way of life that has remained almost unchanged for generations.

The Church of St. John in Tsakhats

The main attraction of Tsakhats is its Church of St. John, a 7th-century structure that exemplifies early Christian Armenian ecclesiastical architecture in its purest form. Built with the dark basalt stone typical of the Shirak region, the church has a cruciform floor plan with a central dome and an ornate portal with carved motifs that have endured more than 1,300 years.

History and Heritage of Tsakhats

The origins of the Tsakhats settlement date back to antiquity, when the area was part of historical Armenia in the Shirak region. The church is the most visible testament to that history, but the village itself preserves in its streets, houses and oral traditions a collective memory that deserves to be explored with curiosity and respect.

Armenian Gastronomy and Hospitality

In Tsakhats you can taste traditional Armenian dishes prepared with local ingredients: dolma (stuffed grape leaves), lavash baked in a wood-fired oven, artisan cheeses and churkhchela (walnuts coated in concentrated grape must). The hospitality of the locals is proverbial and visitors are frequently invited to share a meal.

How to Get to Tsakhats

Tsakhats is in the Shirak region, a few kilometers from Gyumri. It can be visited as an extension of a day trip to Gyumri, the regional capital, or as a stop en route to Mount Aragats.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Tsakhats church built?

In the 7th century, during the Armenian early Christian period. It is over 1,300 years old and still standing thanks to the quality of the local basalt stone.

Can you visit Tsakhats in a day from Yerevan?

Yes, Gyumri is about 120 km from Yerevan (1.5–2 hours by car) and Tsakhats is close to Gyumri. It is a perfectly feasible day trip.

What typical food can you try in Tsakhats?

Dolma, wood-fired lavash, artisan cheeses, harissa (wheat and chicken stew) and churkhchela. Dishes vary according to the season and what each family produces.