Marmashen Monastery

The monastic complex Marmashen is located on the left bank of the Akhuryan River, near the Turkish border, in the Shirak Province. It was a known religious and cultural center with a repository for manuscripts. The monastery was built during the 10.-11 cc. The Prince Vahram Pahlavuni is the founder of the complex. It can be derived from the inscription on the walls of the church. 

Monastery complex
This monastery is of great architectural value as it represents the architectural school of Ani (medieval Armenian capital, now in Turkey.)
The main church of the monastery - Katoghike or the church of Holy Mother of God (988-1029) is an outstanding example of the Ani architectural school (medieval Armenian City, now in Turkey). To the north lies the second church, built very close to Katoghike and is most likely the imitation of the main church. To the south of Katoghike is a third church (11th c.). - a central-dome cruciform on the inside. Katoghike and the third churches were ruined during the Seljuk invasions and later on renovated by the Pahlavunis in the 13. c. 

During Soviet period the fourth church was uncovered. On the eastern and southern sides of the group of monuments is the cemetery.
The complex was originally part of a fortress, the massive stones used for the fortress walls long since taken away and used for other purposes.