Another little-known, but even wonderful sight is located in the north of Lori region, on the road from Stepanavan to Privolnoye village, 3 km north of Sverdlov village.
Being in Stepanavan, and having an hour to spare, I recommend visiting Sverdlov village and Dorbandavank church (Dorbatavank or Dorbantavank).
The road leading from Stepanavan to Privolnoye has recently been fully renovated and is in extremely good condition. The road is accompanied by fantastic beautiful scenery and passes through the plain.
The direction sign of Dorbandavank (Dorbatavank) in the route Urut-Sverdlov-Privolnoye
The village of Sverdlov is located in the Lori region of Armenia, 46 km northwest of the regional center Vanadzor city. The village is located on the right bank of the Urut River, 1500m above sea level.
The village was founded in the first half of the 18th century were the inhabitants of the settlement called Dorbat, formerly located 6 km northeast of the village. The village of Sverdlov is older than it is supposed to be, which is evidenced by the well-preserved tuff and basalt St. Gevorg church (Սվելրդլովի Սուրբ Գևորգ եկեղեցի).
Sverdlov village, Armenia
Also preserved in the village of Sverdlov is the 6-13th century “St. Astvatsatsin” church (Dorbandavank or Dorbantavank / Dorbatavank) located 3 km northeast of the village.
Dorbandavank (Dorbatavank) Surb Astvatsatsin church, Sverdlov village, Lori region of Armenia
Dorbandavank Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God, Arm. Սուրբ Աստվածածին, Դորբանդավանք) is one of the original and valuable monuments of the Gugark cultural heritage of early medieval Armenian architecture. Dorbandavank church (aka Dorbantavank) is located 3 km northeast of Sverdlov village.
The neature near Dorbandavank (Dorbatavank)
Panoramic view of Dorbandavank (Dorbatavank) and surrounding areas
Surb Astvatsatsin Dorbandavank church, Sverdlov, Armenia
Surb Astvatsatsin Dorbandavank church, Sverdlov, Armenia
The church has a VI century. typical ornamental decoration with horseshoe arches – cornices, double-row dentils – window sills.
Dorbandavank – Դորբանդավանք (Դորբանտավանք/Դորբատավանք)
Surb Astvatsatsin Church of Dorbantavank was renovated in the 1980s.
Dorbantavank, with its unique layout and architectural features, occupies an important place among the early medieval three-pitched monuments.
Dorbantavank – Dorbandavank church, Lori Armenia
No historical and bibliographic information about the monument has been preserved. Based on the study of the architectural features and decoration details, Dorbandavank church was assigned to the VI century. in the first half. It belongs to the type of domed, cross, three-nave churches. But Dorbandavank Surb Astvatsatsin Church stands out from similar churches with its unique layout.
The location of Dorbandavank church (Dorbatavank, Holy Mother of God church, Sverdlov)
