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.
Sverdlov village, Armenia
The village of Sverdlov (Սվերդլով գյուղ) was founded in the first half of the 18th century where the inhabitants of the settlement came from a village called Dorbat, formerly located 6 km northeast of the village.
Sverdlov village, Lori, Armenia
The village of Sverdlov is older than it is supposed to be, which is evidenced by the well-preserved tuff and basalt Saint Gevorg church (Սվելրդլովի Սուրբ Գևորգ եկեղեցի).
There is also preserved the 6-13th century Dorbandavank “St. Astvatsatsin” church (Dorbandavank or Dorbantavank) located 3 km northeast of the Sverdlov village.
The road Stepanavan-Sverdlov, Lori province of Armenia
The road leading from Stepanavan to Privolnoye has recently been thoroughly repaired, and the road leading to Sverdlov village is in very good condition. The road is accompanied by extremely beautiful scenery, and passes along the Urut River and through the plains.
In the middle of the village of Sverdlov, there are two churches and a chapel next to each other.
Unknown chapel in Sverdlov village, Armenia
Surb Gevorg (Saint George) church, Sverdlov village, Armenia
Surb Gevorg church (Saint George, Arm. Սուրբ Գևորգ) is one of the only churches of early medieval Armenian architecture. It is located on the north-eastern high ground of the village of Sverdlov. It was built in the 6th century.
Surb Gevorg (Saint George) church in Sverdlov village, Armenia
The church stands on a stepped rampart. It has a symmetrical composition stretching from east to west. The prayer hall is divided into five parts by four pairs of walls and vaulted arches. On the east side is the altar with a semi-circular plan, on both sides of which are the depositories covered by a semi-cylindrical vault with a rectangular plan, with semi-circular altars.
Saint George (Surb Gevorg) church, Sverdlov
Saint George (Surb Gevorg) church, Sverdlov
The church of Surb Gevorg was thoroughly renovated in the 19th century. In front of the southern entrance, a bell tower with an eight-column rotunda was built next to the church. The south and west walls were faced with hewn basalt stones, the other facades and vaults were rebuilt using small, rough stones. The windows have been redone, the eaves and the tile roof have been replaced. The church was formerly surrounded by an outer hall, which has not been preserved. Almost nothing has been preserved from the decoration of the church.
Saint George (Surb Gevorg) church, Sverdlov. Սուրբ Գևորգ եկեղեցի, Սվերդլով
It had four entrances: 2 on the south, one each on the north and west facades. The entrances were decorated with plasterboard and a pair of semi-columns. The west and south entrances have been preserved.
