The Church of the Epiphany of the Holy Cross, known in Armenian as Yerevman Surb Khach, stands in Akhaltsikhe on Kostava Street, a few hundred meters from the Rabati Fortress. Today, the church is considered part of the Armenian Catholic Church. The building itself is often dated to the 17th century, and the names of the builders are unknown.
The church's age has long been debated. Marie Brosset, who visited the site in the mid-19th century, described a large number of Armenian inscriptions and khachkars (cross-stones) and copied calendar dates: 1451, 1454, 1475, and 1491. In 2010, while clearing rubble from the eastern wall, khachkars dating back to the 14th century were discovered.
Some researchers see these findings as confirmation that the church was built earlier and originally belonged to the Armenian Apostolic Church. This remains a matter of debate, and there is no consensus.
🕍 What to see
Stonework with Armenian inscriptions, khachkars (cross-stones) in the walls, the size of the church, and the old buildings around it.
💰 Free or paid
Exterior viewing is free. It's best to confirm the service schedule and whether you can go inside on site.
Have you been to Yerevman Surb Khach? Leave a review: let us know if the church is open to visitors and if the khachkars (cross-stones) are visible.
