Armenian Apostolic Church of Saint Mary Magdalene

Although contemporary materials were used, the Apostolic Church of Saint Mary Magdalene is intended to be reminiscent of traditional Armenian architecture. What’s more, architect Haik Mardikian, who was responsible for its design, admitted that he took his inspiration from the Cathedral of the Holy Cross on Akdamar Island. in Lake Van, Anatolia. While the first stone was laid on 14 November 1986, the church was only blessed and officially opened on 6 May 1990. The central plan building is in fact a tetraconch with side chapels. Like its famous model, which was built between 915 and 921 AD at the instigation of King Gagik I Artsruni, it is dominated by an octagonal bell tower. The facing is also inspired by the pink-coloured volcanic stone used in Armenia for the construction of religious buildings.