The Armenian Church of Saint Hripsime in Yalta

The Armenian Church of Saint Hripsime stands in Yalta, in a picturesque spot on Darsan Hill, away from the noise of the resort.

The building is made of volcanic tuff. It was designed by the architect Gabriel Ter-Mikaelian, inspired by the ancient Church of Saint Hripsime in Etchmiadzin (Vagharshapat), which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The church was built at the expense of the patron Poghos Ter-Ghukasian in memory of his daughter, who died young. Construction lasted 8 years, from 1909 to 1917.

The modern photograph shows the church from above, with its conical dome and small bell tower, surrounded by cypresses and other trees.