Church of St. Gregor of Nissa
The Church of Abughamrents is one of the buildings registered as an “immovable cultural property in need of protection” in Ani Ruins. It is also known as St. Gregor Church and Polatoğlu Church. Located to the west of the city, on the edge of the slope overlooking the Bostanlar Stream, the first construction date and the owner of the building are unknown.
However, based on the information contained in one of the inscriptions on the wall of the church, it is thought that it was probably built around 980.
The church, which has survived to the present day, was built with red, black and brownish smooth cut stones on a three-step platform.
The church has a cylindrical structure with an octagonal dome and the foundation of the dome rests on six side columns supported by interlocking thin columns separating the deep surface. The church has a single door opening to the southwest and there is a window in each corner of the octagonal dome.
The absence of an apse suggests that this church was used as a mausoleum building. The carved sundial on the south facade wall of the church is remarkable.
