The Ornament of Armenian Architecture Domed halls make a special group in diversity of early medieval Armenian architecture. One of the largest churches of this type of architecture is the temple of Aruch which has been quite well preserved and reached to our days. The temple is situated in the village of Aruch, near Ashtarak. It has dominating power in the panorama of the locality and can be easily seen in the distance.
According to the bibliographic sources and constructional records, which are carved on the eastern façade under the central window, the temple was built in the 7th century during the 29th year of reign of Emperor Constantine by the representatives of the Mamikonyan ruling dynasty Grigor and his wife Heghine. There are three entrances to the specious temple from the north, west and east which are decorated by pillared portals. The main alter stands in the eastern side of the temple with two depositors in both sides of it. There are two niches with one window between alter and depositors on the eastern facades of the temple. Due to its high position the dome was once dominating in the temple, the load of which was transferred to the pilasters through the four sails. Once the drum of the dome was polyhedral decorated with elegant arches leaned upon the pilasters in the corners.
In addition to the unique architectural design temple of Aruch is also famous for its wall-paintings. Though they are now greatly damaged the frescos have been saved and we can see the illustrated scenes. The scene of Ascension is portrayed on the spacious alter of the temple. On the blue background we can notice 7 meters high figure of Christ portrayed between two angels. On his left hand Christ holds a big paper with Armenian missionary text. Slightly below the whole area is framed by the wide decorated  belt formed by leaves in the gorgeous curls of which there are baskets and vessels full of fruits, such as grapes and pomegranates. The particular impression is made by the play of green, white and red colors on the black background. The northern walls of alter are decorated with the images of 6 apostles. It is supposed that the other 6 apostles have been portrayed on the southern wall of alter, and Our Lady among angels has been portrayed between the three windows. The name of the artist – Stepanos has also been preserved in the lower part of the fresco.
During its centuries-old history the temple of Aruch has been renovated for several times. For the first time it was repaired in 973 by a person named Gorom about which there is a record on the northern wall of the temple. The main reconstruction works were done in 1949-1956. Some restoration works continue to be done even today. Thus, we have the opportunity to admire the unique ornament of early medieval Armenian architecture.