Areni village is situated at 12 km north-west of the administrative center of Vayots Dzor region; the symbols of village are not only Areni wines but also the church standing on the hills. This monument made of yellow-brown tufa with proportionalities soaring up is situated on the top of the hill rising along the bank of the river Arpa and can be easily seen from far away perfectly harmonizing with the reddish rocks in the back.
Construction record of the church is written by Hovhannes Orbelyan, archbishop of Syunik region, who calls himself “constructor of saint church”. It is also mentioned in the same record that the church was built by architect Momik, the architect of Orbelyan Dynasty in 1321.
External façades of the monument are distinguished by slender symmetry and lucidity of the shapes. The eastern façade is only emphasized on which there are two niches that are gradually intersected. Impressive symbols of the evangelists carved on the sails inside the church make a beautiful brace decorated with sculptures and contrast to non-decorated parts of the walls. The significant pattern of the artistic decoration of the church is the lintel of eastern portal. Famous setup of the Madonna and infant by Momik is portrayed on flat surface which is distinguished by dry drawing method. The Madonna is sitting on the throne reminding a sofa under which a carpet with flowery composition is spread. Another carpet decorated with geometrical patterns is stretched out under the feet of the Madonna. The veil of the Madonna is engraved with thick and heavy pleats; her big eyes are especially expressive. This scene of the Madonna represents “Odigidria” which Momik had already used on the lintel in the porch of Noravank monastery. The Madonna is portrayed as a heavenly queen infant Jesus sitting on her left knee. Images of Mary and Christ with their divine nature are at the same time friendly characters of mother and son that excite by the expression of homely warmth.