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The Church of Saint Stephen, or "Lmbatavank" as its also known, lies just outside the fairly nondescript town of Artik and is one of the oldest churches in the whole country.

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The small town of Artik, which lies in Shirak Province in the northwest of the country, does not have much to offer the visitor and is practically indistinguishable from so many other typical Armenian towns with its blend of Soviet and rural architecture. However, just away from the town, at the point where the magnificent valleyed steppes that characterise this region commence, stands a church dedicated to Saint Stepanos (Saint Stephen), which In early autumn blends almost invisibly into the surrounding landscape. Though quite small in size, this 7th century church contains some magnificent and particularly well preserved frescos. I was really taken with the simple, modest appearance of this very old monastery, which lies off <a href="/armenia/">the usual Armenian tourist routes</a> and receives very few visitors.

The Church of Saint Stephen, or "Lmbatavank" as its also known, lies just outside the fairly nondescript town of Artik and is one of the oldest churches in the whole country.

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