St. Yelisey Temple Complex
Baku, March 18, AZERTAC
St. Yelisey temple complex is located in the north-east of Sugovushan village of Tartar district, at an altitude of 2,000 m above sea level. According to legend, the temple was built in the fifth century, in honour of Yelisey, the first preacher of Christianity in Albania.
The complex is surrounded by fortress walls on all sides. The western gate of the fortress guarantees the defence of the complex. There are 18 various buildings inside the fortress: main temple, chapels, a two-storeyed residential house, service buildings and stables.
The main temple consists of two rooms. The first room is square-shaped, and divided into three naves by means of two columns and two half columns. The central nave is much higher than the other ones. The naves are covered by the cylindrical vaults. The second part of the main temple is a rectangular pray hall.
The facades of the temple are covered with the well hewn stone. The second building of the temple is a relatively small church located on the right side of the temple.
There are six chapels on the right and left sides of the main temple.
A single-span bridge built over the river 1 km away from the fortress was the basic linkage with the fortress. St. Yelisey temple complex dates back to the 14th century.
On 3 October 2020, Sugovushan village was liberated from the occupation.
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