Öşvank Church is a cross-plan church located in Çamlıyamaç village, Uzundere district of Erzurum, built between 963-973 by the Georgian Bagratid Dynasty; it is known for its relief stone carvings and twelve windows in the dome drum, and currently cannot be entered due to restoration.
Öşvank Church stands in Çamlıyamaç village, part of Erzurum's Uzundere district. According to the inscription on the south transept, it was built by Magistras Bagrat, son of Adernese III, from the Georgian Bagratid Dynasty, with Öşklü Grigor as the architect. The construction period was between 963-973. The large dome of the structure, dedicated to John the Baptist, was repaired between 1022-1028 by Byzantine emperors Basil II and Constantine VII. The frescoes in the interior belong to Jojil Potrikios from 1036.
The church, built on a cross plan, appears to have cross-shaped wings from the outside, but inside there is a three-lobed section formed by the apses and a long nave. There are twelve windows in the dome drum; these pointed-arch, slender windows have a line close to the Gothic style. The column bases are adorned with floral motifs and religious figures. The upper part of the apse has collapsed, and a tree stump now occupies the place of a column on the front facade. The building complex also included sections for a bathhouse, dormitory, baptistery, priests' houses, kitchen, and library. It was also used as a mosque until the 1960s.
Currently, the structure is undergoing restoration and is fenced off. Visitors can see the exterior, the reliefs, and the dome, but it is not possible to enter. This situation is frequently mentioned in comments, with some expressing concern about the risk of the structure collapsing. Some say that the asphalt road to the village is good, and the road within the village is also fine. Its somewhat remote location from the city center means a quieter trip for those who come here.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Erzurum historical places, Oltu Castle.
Guide's Note
When and By Whom Was Öşvank Church Built?
According to the inscription, the church was built by Magistras Bagrat of the Georgian Bagratid Dynasty between 963-973. The architect was Öşklü Grigor. The structure is dedicated to John the Baptist. The large dome was later repaired between 1022-1028 during the reigns of Byzantine emperors Basil II and Constantine VII. The frescoes in the interior were created by Jojil Potrikios in 1036.
Architectural Details: Dome, Windows, and Stone Carvings
The cross-plan structure appears to have cross-shaped wings from the outside, while inside, a three-lobed section formed by the apses and a long nave are prominent. There are twelve windows in the dome drum. These pointed-arch, slender windows are close to the Gothic style. The column bases are adorned with floral motifs and religious images. The upper part of the apse is ruined, and a tree stump has been placed where a column is missing on the front facade.
Can You Enter Inside Currently?
No. The structure is undergoing restoration and is fenced off. Visitors can view it from the outside but cannot enter. Some visitors state that the structure is at risk of collapse and requires urgent restoration, while others report that the scaffolding has been erected to prevent this collapse. Confirm the current status with local sources before visiting.
How to Get There?
Approximately 100 km from Erzurum city center. You go to Çamlıyamaç village via Uzundere district. Reaching by your own vehicle is the most practical option. Visitors say that the asphalt road to the village is in good condition, and the road within the village is also problem-free. No parking issues have been reported.
Combine with the Tortum Lake Route
The church is located on the road to Tortum Lake and Tortum Waterfall. If you plan to visit this area, you can make a short detour to Öşvank Church. It's a logical stop for those who want to combine a nature and history trip into one day.
How Much Time Should You Allocate?
Since entry is not possible, the visit is short, 30-45 minutes is sufficient. This time is enough to see the exterior, dome, and stone carvings up close, and to take photos.
Who Visits?
Local comments indicate that Christian Georgians and foreign visitors, in particular, come here. Some mention visitors arriving with Bulgarian license plates. There are comments stating that this structure is not well-known in Erzurum, yet the interest from those coming from afar is noteworthy.
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