Chapel and Proshyans’ tomb

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  Ashennafi

  Through the right door of the main porch we enter the gloomy Tomb (Zhamatun) of princes Proshyan, dimly lit from a hole in the top of the octagonal tent crowning the vaults. It was built in 1283. Directly in front of the entrance is a loggia with a massive pillar, from which arches are thrown to the walls. Prince Prosh and members of his family are buried here. The tomb itself is under the floor. Of interest is a rather old-fashioned bas-relief for that time, which occupies the entire space above the arches of the northern wall. It is executed very strictly, without excessive details. In the shadow under the vault is the head of a bull holding a chain, which covers the necks of two lions. The heads of the lions are turned towards the observer; instead of tail tufts - the heads of dragons looking up - all this brings the relief closer to images of pagan times. Between the lions, under the chain - an eagle with half-open wings and a lamb in its claws. The bas-relief makes the strongest impression on the visitor when the light of the sun hits him through a specially arranged window. Then the head of the bull is drawn especially clearly. This bas-relief, most likely, is the coat of arms of the princely family of Proshyans.

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