The cathedral of Talin was built in the second half of the 7th century by the Kamasarakan princes. In its layout and spatial conception, it is a perfect specimen of the threenaved cupola'd basilica, the archetype of which is Saint Grigor at Dvin, rebuilt at the beginning of the 7th century. One modification distinguishes it from other cruciform cupola'd basilicas, however; the central square under the cupola is closer to the east altar, the west part of the church being extended. The apses, jutting out on the north and the south, are semicircular on the inside and polygonal on the outside. The polygonal exterior of these apses is finely decorated with blind arches, resting on twin columns. The polygonal drum of the dome repeats the same motifs. The influence of Zvartnots is plainly evident in the architectural details of this cathedral. [Paragraph Source: Monuments of Armenia]

TALIN LITTLE CHURCH 7th century

According to the inscription engraved over its entrance, Prince Nerses Kamsarakan built the little church of Talin in the 7th century, which is why it is also called the church of the Kamsarakan. Rather small in size, it is built cross-shaped. The apses, semi-circular in the interior, are compressed on the outside into a thick rectangular mass. This well-preserved church maintains, in its general proportions as well as in its details, the characteristics of Armenian architecture in the high Middle Ages.

Turning from the main road toward Talin (4591 v), the 2nd or 3rd right turn leads to a large cemetery in which are the impressive remains of an important cathedral church* very similar to the 7th c. church at Aruch . Nearby is a smaller S. Astvatsatsin church, built in the 7th c. According to the inscription, "I Nerseh the patrician proconsul, lord of Shirak and Asharunik, built this church in the name of the Holy Mother of God for her intercession for me and my wife Shushan and Hrapat my son." Two Nersehs are attested as Byzantine governor, one from the reign of the Emperor Heraclius in 639, the other from the reign of Justinian II in 689. Somewhere in the vicinity are remnants of a medieval castle