Because Armenia has so many incredibly beautiful churches and church complexes (see "50 Postcards" page), I got the following idea.
I envision a picturesque valley, framed with cliffs on two sides filled with small, but true to scale duplicates of some of Armenia's finest churches, with an emphasis on churches that no longer exist, or are in other countries.
Perfect examples would be Akhtamar Church on Akhtamar Island in Lake Van. This beautiful church which used to be part of a complex is now the only remaining structure. The Turkish government destroyed the rest despite the fact that this church is the only tourist draw in all of S.E. Turkey (Western Armenia). Likewise for the Cathedral of Ani which is about to collapse and is only meters from Armenia's border, was Armenia's ancient capital, is Turkeys only tourist draw in the N.E. and inaccesible to Armenians wanting to cross over and visit it. Another good church would be breathtaking Zvartnots. It was destroyed in an earthquake, but anyone who has seen the ruins and drawings of what it looked like can see that this church should stand again. It is a beautiful circular church almost resembling a wedding cake.
These could even be built in a slightly out of the city place in California with a lot of volunteer labor. It would tie in with the idea of moving an ancient Armenian Church to LA.
 Beshkilise (5 churches) near Digor (to the south of Kars in present day Turkey). Only one of the 5 original churches survive. the others were blown up by the Turkish army in the 1960s (Source=SSim609987) |
Drawings of this church before its demise are beautiful, one of the most beautiful designs ever (completely round). It should be rebuilt. |
Drawing of Church as it was. |
 
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