SACRED CHAPEL

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Spiritual message of hope and connection that created a vibrant impact on all visitors across generations...

Historical Preface

This is the first Armenian Genocide Monument ever to be erected in the world until 1965, a memorial chapel of the Martyrs of the 1915 Genocide where 1.5 million Armenians were savagely massacred.

The Martyrs’ Chapel was built in 1938 in the courtyard of the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon. On display are remains of the Armenians victims collected from the desert of DER-EL-ZOR where they were forced to march to death under a pretext of an extermination program… they represent the whole Armenian nation.

Program

The Sacred Chapel is located in the courtyard of the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon.

It is a freestanding Chapel situated on a ground expanding almost 124 m² and is built next to the Cathedral of Saint Gregory the Illuminator, sharing the same architectural spirit. The whole Chapel is elevated on a squared concrete platform and is integrated within a reflecting pool that has a 30 cm depth and is shaped by an inclined GRC stone frame.

The Chapel’s indoor dimension expands over a space of 22 m². The plan is cross-shaped and consists of three entrances: The main entrance has three large steps on both sides with a central torch connected to a floor linear light that leads to the core of the central element. The second entrance is on the left side, and the third is a wheelchair ramp situated on the right side.

Within the internal space, a squared platform is positioned with a dimension of 3.5 x 3.5 m. It is a detached platform with a 10-degree inclination on the surface that is designed to emphasize and elevate the visual of the central, vertical element. Its structural material is comprised of metal, brass, and glass.

Within the squared platform, the Core is integrated as a central cube element that holds the skeletal remains overseen by a suspended cross made with brass.

The final visual is an altar which is located in the background of the cube element, placed on the east side.