The Church of the Holy Cross at Aght'amar is a well-preserved medieval Armenian architectural gem on an island in Lake Van; its exterior sculptures and interior murals offer insight into the tenth-century Armenian kingdom of Vaspurakan, created by King Gagik. Davies interprets the art and biblical imagery, highlighting its contemporary relevance.

Davies' study of medieval Armenian architecture focuses on one of Armenia's most outstanding medieval monuments, the Church of the Holy Cross at Aght'amar. The church, built a thousand years ago, has survived intact and provides a valuable glimpse of the art of the 10th-century kingdom of Vaspurakin. The sculptural and mural programmes are discussed in detail as are the influences on the artwork and the subsequent history of the church up to the present day.