Perhaps nothing conveys the true spirit of Armenia better than the majestic ancient temples and monasteries, most of which are located in the most picturesque corners of the country: in the middle of verdant hills, in the mountains, near steep, rocky cliffs and gorges, or on the shores of the high-altitude lake Sevan. In a relatively small area of the country, you can count many dozens of temples, monasteries, churches and chapels of amazing beauty, some of which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and each building has its own centuries-old history. Let me introduce you the five most popular tourist routes to get acquainted with these historical and architectural "wealths" of Armenia.
Etchmiadzin monastery complex
Etchmiadzin is perhaps the most revered holy place in Armenia. From the very moment of the adoption of Christianity in 301 AD. It is here that the residence of the Catholicos, the Supreme Patriarch of all Armenians, is located. Here, in the museum-treasury, such common Christian shrines as a particle of Noah's Ark and Geghard - the Spear, which pierced the ribs of Christ, are kept. The Etchmiadzin complex includes the Cathedral (beginning of the 4th century), the Temple of St. Gayane (603 AD), the Temple of St. Hripsime (618 AD), as well as a number of ancient monastic buildings.
The monastery of Geghard (4th century AD), very popular among tourists, is notable for the fact that part of its building is carved directly into the stone rock. The temple, located in a picturesque place in the mountains, was built near a cave mountain spring, so at first the building was called the “Cave Temple”. Later, the temple was renamed Geghard "Temple of the Holy Spear", in honor of an important Christian relic, now stored in Etchmiadzin. During its history, the monastery suffered many cataclysms, several times it was destroyed almost to the very foundation, and then restored. Today, the Geghard temple can be seen in its original beauty and grandeur.
Khor Virap
Khor Virap Monastery (648-2 AD), located near the very foot of the biblical Mount Ararat, has a very interesting history. According to legend, it was here in a deep dark pit that Gregory the Illuminator languished for 13 years, thanks to whom Christianity was adopted as the state religion of Armenia, and who became the first Catholicos. The name of the monastery is translated precisely as “deep dungeon”. The dungeon is still located right under the church building at a depth of 6 m, and those who wish can go down there along a steep spiral staircase and see with their own eyes the place where the great Enlightener was imprisoned.
Tatev Monastery
Perhaps this is the most beautiful temple complex, immediately captivating with its truly magical energy. The graceful white building of the monastery (the end of the 9th century AD) is located almost on the very edge of a steep cliff, and seems to “hover over the abyss”. The passenger cable car "Wings of Tatev" leads to the monastery, which runs over the gorge of the turbulent Vorotan River at an altitude of more than 300 m and is the longest cable car in the world. A trip on the Wings of Tatev opens up a fantastic panorama for passengers with a view of the monastery and the surrounding mountain landscape, so the road to the temple will give you no less unforgettable impressions than visiting the Tatev complex itself.
Temple of Garni
Perhaps, any list of the ancient temples of Armenia would be incomplete without Garni (1st century AD) - the only surviving temple of the pre-Christian era. Garni is a Hellenistic temple dedicated to the pagan sun god Mithra. During the times of its former greatness, the summer residence of the Armenian kings was located here, the ruins of ancient palace buildings can still be seen in the nearby area. In some places, on the ruins of the walls, there are even remnants of paint and fragments of amazingly beautiful colored mosaics. In the 17th century, the temple was completely destroyed by an earthquake, in 1970 the building was completely restored, and today Garni is one of the main attractions of Armenia.
The Armenian Apostolic Church recently celebrated a big holiday - the Finding of the Holy Cross. The festive liturgy in Etchmiadzin, where the residence of the country's spiritual leader, the Catholicos, was located, was sent with some deviation from tradition - four nuns took part in the service.
Despite the popularity and influence of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Armenian monasteries have long been a rarity. Four participants in the liturgy, held on the second Sunday of September in the church of St. Hripsime in Etchmiadzin, are residents of the only Armenian convent in the world.
Women's monasteries in Armenia almost ceased to exist after the 4th century AD, when King Pap ordered them to be closed, believing that women should marry, and not retire from the world, devoting their lives to God.
The Church of St. Hripsime was erected in the seventh century on the very spot where Hripsime and 32 other righteous virgins were martyred three centuries earlier. So King Trdat punished Hripsime because she refused to marry him.
The monastery of St. Hripsime has one peculiarity - there is no mother abbess here, and the nuns are entrusted to the cares of a man. "We are all children of God, regardless of gender or age," the monastery's abbot, Archimandrite Martiros Poghosyan, told IWPR.
Father Martiros, whose name means "martyr for the faith" in Armenian, is a "black monk" and has no right to marry. According to him, the path that women chose when they came to the monastery is unusual, but they did it without coercion. "Leaving the world is a purely voluntary matter, no one forced these women to choose this particular life," he said.
Becoming a nun is not at all difficult, but only true believers will be admitted to the monastery.
“The monastery is not a place for solving social problems, we cannot give people work and livelihood. We don’t even have a monastic hierarchy, as, for example, in the Russian Orthodox Church, there is no period of obedience, much less tonsure. We think if a person came to God - he realized it," said father Martiros.
"I am also a man and I understand that going to a monastery is a kind of escape from an abnormal life, from disorder, maybe even from yourself."
Of the four nuns, the youngest is 42 years old, the oldest is 56.
The nuns rarely communicate with the laity, but this is not forbidden to them. They can visit relatives, go to the city as needed. Although, as one of the nuns, who identified herself as Elizabeth, admitted to IWPR, there is no particular need to travel to Yerevan. "We live quietly, we don't need anything, we are even given a salary - $40 a month by order of the Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II," she said.
The monastery of the sisters-nuns is small, surrounded by a small garden and vegetable garden. The vegetables and fruits grown here are enough for the sisters, the rector and the deacon at the church. They also keep chickens here, in a word - quite a decent farm, given that only four women are engaged in it, frankly, not very young.
“We definitely participate in all divine services, help the priest in any way we can,” says Sister Aida.
“You know, a regulated life has its advantages - a clearly scheduled day does not give time to indulge in idle thoughts. There is work here all the time - prayer in the morning, then a meal, housework, more prayer and going to bed. We also have a TV, so We cannot be called hermits. By the way, there is no "church censorship" for watching programs - we just choose what suits us best."
The conversation with the rector took place in the courtyard of the monastery, and from the kitchen there was a delicious smell of freshly baked bread. “Yes, we have everything of our own here,” he said.
Nuns are subject only to the Charter of the Church, which, according to the Constitution, is separated from the state, which means that they are not subject to any social payments and benefits. True, they do not pay for anything - all utility costs, as well as household needs, are paid by the church, or rather the temple where the monastery is located. "They are freed from worldly hardships, and they are not afraid of a beggarly pension," Father Martiros said.
The world thinks about nuns in different ways.
30-year-old Astghik Poghosyan is skeptical about the inhabitants of the monastery of St. Hripsime. “Maybe these women had no other choice but to go to a monastery, they didn’t have the strength to withstand social difficulties. But on the other hand, it’s just an escape from reality. Something I don’t believe in their desire to serve God,” she told IWPR.
Garegin, who works as a manager in a computer company, agrees with her. “You have to be so tired of life in order to voluntarily give up worldly joys,” he wonders. “I would not want such a fate for my relatives.” In his opinion, the state is to blame for the fact that these women ended up in a monastery, which could not provide them with an alternative life to the one they are now leading.
He does not greet women going to the monastery, even the watchman of the temple. "People should not go against nature. It is destined for women to get married, give birth to children, in a word - to start a family. King Pap did the right thing 16 centuries ago when he closed the women's monasteries."
However, there are those who admire and even envy the nuns. "I would gladly go to a monastery - not because life is difficult, but because of a lack of spirituality. True, they tell me that this is all a figment of the imagination - but I think I'm right," says mother of two children Knarik Asatryan.
According to Linguistic University student Gayane Minasyan, there should be more nuns. "What we see in life is emptiness and the pursuit of material well-being, there is no time to think about the soul. Well done, these women, if there were more of them, it would be better for all of us."
Sister Aida claims that the right to choose always remains with women.
"We do not impose our decision on anyone. If anyone wants, he can come to the monastery, and if he, that is, she came to us consciously, we will only be happy. And if not, we will have to say goodbye. Evil is not held against anyone here, by force they don’t cut their hair, we may be freer than other citizens of Armenia,” said Sister Aida.
The Armenian Apostolic Church recently celebrated a big holiday - the Finding of the Holy Cross. The festive liturgy in Etchmiadzin, where the residence of the country's spiritual leader, the Catholicos, was located, was sent with some deviation from tradition - four nuns took part in the service.
Despite the popularity and influence of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Armenian monasteries have long been a rarity. Four participants in the liturgy, held on the second Sunday of September in the church of St. Hripsime in Etchmiadzin, an inhabitant of the only Armenian convent in the world.
Women's monasteries in Armenia almost ceased to exist after the 4th century AD, when King Pap ordered them to be closed, believing that women should marry, and not retire from the world, devoting their lives to God.
The Church of St. Hripsime was erected in the seventh century on the very spot where Hripsime and 32 other righteous virgins were martyred three centuries earlier. So King Trdat punished Hripsime because she refused to marry him.
The monastery of St. Hripsime has one peculiarity - there is no mother abbess here, and the nuns are entrusted to the cares of a man. “We are all children of God, regardless of gender or age,” the monastery's abbot, Archimandrite Martiros Poghosyan, told IWPR.
Father Martiros, whose name means "martyr for the faith" in Armenian, is a "black monk" and has no right to marry. According to him, the path that women chose when they came to the monastery is unusual, but they did it without coercion. “Leaving the world is a purely voluntary matter, no one forced these women to choose this particular life,” he said.
Becoming a nun is not at all difficult, but only true believers will be admitted to the monastery.
“The monastery is not a place to solve social problems, we cannot give people jobs and livelihoods. We do not even have a monastic hierarchy, as, for example, in the Russian Orthodox Church, there is no period of obedience, much less tonsure. We believe that if a person has come to God, he has realized it," Father Martiros said.
“I am also a person and I understand that going to a monastery is a kind of escape from an abnormal life, from disorder, maybe even from yourself.”
Of the four nuns, the youngest is 42 years old, the oldest is 56.
The nuns rarely communicate with the laity, but this is not forbidden to them. They can visit relatives, go to the city as needed. Although, as one of the nuns, who identified herself as Elizabeth, admitted to IWPR, there is no particular need to travel to Yerevan. “We live quietly, we don't need anything, we are even given a salary of $40 a month by order of the Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II,” she said.
The monastery of the sisters-nuns is small, surrounded by a small garden and vegetable garden. The vegetables and fruits grown here are enough for the sisters, the rector and the deacon at the church. They also keep chickens here, in a word - quite a decent farm, given that only four women are engaged in it, frankly, not very young.
“We definitely participate in all divine services, help the priest in any way we can,” says Sister Aida.
"You know, a regulated life has its advantages - a clearly scheduled day does not give time to indulge in idle thoughts. There is work here all the time - prayer in the morning, then a meal, housework, more prayer and going to bed. We also have a TV, so You can’t call us hermits. By the way, there is no “church censorship” for watching programs - we just choose what suits us best.”
The conversation with the rector took place in the courtyard of the monastery, and from the kitchen there was a delicious smell of freshly baked bread. “Yes, we have everything of our own here,” he said.
Nuns are subject only to the Charter of the Church, which, according to the Constitution, is separated from the state, which means that they are not subject to any social payments and benefits. True, they do not pay for anything - all utility costs, as well as household needs, are paid by the church, or rather the temple where the monastery is located. “They are freed from worldly hardships, and they are not afraid of a beggarly pension,” Father Martiros said.
The world thinks about nuns in different ways.
30-year-old Astghik Poghosyan is skeptical about the inhabitants of the monastery of St. Hripsime. “Perhaps these women had no other choice but to go to a monastery, they did not have the strength to withstand social difficulties. But on the other hand, it's just an escape from reality. Somehow I don't believe in their desire to serve God," she told IWPR.
Garegin, who works as a manager in a computer company, agrees with her. “You have to be so tired of life in order to voluntarily give up worldly joys,” he wonders. “I would not want such a fate for my family.” In his opinion, the state is to blame for the fact that these women ended up in a monastery, which could not provide them with an alternative life to the one they are now leading.
He does not greet women going to the monastery, even the watchman of the temple. “People should not go against nature. Women are destined to get married, have children, in a word - create a family. King Pap did the right thing 16 centuries ago when he closed the nunneries.”
However, there are those who admire and even envy the nuns. “I would gladly go to a monastery - not because life is difficult, but because of a lack of spirituality. True, they tell me that this is all a figment of the imagination - but I think that they are right, ”says the mother of two children Knarik Asatryan.
According to Linguistic University student Gayane Minasyan, there should be more nuns. “What we see in life is emptiness and the pursuit of material well-being, there is no time to think about the soul. Well done these women, if there were more of them, it would be better for all of us.”
Sister Aida claims that the right to choose always remains with women.
“We do not impose our decision on anyone. If anyone wants, he can come to the monastery, and if he, that is, she came to us consciously, we will only be happy. And if not, you will have to say goodbye. They don’t hold evil against anyone here, they don’t forcibly cut their hair, we can be freer than other citizens of Armenia,” said Sister Aida.
Karine Ter-Sahakyan, freelance journalist, Etchmiadzin
Perhaps, every stone is unique in Armenia, it is so original. It is no coincidence that many and many tourists from year to year come here for excellent cuisine, clean air and a warm welcome. But we wrote about all this in other sections, but here we would like to talk about another feature of Armenia - Armenian Christian churches.
The fact that Armenia adopted Christianity in 301 is a well-known fact. But not everyone knows that the Armenians began to build Christian churches and monasteries even before the official adoption of Christianity. The earliest Armenian temples date back to the 1st century AD.
We have compiled a short guide to the most famous Armenian temples so that you know how to prepare your itinerary.
Geghard Monastery (Geghardavank)
The monastery was founded in the 4th century on the site of a cave mountain spring, and this gave it its first name: some still call it Ayrivank (literally: "Cave Monastery"). Its real name Geghardavank (literally: "Monastery of the Spear") comes from its history. Once upon a time, the apostle Thaddeus brought to Armenia the famous spear of Longinus (now kept in Etchmiadzin), with which the body of Jesus Christ was pierced. During its history, the monastery complex suffered more than one destruction and restoration: the Arabs who came in the 9th century tried to destroy it, numerous earthquakes destroyed the complex almost to the very foundation. Geghard is one of the largest complexes in Armenia, and perhaps the most picturesque.
Saghmosavank Monastery
This monastery is located high in the mountains near the river Kasakh. There is a legend that the monastery was founded by Gregory the Illuminator in the 4th century. It is said that he prayed in this place under the light of the Heavenly Lamp. Historical facts tell us that the oldest temple of the monastery of Surb Sion was built in the XII century. Absolutely everything is dreamy in this place: the temple of Saghmosavank is still active, tourists can touch its thousand-year-old stones with their own hands, and you will dream of the view of the gorge of the Kasakh River and the waterfall for a long time to come. In addition to the oldest church, the Saghmosavank monastery complex includes a book depository built in 1255, the church of St. Astvatsatsin built in 1235 and a narthex (1250).
Hovhannavank Monastery
Not far from Sevanavank is the monastery of Hovhannavank. The year of its foundation is considered to be 1216. Today, the monastery complex includes very old buildings, for example, the Basilica of St. Grigor of the 5th century, it houses an iconostasis, which is a rarity for Armenian medieval churches. The main church of the monastery is Surb Karapet, its walls are richly decorated with Christian bas-reliefs.
Haghartsin Monastery (Hagartsnavank)
Tour guides very often combine a visit to this monastery with a check-in, because Haghartsin is located only 18 kilometers from it, in the most picturesque Haghartsin Gorge. This complex of buildings, like many monasteries in Armenia, is considered a monument of Armenian medieval architecture. The earliest monastery buildings date from the 11th century. These include the Church of St. Grigor. The main church of Haghartsinavank is Surb Asvattsatsin (Holy Mother of God), it was built in 1281. In addition to the monastery buildings, there are several khachkars – special carved crosses – located on the territory of the complex. According to archaeologists, the tomb of the Bagratuni family is located in the monastery. This is evidenced by tombstones with the names of famous Armenian kings.
Monastery Sevanavank
Kecharis Monastery
Kecharis Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Armenia. It is located on the Pambak Range, in the northwestern part of the mountain-climatic resort Tsaghkadzor. It is generally accepted that the first building on this site appeared in the 11th century, while construction continued for several more centuries. The monastery complex consists of four main buildings. The oldest temple is St. Grigor Lusavorich, built in 1003. The small church of Nshan also dates back to the 11th century, and a small chapel on the territory of the monastery is the tomb of Gregory Magistros Pahlavuni. The fourth church of the Kecharis monastery is the Church of the Resurrection, which was built around 1220. It is known that all the abbots of the monastery are buried in it.
It is called "an open-air museum" and is considered the first Christian country in the world. The Greeks and Romans left a bright mark on its architecture. Here you can find thousands of religious buildings and ancient artifacts located among the picturesque landscapes. Although Armenia is an Asian country, it is impossible to get acquainted with it without visiting magnificent monasteries. The age of the majority dates back thousands of years, and they are located in remote gorges, in mountains, on peaks, in caves. Some are even partially carved into the rock and stone cliffs. There are few tourists here, and the nature around is amazing.
We present to you a selection of the best sacred places in Armenia must-visit. By the way, we also look here every time we travel through this hospitable country.
Temple of Garni
The monumental pagan pantheon of the Hellenistic era among the green mountains looks simply incredible! It is one of the oldest attractions in the country. Garni itself, built in the 1st century, was destroyed along with the defensive walls as a result of a strong earthquake in 1679. In 1949, it was literally collected piece by piece. So what we are now seeing is not a copy, but a reconstruction of the original. Dedicated to Mithra, the sun deity popular in the Middle East.
Garni was built on the site of a Urartian temple. It repeats the dimensions of the latter (5.05 x 7.98 m) and is a Greco-Roman peripetos. Nine wide steps lead to the inner sanctuary. An Arabic inscription at the main portal to the prayer hall reports the capture of the fortress and its transformation into a mosque. The roof is supported by 24 columns: 6 on the front sides and 8 on the side.
What to see in Garni
In addition to the pantheon itself, no less interesting and unique objects of antiquity are located on the adjacent territory: the fortress of the same name, khachkars, a garrison, a foundation stone, the ruins of the churches of St. Sion and Mashtots Hayrapet, a summer palace, a cuneiform inscription of King Argishti I and royal baths.
Separately, we note the canyon. Azat is a miracle of nature with stunning steep slopes, which seem to be made of giant basalt prisms. The canyon next to the temple is called "Symphony in Stone" and to see it, you just need to go down to the river.
Cost of visit and opening hours
On the last Saturday of each month, admission is free;). The rest of the time, the cost is 1200 AMD (about $ 2.5) in the afternoon and 1500 AMD ($ 3.1) in the evening. Excursion in Russian / English - 2500 drams ($ 5.2).
Schedule:
Tuesday - Friday: 9.00 - 22.00 (May to November) and 9.00 - 17.30 (December to April)
Sunday: 9.00 - 15.00
Day off - Monday.
How to get to Garni
From Yerevan you can take a bus for half an hour and $ 0.5. At the bus station on Gay Street (behind the Mersedes salon), you should look for routes 266 and 284. Also in Armenia, a fairly affordable taxi and for a reasonable amount the driver will take you there and back. But we strongly recommend that you combine your visit to Garni with nearby Geghard.
Geghard Cave Monastery
No matter how close a person is to religion and religious beliefs, sacred places will never cease to amaze and attract attention. Geghard is a prime example of this. He is very loved and visited in Armenia. It is known that Gerard is based on a special land. Even in the pre-Christian period, rituals were held here near sacred springs. One of the sources, by the way, has survived to this day.
Legend has it that Ayrivank Monastery, or Pstill more, founded in the 4th century. when Christianity was adopted as the state religion. It received this name due to the fact that at first the monks lived in nearby caves, using them as cells. Although Ayrivank dates back to the 13th century. , inscriptions found in the area date back to the 1160s. At the end of the 13th century, the Cave Monastery was the most important place of pilgrimage.
But the reason why we now know and appreciate the Cave Monastery, of course, lies in the one and only relic that is stored in it.
It was in this place that the legendary Spear of Destiny, or Longinus, was guarded for centuries. The Bible says that the Roman soldier Longinus pierced Jesus crucified on the cross with it. Since the gesture was a manifestation of the highest mercy, powerful positive properties are attributed to the tool. For example, it is believed that the commander who owns it will never be defeated in a war.
In fact, there are two more Spears of Destiny in the world: in Vienna (in the Habsburg Museum) and in the Vatican. All three, together with the Armenian one, are recognized as original (there is a certified copy in Krakow). Historians have not yet come to a consensus which of the relics killed Christ, but their value and role in European history are undeniable. For example, the Viennese once belonged to Charlemagne and he firmly believed that he was invincible. Later, young Hitler, who was an extremely superstitious person, spent hours looking at the artifact in the museum's window, dreaming of taking possession of it. He succeeded and the Nazis hid the booty in the Alps. At the end of the Second World War, American soldiers found a cache, and after only two hours, Hitler committed suicide. Even though we don't know which of the Spears of Destiny is real, they all certainly left a vivid imprint everywhere they went.
Beautiful architectural ensembles lined up around the Armenian. Ayrivank was renamed Geghardavank, which means Monastery of the Spear ( Geghard- spear in Armenian). According to legend, a piece of Noah's ark was also kept here. Later, the relics were transferred to Etchmiadzin, where they can still be seen today.
What to see in Geghard
Cave cells located above the main entrance;
home katoghike church;
rocky sacristy Gavit with stalactites inside framing a domed ceiling;
Avazan- a church completely carved into the rock with a sacred spring inside;
Cave Church of Our Lady with deep reliefs on the walls;
Chapel of St. George, is also completely carved into the rock.
The Christian churches of Armenia are notable for their asceticism. Twilight, silence and ancient stone walls around create a special feeling of calm. Such places should be visited slowly and thoughtfully.
How to get to Gerard
There are no direct flights from Yerevan. You need to take a minibus to Garni (from the bus station on Gay St., No. 255 and 266). Exit near the turn to Gerard. From here you can hire a local taxi driver or catch a bus / ride to the nearest village (village Goght) and then walk further (about 4 km). The picturesque area will make the walk pleasant. By the way, rides from Garni go to Goght. It is very convenient to visit these attractions in a day. A taxi from the capital through two temples + Havuts Tar (80 km) will cost $20-25 but don't forget to bargain! ;)
Havuts Tar monastery complex
It is located on the left bank of the Azat canyon between Garni and Gerard. It was once considered one of the main religious and cultural centers of the Middle Ages. This formidable monastery in the mountains, surrounded by 2nd century walls, is half destroyed.
You can walk to Havuts Tara in an hour from the village of Goght.
Armenia has a huge number of abodes of the gods. Many of them are similar to each other. But each is in such an incredible place that you want to stay there longer and enjoy the moment. On the shore of the largest lake in the Caucasus, Sevan, there is another ancient monastery - Sevanavank. It consists of two churches and lies on the Sevan peninsula. The architecture of both churches is almost the same - they are made of black stone in the form of a cross. The entrance is decorated with dozens of cross-stones. Khachkars are stone steles in the form of a cross. They can be found throughout the territory of Armenia, but despite their similarity, each has its own style and meaning.
According to an ancient inscription, the monastery on the lake was founded by the Armenian princess Mariam in 874 AD. e. In memory of her husband, Mariam promised to build 30 churches, and Sevanavank was one of them.
Near Sevanavank there are benches where tourists can enjoy the stunning view of Sevan. In a peaceful atmosphere, you will observe the whimsical color of Sevan, which changes depending on the weather and time of day.
It is important to note that the Sevanavank dress code prohibits entry in a swimsuit, short skirt, etc. Legs and shoulders must be properly covered.
How to get to Sevanavank
It takes a little over an hour to go from Yerevan to Lake Sevan by public transport. The required minibus is No. 317. It starts from the Northern Bus Station and takes you to the village near Lake Sevan. From there you will have to take a local driver or catch a ride. You can rent a car in Yerevan or take a taxi.
This is perhaps the most iconic region for Armenians and for Christianity in general. Historians disagree, but it is most likely that the world's first Christian cathedral was built here. It was erected in that legendary era when Armenia adopted Christianity in the 4th century AD. e. According to legend, Gregory the Illuminator had a vision in which Jesus Christ personally indicated the place where the cathedral was to be built, which later received the name "The Descent of the Only Begotten." Like all ancient temples, Etchmiadzin has undergone a huge number of restorations from a wooden basilica to a monumental stone cathedral. To this day, the monastery complex in Etchmiadzin is the residence of the Catholicos. The most valuable Christian artifacts of the people are collected here: the Spear of Destiny, the relics of many saints, part of the crown of thorns. In addition to the main cathedral in the Etchmiadzin complex, there are other ancient temples - Hripsime and Gayane.
The cathedral is active and its door is open to everyone. It is recommended to take a guided tour to understand all the nuances of this religious center of world significance.
How to get to the Etchmiadzin Church
From the capital to the city of Vagharshapat, take a minibus for half an hour. Taxi back and forth makes it possible to visit Zvartnots at the same time, which is only 5 km from Etchmiadzin.
Temple of Vigilant Angels - Zvartnots
Back in 652, a magnificent three-tiered temple of Zvartnots was built on the territory of modern Armenia. Unfortunately, only its ruins have survived to this day, but even they impress with their beauty, grace of lines and incredible mystical atmosphere. At the base of the building there was a circle in which a cross was inscribed. Historians believe that Zvartnots resembled a stepped round pyramid. It is interesting that pagan pre-Christian symbolism is displayed in such a peculiar geometry. In the 10th century, during an earthquake, Zvartnots was destroyed and remained buried until the 20th century.
Now the first tier has been partially restored and these ruins are under the protection of UNESCO. According to legend, the relics of St. Gregory the Illuminator were kept here in ancient times.
Many note the special aura of this place, the stone ruins seem to be something more than just another tourist attraction.
From the Yerevan bus station, all routes heading towards Vagharshapat come up. Stop near the gate with an eagle at the top. Entrance and photos in Zvartnots are paid.
Be sure to visit these amazing places imbued with the spirit of history and mysticism. Cave and rock monasteries, majestic temples in the mountains and on the shores of crystal lakes, the panoramas of Ararat and the genuine hospitality of the inhabitants will make the trip unforgettable. Or join our exciting adventure trekking in Armenia and we will show you the very best of this unique country!