Echmiadzin, also known as Vagharshapat, is a city in the Armavir Province of Armenia, renowned as the spiritual center of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Home to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, it is where the Catholicos of All Armenians, the supreme patriarch, resides. The city's ecclesiastical architecture has earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List, particularly with the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, considered the oldest cathedral in the world, originally built by Saint Gregory the Illuminator. Surrounding the cathedral are a series of chapels and churches, each with historical significance and ornate decorations, such as St. Gayane and St. Hripsime Churches. Echmiadzin reflects the deep religious heritage of Armenia and its role in adopting Christianity early in the 4th century. Despite its religious prominence, it remains a small city with a tranquil atmosphere, cultural sights, and traditional Armenian hospitality, making it a significant destination for pilgrims and tourists alike who seek to explore Armenia's rich cultural tapestry and history.
Notably a premier pilgrimage destination, Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral is the clenter of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the oldest Christian cathedral on the planet. This complex contains a monaste..
If you really want to know everything about Christianity in details, then it's definitely worth to visit here. The cathedral was built from 301-303 as the Christiany was accepted as a state religion...
the site has free parking all around the block. grounds are open to everyone. currently the main treasury building is being remodeled, so some exhibits are taken out and placed temporarily into anothe..
Located 1 hr West from Yerevan, Armenia by car.
Easy to visit.
Nice cathedral and complex.
Well reservation.
Worth to visit.
Adventurers049
Wrote on 15th Jun, 2022
Great spot
What a lovely complex.
The entrance gate is amazing and there are a number of buildings separated by lovely gardens.
We witnessed a baptism during our visit.
