Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin (Etchmiadzin Cathedral) Tourism

The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, also known as Etchmiadzin Cathedral, is the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the worldwide Armenian Apostolic Church. Founded in the early 4th century by St. Gregory the Illuminator after Armenia became the first country to adopt Christianity as its state religion, the cathedral is said to be built on the site where Gregory had a vision of Jesus descending from heaven with a golden hammer to mark the center of the Earth. Located in the city of Vagharshapat, commonly known as Etchmiadzin, it stands amidst a complex of buildings including the patriarchal residence, seminaries, and a treasury that houses a remarkable collection of religious artifacts and illuminated manuscripts. This architectural marvel is adorned with intricate stone carvings and holds significant religious relics. It has also been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Etchmiadzin Cathedral is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of Armenian national identity and an embodiment of the endurance and cultural heritage of the Armenian people.