How To Reach Mother See Of Holy Etchmiadzin Etchmiadzin Cathedral

Traveling to Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin (Etchmiadzin Cathedral), Echmiadzin, Armenia

Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin is the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the worldwide Armenian Apostolic Church. The Etchmiadzin Cathedral, located in the city of Vagharshapat, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a revered place of pilgrimage for Armenians all over the world.

Getting There

By Air:

• The nearest international airport is Zvartnots International Airport (EVN) in Yerevan.
• Upon arrival in Yerevan, visitors can rent a car, take a taxi, or use public transportation to reach Echmiadzin.
• A taxi ride from the airport to Echmiadzin typically takes around 20 minutes.

By Public Transportation:

• From the center of Yerevan, visitors can take minibuses (known locally as "marshrutka") or buses. These are readily available and provide an affordable way to get to Echmiadzin.
• The central bus station in Yerevan is the point of departure for buses going to Echmiadzin. The journey lasts about 30 to 40 minutes.

By Car:

• If traveling by car, take the M5 highway, which connects Yerevan with Echmiadzin.
• The distance between Yerevan and Echmiadzin is approximately 20 kilometers (12.4 miles), and the drive should take no more than 30 minutes under normal traffic conditions.
• There are signs along the way to guide visitors directly to the cathedral.

Visiting Hours

• Etchmiadzin Cathedral is usually open to visitors every day, but hours may vary, especially during religious holidays and ceremonies.
• It is advisable to check the opening hours before planning your visit.

Note: While there is no entrance fee to visit the cathedral, donations are welcome. Remember to dress modestly as this is a place of worship. Photographs are generally allowed, but it is courteous to ask for permission before photographing individuals or a church service in progress.

Enjoy your visit to this remarkable historical and spiritual center of the Armenian Apostolic Church.