Holy Etchmiadzin - Armenian Apostolic Holy Church — Attraction in Vagharshapat

Etchmiadzin Cathedral is the mother church of the Armenian Apostolic Church, located in the city of Vagharshapat (Etchmiadzin), Armenia. According to most scholars it was the first cathedral built in ancient Armenia, and is often considered the oldest cathedral in the world.

The original church was built in the early fourth century - between 301 and 303 according to tradition—by Armenia's patron saint Gregory the Illuminator, following the adoption of Christianity as a state religion by King Tiridates III. It was built over a pagan temple, symbolizing the conversion from paganism to Christianity. The core of the current building was built in 483/4 by Vahan Mamikonian after the cathedral was severely damaged in a Persian invasion. From its foundation until the second half of the fifth century, Etchmiadzin was the seat of the Catholicos, the supreme head of the Armenian Church.

Although never losing its significance, the cathedral subsequently suffered centuries of virtual neglect. In 1441 it was restored as catholicosate and remains as such to this day. Since then the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin has been the administrative headquarters of the Armenian Church. Etchmiadzin was plundered by Shah Abbas I of Persia in 1604, when relics and stones were taken out of the cathedral to New Julfa in an effort to undermine Armenians' attachment to their land. Since then the cathedral has undergone a number of renovations. Belfries were added in the latter half of the seventeenth century and in 1868 a sacristy was constructed at the cathedral's east end. Today, it incorporates styles of different periods of Armenian architecture. Diminished during the early Soviet period, Etchmiadzin revived again in the second half of the twentieth century, and under...

Most of the complex is now open (28th September 2024) and the restoration is coming to an end. Definitely worth visiting but I don't think it's worth paying for a day tour from Yerevan.

If you are staying in Yerevan it's very easy to get here. Take minibus 203 from the main street (download Yandex for bus routes). Start of the bus route is on the main street by Matenadaran Մատենադարան ( 40.1903684, 44.5205699).

There is a bus stop close by the entrance where the bus starts and terminates ( Vagharshapat Central Bus Station). If the bus is not fuhopfrom Yerevan you might need to hop onto another 203 at the yerevan bus station which will take you all the way. On the way back, the bus does not go into the bus station! Stops opposite bus station at the bus stop.

One way ticket in September was 300 amd which you pay just before you exit the vehicle at your final destination. When the minubus stops just hop on and take your seat.

You can explore the complex on your own instead of paying for an expensive tour for as listtle as 600amd. There are free toilets at the complex as well marked on google maps. You can find water fountain just before the cathedral on left, past the...

It is the Armenia's first cathedral as well as world's first cathedral situated in Armavir province. Very well maintained and total area is huge. Cleanest in Armania. So much of greenery. A free and cleaned washroom is available here. An Armenia's popular Pulpulak available here where one can drink water.

A restaurant with Patio heater to heat the outside siting area available here. The garden area is fantastic and very beautiful. We noticed a marriage is happening here too. Ample parking is available outside the cathedral. Most of the time police car will be available outside the cathedral area. Nearby restaurents are available too and that aslo very cheap. No ticket required and not also any...