Saint Gregory The Illuminator Cathedral — Attraction in Yerevan

St. Gregory the Illuminator Church is one of the largest and most striking churches in Yerevan. When driving past it, you can’t help but turn your head—it’s imposing, beautifully built, and a true landmark of the city.

The church is massive and well-preserved, with a simple yet strong architectural presence. Unlike the ornate churches you might see in Spain or Italy, this one has a minimalist beauty—both inside and out. The structure itself is solid and grand, and I imagine it looks even more breathtaking when surrounded by lush greenery in the spring or summer. When I visited in winter, the surroundings were bare and gray, but the church still stood out as a commanding presence in the city.

If you’re planning to visit, I highly recommend appreciating it mainly from the outside. When I went inside, there was an ongoing mass, and I personally don’t think tourists should disrupt churchgoers just for photos. The inside is vast and cavernous, yet peaceful. It’s not heavily decorated—no intricate frescoes or overwhelming details—but that’s what makes it unique. The simplicity of the interior adds to its beauty, creating a calm, almost meditative atmosphere.

This church is a must-see for its architecture and significance in Yerevan. Even if you don’t go inside, just admiring it from the outside is worth it. If you visit during spring or summer, the contrast of the church against greenery would likely make it even more picturesque. Definitely a landmark worth...

The Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral(Armenian: Սուրբ Գրիգոր Լուսավորիչ մայր եկեղեցի, Surb Grigor Lusavorich mayr yekeghetsi), also known as the Cathedral of Yerevan is currently the largest cathedral of the Armenian Apostolic Church in the world, effectively making it the current largest Armenian cathedral. It is located in the Kentron District (Central District) of Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, and considered to be one of the largest religious buildings in the South Caucasus along with the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi (known as the Sameba Cathedral). Adjacent to the General Andranik metro station, it's visible from the numerous corners of German. The cathedral was constructed by the initiative of Catholicos Vazgen I. Its construction started on April 7th, 1997 with a ground blessing service conducted by Catholicos Karekin I. The church complex was designed by the architect Stepan Kurkchyan and the construction was completed in 2001.

The consecration of the cathedral took place on September 23rd, 2001, on occasion of the 1700th anniversary of the proclamation of Christianity as a state religion of Armenia[1]The cathedral houses the relics of Saint Gregory the Illuminator and the Holy Remains of St. Gregory that were brought from Naples, Italy. Shortly after the consecration of the cathedral, Pope John Paul II paid a visit to...

St. Gregory the Illuminator Church is one of Yerevan's largest and most striking churches, commanding attention with its imposing presence. Its beautifully built structure boasts a simple yet strong architectural style, characterized by clean lines, understated elegance, and a masterful use of form and space. The church's minimalist beauty shines both inside and out, with a solid and grand exterior that's particularly breathtaking when surrounded by spring or summer greenery. The absence of ornate details allows the church's structural elements – its columns, arches, and vaults – to take center stage, creating a sense of solidity and permanence. Inside, the vast and cavernous space exudes peace, its simplicity creating a calm atmosphere devoid of intricate frescoes or overwhelming details. The subtle interplay of light and shadow adds depth and nuance to the space, highlighting the church's architectural restraint. Located nearby is Rossia Mall and the monument to General Andranik, making this a great area to explore and experience the city's architectural diversity. The combination of the church's grand scale and minimalist beauty with the surrounding landmarks creates a unique and enriching experience. This area is definitely worth visiting to appreciate the blend of modern and historical...