Echmiadzin Cathedral & Zvartnots Temple Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore the world's oldest cathedral
- Discover ancient Armenian architecture
- Enjoy panoramic views of Mount Ararat
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Learn about Armenia's rich history
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Echmiadzin Cathedral
- Visit to Zvartnots Temple ruins
- Transportation to and from Yerevan
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
starting and ending point
St. Hripsime church is one of the famous ecclesiastical buildings in the city of Echmiadzin. This is the developed and perfect example of cross-cupola churches in Armenia. The church is notable with its architectural simplicity and loftiness. The tomb of the Christian martyr Virgin Hripsime is in the sacristy of the church. The site is included in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
Not far from the Echmiadzin Cathedral, against the background of white peaks of Ararat, one can see the silhouette of the cupola of St. Gayane church. It was built in the 7th century and belongs to the domed-basilica style. According to the legend, this church was constructed over the tomb of Virgin Gayane, who had been martyred for preaching Christianity. The site is included in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
The center of Armenian Apostolic church – St. Echmiadzin is located 20 km far from Yerevan. The Cathedral of Echmiadzin was founded at the beginning of the fourth century and is one of the oldest churches in the world. According to the legend, the church was built in the place where apparition of Jesus Christ was seen to Gregory The Illuminator in the dream. The interior of the church is covered with frescoes, created by Hovnatanyan family. The residence of the Catholicos and the Theological Academy are situated near the Cathedral. The site is included in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
This marvelous temple is a result of skillfulness and brave creativity of Armenian architects of the 7th century. Having been built on several columns, it was able to survive only till the 10th century. When in the beginning of the 20th century this site was being excavated, many specialists could hardly accept its reconstruction model, designed by famous Armenian architect Toros Toramanyan, as it was difficult to believe, that such a huge and complicated construction could have been built those days, and amazingly at that time one of the bas-relieves of St. Chapelle church in Paris came to prove Toramanyan's version; the bas-relief depicts Zvartnots temple with Noah's Ark and it looks like the model, represented by the architect. The site is included in UNESCO Cultural World Heritage List.
Meeting point
Start Location
Hyur Service, 96 Nalbandyan poxoc, Yerevan 0010, Armenia
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates in English; check availability for other languages.
- Children under 6 years old are free; contact for child pricing.
- Tour may be subject to change due to weather conditions.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for uneven terrain.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen for sun protection.
- Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Infants Required On Laps
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- The duration is approximate
- Seats will not be known in advance
Traveler reviews
Great tour of Armenian holy sites
Fantastic tour. Arpi is a professor in philology at Yerevan University, and her knowledge of the churches and cathedrals is really excellent.
Echmiadzin Cathedral Tour with Nina
We had a great experience on the Echmiadzin Cathedral tour with Nina. She was knowledgeable, engaging, and shared a lot of interesting information throughout the day. The driver was also excellent, making the trip comfortable and smooth. Overall, it was a very informative and enjoyable tour. Highly recommended!
Thank you.
It was a very interesting, rich and definitely worthwhile tour. Incredibly professional guide Nina told a lot of interesting things, she knows exactly what she does, and besides that, she is also a very nice person. Thanks to driver Joseph for the soft and fast road. I definitely didn't regret it, and I advise you all to go in that direction!
This tour is a MUST
Wow!!! This tour is a MUST when visiting Armenia!! We had an amazing experience from start to finish!! Our guide was extremely knowledgeable, we learned so much from her. She was so excited to share all the history and facts about all the sites we visited!
Wonderful experiwnce
Beautiful experience in wonderful places. We were so fortuned to visit these sacred places . Our guide Manya and our driver made the day perfect. She our guide was so detailed to provide such a valuable information to detailed about these wonderful historic sites. I highly recommend them and Hyur service.