Echmiadzin (Hripsime, Gayane, Mother Cathedral) and Zvartnots Temple
Description
Discover Armenia’s spiritual and architectural heritage on this enriching tour. Begin at Echmiadzin, the religious heart of Armenia and home to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, one of the world's oldest Christian cathedrals. Explore the stunning Saint Hripsime and Saint Gayane Churches, both UNESCO-listed sites known for their beautiful Armenian architecture and historical significance. Continue to the majestic Zvartnots Temple, an awe-inspiring 7th-century cathedral now in ruins, offering a glimpse into Armenia’s ancient past with its intricate stonework and panoramic views of Mount Ararat. This tour is ideal for history enthusiasts, culture lovers, and those seeking to explore Armenia’s deep Christian roots and architectural wonders.
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Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Features the classic Armenian cruciform (cross-shaped) design with a dome and massive stone walls.
Features a rectangular basilica design with a dome, massive stone walls, and beautifully carved arches. Saint Gayane was one of the Christian virgins who fled the Roman Empire with Saint Hripsime
Echmiadzin Cathedral is the mother church of the Armenian Apostolic Church and one of the oldest cathedrals in the world. Located in Vagharshapat, it is the religious center of Armenia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 301–303 AD by Saint Gregory the Illuminator, after Armenia became the first nation to adopt Christianity as its state religion.
UNESCO World Heritage Site, Recognized for its unique architecture and historical value, alongside Echmiadzin Cathedral, Saint Hripsime, and Saint Gayane Churches. Unlike traditional Armenian churches, Zvartnots had a circular, three-tiered structure, influenced by Byzantine and Armenian designs.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Reviews(7)
Wonderful guide Karen and driver Levon took us through a really interesting tour.
1. The driver was late for 15 minutes and didn’t even bother to excuse. 2. While driving, the driver was talking over the phone non-stop holding phone in his right hand. 3. In opposite, the tour guide was absolutely silent and at the spots used minimum possible words to tell us about history and stories.
Echmiadzin is the holy city of Armenia. And we found out that rhe cathedral had a renovation recently and inside was really beautiful. And the story, history is so interesting. The guide was very informative. Strongly recommend
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Echmiadzin, the spiritual heart of Armenia, and it was truly an unforgettable experience, Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable, We also visited Saint Hripsime and Saint Gayane churches, both UNESCO-listed and rich in Armenian Christian heritage.
We had very interesting tour with Tatev travel, everything was excellent, tour guide was very nice and expert of her job, the car was clean and comfortable. We spent very interesting time with Tatev travel! Thank you!!!
I went to Echmiadzin with my family. On sundays there is a religious ceremony which made our experience even better. The guide was very informative. Thank you
The trip to Echmiadzin was cancelled by Tatev Travel Agency 10 hours prior to the start of the tour. - For the next day I had booked a city tour in Yerevan which was cancelled too!
