Group Tour: Echmiadzin Cathedral & churches, Zvartnots Temple
Description
Explore Armenia’s religious heritage in and around Yerevan during this 4-5-hour visit to the region’s historic churches. Discover houses of worship like the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral, the churches of St. Gayane and St. Hripsime. Next stop is Zvartnots, the medieval temple of St. Gregory built in the 7th century.
Tour Options
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.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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
Reviews(410)
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!
We truly appreciate your wonderful feedback! We can’t wait for the chance to host you again in the future!
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!
Your perfect review is much appreciated! We will gladly organize your vacations whenever necessary!
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.
Your highest praise means the world to us! We look forward to organizing your trips whenever you visit Armenia!
Thank You Haik and Leo and Joseph for the wonderful tours . There were very profesional stories by the guide Hayk and all of them were very kind.
It’s so nice to hear that you were satisfied with our services. You can surely rely on our company in future as well!
First thing to say, Hyur is an excellent operator. All tours are good and well organized. However, if you have little time in Yerevan, this tour should be on your priority list. Echmiadzin Complex and Zvartnots temple are unique places. Our guide Hayk was super nice, he even changed me 5 euros so that I could pay for the museum in local money which I did not have.
We are very grateful for the nice review! You are always welcome to Armenia!
I had a wonderful and very well-organized tour to Echmiadzin Cathedral & Churches and the Zvartnots Temple. Everything ran smoothly from start to finish and made for a very enjoyable day. Our guide Eduard was excellent – he spoke fluent English, was very informative, and explained the history and significance of the sites in a clear and engaging way. Our driver Leo was also outstanding – very safe, calm, and professional, which made the journey extremely comfortable. As on previous tours, I really appreciated the complimentary water, cookies, and free Wi-Fi in the vehicle, which added a nice extra level of comfort. Overall, another beautiful day with great organization and excellent service. Highly recommended!
Your kind words mean a lot to us! We look forward to welcoming you again in Armenia!
A big thank you to our guide Harpi for her kindness and professionalism! This was the third time with this guide, and I highly recommend her! As much time was spent on explanations for the Russian-speaking part as for the English-speaking part! Thanks also to Ara, a always caring driver!
Merci pour votre évaluation! Nous serons heureux de vous accueillir à nouveau et de prendre soin de vos futures vacances en Arménie.
Guide Arpy, Löw's driver. Hello from Belarus! Thank you so much for the wonderful tour! It's all very well.
Огромное спасибо за приятные слова! Для нас всегда радость принимать Вас в Армении!
Wonderful tour, our guide Eduard was so interested in telling everything, it's just a man-treasure of historical knowledge! We were very interested, we learned a lot about the history and religion of the Armenian people. Separately, thank you very much to our driver Lavon, he drove the bus so carefully and very carefully, the bus was comfortable despite today's heat. Thank you to everyone who organized this tour.
Большое спасибо за положительный отзыв! Всегда рады помочь Вам в организации отдыха в будущем!
Mum and I went to two tours with Eduard and Levon. We really enjoyed both trips, Eduard is extremely knowledgable. It’s pleasant to listen to him and when we had questions he gave us additional detailed explanations about places we went to and about Armenia in general.
Your kind words mean a lot to us! We look forward to welcoming you again in Armenia!
