Cathedral and Churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots
Date of Inscription: 2000
Selection criteria: (ii)to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iii) to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared
Overview: The Cathedral and Churches of Echmiatsin are a complex of religious buildings in the city of Vagharshapat, while the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots is a ruined 7th-century Armenian cathedral and palace complex.
Prominent Features:
Fun Fact: The Cathedral and Churches of Echmiatsin are considered the "spiritual capital" of Armenia and are the center of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The Mother Cathedral of Holy Echmiatsin is also known for its Holy Lance, which is believed to be the spear that pierced Jesus Christ's side during his crucifixion.
Entry Fees:
How to Reach It: Located about 20 kilometers from Yerevan, the capital of Armenia.
The easiest way to reach Echmiatsin is by taking a marshrutka (minibus) from Yerevan. Marshrutkas to Echmiatsin leave from the Kilikia Bus Station, which is located near the Yerevan train station. The journey takes about 30-40 minutes, and the fare is around 300-400 Armenian Dram per person.
Once you arrive in Echmiatsin, you can take a taxi to the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots, which is located about 5.5 kilometers away. Taxis are readily available in Echmiatsin, and the fare to Zvartnots is usually around 1500-2000 Armenian Dram per car. Alternatively you could get out on the main road and walk the 700m south to the Zvardnots Cathedral
Where to Stay: While there are several hotels and guesthouses in Echmiatsin, it is usually done as a day trip from Yerevan.
Selection criteria: (ii)to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iii) to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared
Overview: The Cathedral and Churches of Echmiatsin are a complex of religious buildings in the city of Vagharshapat, while the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots is a ruined 7th-century Armenian cathedral and palace complex.
Prominent Features:
- The Cathedral and Churches of Echmiatsin are considered the oldest Christian religious site in Armenia and one of the oldest in the world. The complex includes several buildings, including the Mother Cathedral of Holy Echmiatsin, which is the seat of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The cathedral features beautiful frescoes, carvings, and ornaments, and it is built on the site where Saint Gregory the Illuminator saw a vision of Christ descending from heaven.
- The Archaeological Site of Zvartnots is a ruined 7th-century Armenian cathedral and palace complex. It was built during the reign of the Armenian king Trdat III and was destroyed in the 10th century by an earthquake. The ruins include the remains of the cathedral, as well as a palace and a courtyard. The complex is known for its unique architecture and is considered an important example of medieval Armenian architecture.
Fun Fact: The Cathedral and Churches of Echmiatsin are considered the "spiritual capital" of Armenia and are the center of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The Mother Cathedral of Holy Echmiatsin is also known for its Holy Lance, which is believed to be the spear that pierced Jesus Christ's side during his crucifixion.
Entry Fees:
- There is an entry fee of 1,500 AMD per person to enter Echmiatsin
- There is an entry fee of 1,000 AMD per person to enter Zvartnots
How to Reach It: Located about 20 kilometers from Yerevan, the capital of Armenia.
The easiest way to reach Echmiatsin is by taking a marshrutka (minibus) from Yerevan. Marshrutkas to Echmiatsin leave from the Kilikia Bus Station, which is located near the Yerevan train station. The journey takes about 30-40 minutes, and the fare is around 300-400 Armenian Dram per person.
Once you arrive in Echmiatsin, you can take a taxi to the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots, which is located about 5.5 kilometers away. Taxis are readily available in Echmiatsin, and the fare to Zvartnots is usually around 1500-2000 Armenian Dram per car. Alternatively you could get out on the main road and walk the 700m south to the Zvardnots Cathedral
Where to Stay: While there are several hotels and guesthouses in Echmiatsin, it is usually done as a day trip from Yerevan.