Etchmiadzin is the spiritual center and religious capital of Armenia. Anyone interested in the history of Christianity and the Armenian church should visit Etchmiadzin.
Etchmiadzin has something captivating to offer for history enthusiasts and curious travelers. It has the charm of a small town where you can find a medieval church around the corner. Besides, it’s very close to Yerevan and has sites included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The town is perfect if you want to feel Armenian traditions and cuisine. The most popular format is a small B&B where you can stay overnight and attend a masterclass, for example, lavash baking. Several such places are reviving Armenian traditions and cuisine bringing more charm to this small town.
Let’s discover how to get and what to do in Etchmiadzin.
History of Etchmiadzin
Etchmiadzin, now formally known as Vagharshapat, has a rich history that stretches back to prehistoric times. Its name means “the descent of the Only Begotten”. This refers to a vision of St. Gregory in which Jesus marked the spot for church construction. Initially called Artimed, it was later renamed several times, including Vardgesavan.
In 140 AD, King Vagharsh I expanded the city and named it Vagharshapat. By 168 AD, it became Armenia’s capital, holding this status until 335 AD. During this period, the first Christian church, Etchmiadzin Cathedral, was built between 301-303 AD, becoming the residence of the Catholicos.
Even after losing its status as the capital, Etchmiadzin continued to flourish as a spiritual and cultural center. It housed Armenia’s first manuscript repository, seminary, and Armenian-language school. The city thrived in crafts and trade. However, it also faced multiple invasions, including those by Persians and Turks. Despite these challenges, Etchmiadzin’s rulers recognized its value and repeatedly restored it.
In 1441, Etchmiadzin Cathedral again became the Catholicos’s seat and remains so today. During Soviet times, the city was redeveloped, blending its ancient architecture with modern industry. Today, Etchmiadzin is a vibrant spiritual hub, attracting many pilgrims and tourists every year.
Visit Etchmiadzin Cathedral
The center of the city is Etchmiadzin Cathedral – the mother church of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Built between 301 and 303 AD, it is considered the oldest cathedral in the world. Saint Gregory the Illuminator constructed it after Armenia adopted Christianity as its state religion. It was built over a pagan temple, symbolizing the nation’s conversion.
In the 5th century, Etchmiadzin became the seat of the Catholicos, the head of the Armenian Church.
Over the centuries, it underwent numerous renovations, including the addition of belfries and a sacristy. It has a cross-domed structure like other traditional churches. However, it stands out as unlike other ascetic monasteries and churches it has bright and rich paintings inside. Tourists can find biblical scenes and images of saints.
The cathedral is a house to the holy spear that allegedly Roman soldiers used to pierce Jesus Christ, a piece of Noah’s Ark, and the Right Hand of Saint Gregory the Illuminator. The museums of the Cathedral are a real treasure depositary. Moreover, there are five museums on the site containing relics, works of art, and items for liturgical rituals.
Tour Churches of Etchmiadzin
The story of the three most famous churches in Etchmiadzin is truly impressive. Hripsime was a beautiful young Christian nun who lived in Rome. Roman emperor Diocletian wanted to marry her, but she fled with Abbess Gayane and other nuns to Armenia. Here Kind Trdat III who was pagan then falls in love with Hripsime. However, he was rejected and ordered to kill the nuns. Later Trdat converted to Christianity and made it a national religion. AD. The churches of St. Hripsime, St. Gayane, and St. Shoghakat stand where the nuns were killed.
The churches are not far from each other so you can easily visit all three. By the way, all are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. All are worth visiting as here you can feel the unique spiritual atmosphere. One of them, Gayane, is especially charming as it has a beautiful garden with apricot trees.
Ethnographic Museum
The Historical and Ethnographic Museum showcases tens of thousands of ethnographic samples and artifacts. This is a great place where tourists have a unique chance to see the history of the city from the Stone Age to the 20th century. For example, the archeological hall shows the everyday life of the inhabitants of the Ararat Valley.
Today, the museum houses nearly 15,000 exhibits. The museum’s ethnographic collection includes rugs, household items, and antique books. A unique 1809 typographical machine, gifted by Queen Victoria, is also on display.
Do Not Miss Zvartnots Cathedral
On your way from Yerevan to Etchmiadzin you will see the ruins of Zvartnots Temple. It is a unique architectural marvel built in the 7th century. However, a 10th-century earthquake destroyed the cathedral and today we can see only the ruins. Although there are no walls, the first tier and columns are well-preserved. Besides, there are very beautiful stone carvings. The remnants of the temple also offer stunning views of Mount Ararat.
Enjoy Art in Etchmiadzin
Etchmiadzin looks like a museum under the open sky. In addition to the religious monuments, it has many art corners to visit. First, there are galleries of artists born in the city, like the Mher Abeghyan Museum and Khoren Ter-Harutyunyan Museum.
Besides, the town offers unique guest houses that preserve Armenian art and cuisine. Touring the city, you will see cozy places for travelers to rest and learn more about Armenian culture. One notable spot is the Machanents restaurant. It’s more than a restaurant as it hosts workshops and a gallery. Such places usually offer overnight stays to have more time to explore the local sites. As Etchmiadzin is very close to Yerevan it’s an ideal destination for “a lazy Sunday tour”. No need to hurry as you will be in Yerevan in 30 minutes. Besides, this is a spot that is included in nearly all classic tours but we at Levon Travel can also offer a custom-made itinerary based on your interests and budget.