Cathedral and Churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots

By Carine and Derek

What are Cathedral and Churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots?

This UNESCO site, which consists of three parts, is located near Yerevan, Armenia’s capital. This site was added to the UNESCO list in 2000.

The first area of the site, about 30 hectares in size (74 acres), includes the Mother Cathedral of Echmiatsin and St. Gayane Church. The second area, about 25 hectares (62 acres), has two more churches: St. Hripsime Church and St. Shoghakat Church. The third part, about 19 hectares (47 acres), is Zvartnots, an archaeological site with a collection of ruins, the most important being the ruin of Zvartnots Cathedral.

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Despite being in ruins, Zvartnots is a beautiful place to see. It was only at the start of the 20th century that the ruins of Zvartnots were uncovered. They discovered the foundations of the cathedral as well as the remains of the Catholicos palace and a winery. After more excavations, it was revealed that Zvartnots stood on structures that dated back to 680 BC.

Why are the churches in Echmiatsin and the ruins of Zvartnots a UNESCO World Heritage site?

The Mother Cathedral of Echmiatsin is known as one of the oldest churches in Armenia, as Armenia was the first nation to adopt Christianity as a national religion back in 301 AD. The cathedral was the earliest domed church, dating to the early 4th century. It is shaped like a cross and has four apses with the dome in the center held up by four pillars. This pattern influenced Armenian church architecture for centuries, and spread across Byzantium and Europe as a whole.

The Church of St. Hripsime followed the same plan in the 7th century: cross-shaped with a central dome.

St. Gayane, also dating to the 7th century, is the earliest church with a three-aisle basilica and, again, a dome in the center supported by four pillars.

Zvartnots Church was a particularly accomplished step in this design evolution. According to UNESCO, “Zvartnots church is truly the apogee of all the achievements of Armenian architecture’s Golden Age (Early Middle Ages) in the spheres of construction, sculptural and decorative arts.” It had the same cross shape and dome, but that shape was enclosed by walls that were round inside and multi-sided on the outside.

Unfortunately, Zvartnots Church was ruined in the 10th century, probably by an earthquake that struck the country. Armenia is known for having high seismic activity.

St. Shoghakat Church was built later, dating to the 17th century, but with a similar structure.

The fragments of artwork from the Zvartnots ruins are also of significance. UNESCO’s description says that the “bas-reliefs and high-reliefs that illustrate fragments from ecclesiastical and secular life are implemented very skillfully.”

What can you expect on a visit to the churches in Echmiatsin or to Zvartnots?

At the Cathedral of Echmiatsin, the frescoes are wonderful. They date from the 18th century.

Nestled between the mountains, Zvartnots has an almost mythical feel to it. On clear days, especially in colder months, you can even spot Mount Ararat from there. This mountain still bears an important meaning to Armenians around the world and in the country.

Zvartnots is also a beautiful place to explore year-round as it’s outside and can highlight different aspects of itself throughout the seasons. Plus, it helps that it’s only 20 km (12.4 mi) away from the capital city, Yerevan.

Are the churches in Echmiatsin or Zvartnots Cathedral worth visiting?

Zvartnots is worth visiting because it’s so close to the capital and also for its historical and aesthetic significance. It’s located a short drive from Etchmiatsin Cathedral and most tours will take you to both locations on the same day, and sometimes more of the churches as well. Again, because of the deep-rooted connection between the two cathedrals, and their significance to Armenia and Christianity, this site will be interesting for all sorts of visitors.

Without a guide, you could spend about 30 minutes to 1 hour here, admiring the sculptures and surrounding beauty. With a guide, you’ll spend a lot more time as they will go in deep detail about everything the site has to offer.

Tips for visiting the ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral

It is pretty spectacular all the time. However, in summer, the sky can be hazy and Mount Ararat may not be very visible.

Try to aim for a morning visit before tourists arrive and when you have the highest chance to see it in front of Ararat.

Visiting during the morning is best as tours tend to start a little later. You’ll be able to visit without the crowds and take all the pictures you want. You’ll also avoid the heat Armenian summers are known for.

Although Zvartnots is a popular tourist site, it’s not as busy during the off-seasons (like spring and fall) as many tourists choose to visit Armenia in the summer.                                             

Armenia has a few other UNESCO sites that are worth visiting, especially if you are interested in Armenia’s culture and religion.

Use the map below to find accommodations in Yerevan.

Where are the sites in Echmiatsin?

The Zvartnots archaeological site is located approximately 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) away from Yerevan City. It’s on the way to Echmiatsin, and between Zvartnots International Airport and the city of Yerevan. Echmiatsin City’s more modern name is Vagharshapat.          

Renting a car in Armenia is possible, but it is somewhat pricey as insurance costs are quite hefty. However, you can drive a car to Zvartnots Cathedral from Yerevan, and it will take you about 15-20 minutes to get there. Free parking is available on-site.

To get to Zvartnots Cathedral by public transport, you can take minibus number 203 which leaves from Kilikia Bus Station to Etchmiadsin. Get off at Zvartnots. These minibuses are called marshutkas in Armenia.

A very fast (but comparatively pricey) option that you can use is to take a taxi. The ride from Yerevan to Zvartnots Cathedral will take about 15 minutes. Good apps to use in Armenia for taxi services are GG and Yandex. They are comparable to Uber, although if you don’t enter your credit card info, you’ll need to pay the drivers in cash.

To get back, make sure you have a valid Armenian SIM card and you can order a return taxi with ease. You can also ask the driver to wait for you, if you’re willing to pay a little extra.                                           

For more information about the active churches, including the Cathedral, see the Mother See’s website. There is also information on all of the locations in this UNESCO site on Echmiatsin city’s website.

Have you been to Echmiatsin and Zvartnots? If so, do you have any additional information or advice about this UNESCO World Heritage site? Please add your comments below!