Many guests often ask our tour-guides about the difference between Armenian Apostolic church and all the other Christian churches around the world. Armenia is the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as a state religion in 301 AD. Christianity had a big influence on Armenian architecture, music, literature and visual arts. Tour to Holy Etchmiadzin will give us a chance to get acquainted with the peculiarities of Armenian Christianity, it's rich history and heritage. Etchmiadzin is a small town not so far from Yerevan – 15 km, where the mother church of the Armenian Apostolic Church – Etchmiadzin Cathedral is located.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Private transportation
✔ On-board WiFi
✔ In-vehicle air conditioning
✖ Lunch
Pickup Locations
1. Teryan Pushkin Apart Hotel
2. R&R Hotel
3. The Alexander, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Yerevan
4. Ani Plaza Hotel
5. Bonjour Boutique Hotel Yerevan
6. City Centre Apartments
7. Aviatrans
8. ibis Yerevan Center Hotel
9. Opera Suite Hotel
10. Hotel Meg
11. North Avenue by Stellar Hotels
12. Imperial Palace Hotel
13. City Centre Hotel by Picnic
14. Yerevan Apart Republic Square
15. Nova Hotel
16. Royal Plaza By Stellar Hotels
17. Cascade Hotel
18. Alba Hotel Yerevan
19. Grand Hotel Yerevan
20. Mandarin Hotel
Itinerary
1
Khor Virap
Khor Virap is the most famous pilgrimage site in Armenia, as it is directly connected with the adoption of Christianity. As a state religion Christianity in Armenia was adopted in 301 due to endeavors of Saint Gregory the Illuminator, who before converting king Trdat the 3rd to Christianity, was imprisoned in the dungeon over which a church of Khor Virap monastery was built in the 17th century. From the monastery one can admire the stunning view of the Biblical Mount Ararat.
Duration: 1.1666666666667 hours
2
Echmiadzin Monastery
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 forth 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 Grigory 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.
Duration: 40 minutes
3
Saint Gayane Church
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. The church 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 was martyred for preaching Christianity.
Duration: 30 minutes
4
Saint Hripsime Church
St. Hripsime church is the 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.
Duration: 30 minutes
5
Zvartnots Temple
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 could 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.
Duration: 40 minutes
Additional info
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
