Top Things to do in Vagharshapat
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What to do and see in Vagharshapat, Armavir Province: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Vagharshapat, Armenia including The Churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots, Echmiadzin Monastery, Saint Hripsime Church, Saint Gayane Church, Echmiadzin Historical & Ethnographic Museum, Zvartnots Temple.
1. The Churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 205 reviews
Reviewed By LuizDutraNeto - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Visiting Vagharshapat and its complex of churches, museums and ruins is absolutely a must at any trip to Armenia. You can start with the "Zvartnots Temple" - the ruins of the old church consecrated to "Saint Gregory the Illuminator" and now known as the "Cathedral of the Celestial Angels". Then visit two different churches devoted to two of the first martyrs of Christianity, "Saint Hripsime" and "Saint Gayane", both nuns and deeply venerated in Armenia. Then, visit the "Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin" complex, the seat of the "Catholicos of All Armenians" (the Pope of the Armenian Apostolic Church), with the "Cathedral of Echmiadzin", which is actually closed for renovations and will remain so until probably 2022. But you can visit its exteriors, gardens, other buildings and, principally, the "Alex and Marie Manoogian Treasury House Museum", which simply is the Treasury of the Armenian Apostolic Church, with its awesome collection of important religious objects. This collection includes the precious "Holy Spear" which, according to legends, is the spear that wounded Jesus Christ at the Crucifixion and was brought to Armenia by Saint Jude Thaddeus. Isn't that enough? If it isn't, just remember that the "Mother Sea of Holy Echmiadzin" complex, including the ruins of the "Temple of Zvartnots", are all Unesco's appointed "World Heritage Sites"! Enjoy!
2. Echmiadzin Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 235 reviews
Reviewed By Arman-Djivanyan09 - Stavropol, Russia
I loved this place very much! You can see a very beautiful view on the mountains from this church. Touching the stone of this church you can feel the spirit of Armenia as it is the first Christian country in the world(since the 3rd century).
3. Saint Hripsime Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 111 reviews
Reviewed By dragongeorge - Barrow-in-Furness, United Kingdom
Built in the early 7th century in honour of the nun Hripsime, this church is a magnificent example of Armenian churches The nun's mausoleum is in a small room below the altar. There is a bell tower added in the eighteenth century, but apart from that, the church is in the same state as when it was built. Constructed of tuff stone, the church shines in the sunshine. There are several steps up to reach the church. There is a small souvenir shop at the base of the steps, to the left.
4. Saint Gayane Church
5. Echmiadzin Historical & Ethnographic Museum
6. Zvartnots Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By LuizDutraNeto - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Near the "Echmiadzin Monastery" and just a few miles out of Yerevan, you will find the ruins of "Zvartnots Temple". Its construction - at the very same site, according to legends, where St. Gregory the Illuminator and King Tiridates III participated in events associated with the conversion of Armenia to Christianity in the year 301 AD - dates from the 7th century. The temple was initially dedicated to St. Gregory the Illuminator and now is known as the "Celestial Angels Cathedral". It collapsed in the 10th century due to uncertain circumstances, either by an earthquake or by Arab invaders' raids. Its ruins were uncovered only in the beginning of the 20th century, revealing awesome columns, capitals, friezes and mosaics, with clear Syrian and Mesopotamian influences. If you are lucky enough, a choir maybe performing old Armenian sacred music at an adjoining building. Visit the ruins, the small museum and check the choir. Enjoy!
