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City in Armavir, Armenia
Photo: Vigen Hakhverdyan, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Echmiadzin (Էջմիածին), in Central Armenia, is Armenia's fourth-largest city. It was officially renamed Vagharshapat (Վաղարշապատ) in 1995, but since the main tourist site in the city is still named Echmiadzin, the old name is still in common use colloquially and in some official contexts.
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Founded in 301 by St. Gregory the Illuminator and rebuilt and added to for over 1,700 years, Echmiadzin now is the heart of the Armenian Church, and seat of the Catholicos of all Armenians. The altar is built over an ancient Zoroastrian eternal flame that was uncovered during excavation works in 1950 (now accessible from the museum behind the altar), the inside has interesting frescoes, altar, lamps, and thrones. The intricate bell tower entrance is an addition from the 1800s, and the surrounding grounds have gardens with fine examples of khachkars from throughout Armenia and further. Near the new entrance gates are a few exquisite khachkar examples from Jugha (in Nakhchivan) - which at one time had by far the largest khachkar cemetery in the world until they were destroyed during the early 2000s by the Azerbaijani government. The Treasury is well-worth seeing, especially the Roman Geghard or "Spear used at the Cross".
An outstanding example of earlier Christian architecture, this 7th-century cathedral with soaring ceilings and vast interior space was an example for future architects.
Built in honor of one of the Christian virgins killed by the Armenian king, along with Hripsime, this smaller church with an arcade in front is a few blocks south of the Echmiadzin compound.
At the site of the present day church of Shoghakat, there stood an earlier church of the 6th or 7th century which has not survived. Current building was erected in 1694 by Prince Aghamal Sorotetsi. The name of the church comes from Armenian (Շողակաթ եկեղեցի) meaning "drop of light" because of the ray of light that is said to have come down from Heaven upon Hripsimé's martyrs.
Ruins of a cathedral built from 643-652 by the order of Catholicos Nerses. It's a 3-tiered rotunda on a platform (ramp on right) with a small museum.
Built and opened in 1896. It has been renovated to become a museum of art.
Constructed in 1982. The museum is home to treasures of the Armenian Church throughout its history.
Old Pontificial Residence
The old pontifical residence built in 1738–1741 and served as residence until 1962. Since 1968 the building has served as Catholicosal Museum.
Wi-Fi, large living room, HD TV, washing machine, garden. Can meet guests at the airport free of charge, also organize a tour in Echmiadzin free of charge as well.
Very simple rooms with shared bathrooms. Budget double one is a really tiny room with bunk bed, regular double is a bit better. Guest house also has an Armenian bakery and tavern. WiFi.
2-star motel offering 6 suites with private entrances off the main dining area and 2 lux suites upstairs. Although it can get crowded and loud in the evenings. They also rent a few flats nearby.
2-3-star hotel complex which has restaurant-bar (with live music), tennis, billiard, swimming pools, gym.
Marshrutkas to Echmiadzin (line 203) start from the central (Kilikiya) bus station in Yerevan, at least every 30 mins, more often in busy periods, and take 20-30 mins.
Read in the guideThe tourist sights of Echmiadzin are easily accessible by foot. Zvartnots is 5 km east, back towards Yerevan: take a marshrutka (several alternatives to the 203 for this short hop) or taxi.
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