Echmiadzin Cathedral, also known as the Etchmiadzin Cathedral or the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin, stands in the town of Vagharshapat in Armavir Province, Armenia. It is the mother church of the Armenian Apostolic Church and serves as the spiritual centre of that church, which makes it a place of worship as well as a historic monument.
The cathedral is among the oldest cathedrals in the world. It was built between 301 and 303 AD, and it is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. For many visitors, the chance to stand in a building with such a long continuous role in the life of a nation is the main reason to come.
What a visit offers
- The cathedral itself, with its place at the heart of Armenian religious life.
- The setting of Vagharshapat, a town of the Armavir region that has long been the centre of the Armenian Church.
- The chance to see how worship and history meet in a single site that has stood for more than sixteen centuries.
Because the cathedral is an active place of worship, it suits visitors who wish to move quietly and show respect to those praying. Dress modestly and keep your voice low, as you would in any working church.
Planning your trip
The cathedral can be reached by telephone at +374-231-52-815 for up-to-date information before you travel. Vagharshapat is a practical base for exploring the wider Armavir area, and it makes a natural stop for anyone interested in the early history of Christianity in Armenia.
