Mother cathedral
Early 4th century.
Well-read MountainMan — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Well-read MountainMan — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Alexxx1979 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Marcin Konsek — CC BY-SA 4.0
The mother cathedral of the Armenian Church and the seat of its supreme head, in the city of Vagharshapat west of Yerevan, first built in the early fourth century after Armenia adopted Christianity as its official religion, counted among the oldest cathedrals in the world and listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The cathedral has been rebuilt and enlarged several times over the centuries, so its present stone building brings together parts from different eras, with a central dome and ornate bell towers. A broad square, gardens, religious and academic buildings and a huge modern stone gateway surround it. Beside the cathedral is a museum of religious treasures and manuscripts, and nearby stand other listed early churches, above all the seventh-century church of Saint Hripsime, with the ruins of the round Zvartnots Cathedral on the road from Yerevan. Entry to the cathedral and square is free, and the museum charges. It is an active place of worship, so modest dress is required, and Sundays bring a crowded liturgy. It is usually combined with the Zvartnots ruins on a half-day trip.
Early 4th century.
7th century.
On the way.
Vagharshapat, Armavir Province, about 20 km west of Yerevan
About twenty kilometres west, roughly half an hour by car or bus.