The standing columns
Against Mount Ararat.
Yves PICQ — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Marcin Konsek — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Marcin Konsek — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Beko — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Marcin Konsek — CC BY-SA 4.0
Zvartnots Cathedral is a ruined 7th-century Armenian church near Vagharshapat, famous for a circular exterior unique in medieval Armenian architecture. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Echmiadzin, and its standing columns against Mount Ararat make one of the area's finest views. Building began in 643 under Catholicos Nerses III, known as the Builder, and it was consecrated around 652. It was dedicated to St Gregory, on a spot said to have seen the meeting of King Trdat III and Gregory the Illuminator. Nerses moved his residence here, making it an important centre. Its name means roughly a place of joy or resurrection in old Armenian. The building once had inner piers carrying several floors crowned with a dome. Today its round foundations and re-erected columns remain. The stones show eagle capitals and friezes of vine scrolls, reflecting Byzantine influence. The site also has a small museum and carved stones arranged around the ruins. It is 15 km in a straight line from central Yerevan on the road to Echmiadzin, so the two fit a half day. It is exposed, so bring a hat in summer. Ararat shows behind the columns on clear days, so choose the morning if you can. Do not climb on the stones, as they are ancient.
Against Mount Ararat.
Fine carvings.
A unique Armenian form.
Near Vagharshapat, on the Yerevan road, Armenia
For its unique round exterior and its UNESCO listing with Echmiadzin.
Yes, it is on the same road, and a half day is enough.