Private tour:Saghmosavank, Hovhannavank, Mother Cathedral of Echmiadzin, Museum, Zvartnots
Saghmosavank Monastery, Hovhannavank Monastery, Mother Cathedral of Holy Echmiadzin, Treasures of Echmiadzin Museum, Zvartnots Temple
1. Saghmosavank Monastery
30-40 min
5 km far from Hovhanavank monastery, on the edge of Kasakh river canyon, in the 13th century Vachutian dukes built Saghmosavank monastery. The main church is adjacent to the scriptorium, where many manuscripts have been produced during centuries. Saghmosavank underwent the devastating influence of the earthquake in 1988. The reconstruction, completed in 2000, returned the church its beauty and glory.
2. Hovhannavank Monastery
30-40 min
Hovhannavank monastery bears the name of John the Baptist. The oldest church here is the one-naved basilica, built in the 5th century. In the 13th century, under the patronage of Vachutian dukes, new buildings were added. The portal of the main church, which is embellished with evangelical motifs, is of great interest.
3. Mother Cathedral of Holy Echmiadzin
50-60 min
The center of Armenian Apostolic church – St. Echmiadzin is located 20 km far from Yerevan. The Cathedral of Echmiadzin was founded at the beginning of the fourth century and is one of the oldest churches in the world. According to the legend, the church was built in the place where apparition of Jesus Christ was seen to Gregory The Illuminator in the dream. The interior of the church is covered with frescoes, created by Hovnatanyan family. The residence of the Catholicos and the Theological Academy are situated near the Cathedral. The site is included in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
4. Treasures of Echmiadzin Museum
20-30 min
The Museum "Treasures of Echmiadzin" is situated in the southeast section of the Cathedral. Unique holy relics and religious art are now housed in the museum. Among the many treasures there are: the Holy Lance (Geghard), which pierced the side of Christ, housed in a silver reliquary; the relics of Noah's Ark in a reliquary that was created in 1698 and other valuable pieces of art. According to the history, the relic of Noah's Ark, was given to Patriarch St. Hakob (Jacob) of Mts'bna in the fourth century, as he desired to climb the peak of Mount Ararat to find Noah's Ark. After ascending the mountain, he fell asleep through the influence of God, and the angel of the Lord placed the reliquary of the Ark under his head. In a dream, the angel instructs St. Hakob to awaken, take the relic and descend from the mountain. In addition to the pieces displayed, during archaeological excavations, which were conducted due to renovation work of the Holy Altar, remnants of the original Holy Altar, founded by St. Gregory The Illuminator, dating back to 301-303 AD, were discovered.
5. Zvartnots Temple
30-40 min
This marvelous temple is a result of skillfulness and brave creativity of Armenian architects of the 7th century. Having been built on several columns, it was able to survive only till the 10th century. When in the beginning of the 20th century this site was being excavated, many specialists could hardly accept its reconstruction model, designed by famous Armenian architect Toros Toramanyan, as it was difficult to believe, that such a huge and complicated construction could have been built those days, and amazingly at that time one of the bas-relieves of St. Chapelle church in Paris came to prove Toramanyan's version; the bas-relief depicts Zvartnots temple with Noah's Ark and it looks like the model, represented by the architect. The site is included in UNESCO Cultural World Heritage List.
Inclusions
- Professional drivers
- Air-conditioned vehicles
- Bottled water
- Free pick-up & drop-off within Yerevan
- Vehicle & passengers insurance
- Extra stops on the route upon request
Exclusions
- Significant deviations from the route
- Alcoholic beverages if lunch option selected
- Audio guides
- Wi-Fi in the vehicles
What to expect
- Explore incredible UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites
- See the very first Christian cathedral in the World
- Take a look at the Holy Lance and relics of Noah's Ark
- Discover ancient monasteries set high above the scenic Kasakh Gorge, offering stunning views
Booking conditions
Cancellation & modification
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