Private tour:St. Hripsime, St. Gayane, Mother Cathedral of Echmiadzin, Yazidi Temple in Aknalich, Zvartnots
St. Hripsime Church, St. Gayane Church, Mother Cathedral of Holy Echmiadzin, Yazidi Temple in Aknalich, Zvartnots Temple
1. St. Hripsime Church
20-30 min
St. Hripsime church is one of the famous ecclesiastical buildings in the city of Echmiadzin. This is the developed and perfect example of cross-cupola churches in Armenia. The church is notable with its architectural simplicity and loftiness. The tomb of the Christian martyr Virgin Hripsime is in the sacristy of the church. The site is included in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
2. St. Gayane Church
20-30 min
Not far from the Echmiadzin Cathedral, against the background of white peaks of Ararat, one can see the silhouette of the cupola of St. Gayane church. It was built in the 7th century and belongs to the domed-basilica style. According to the legend, this church was constructed over the tomb of Virgin Gayane, who had been martyred for preaching Christianity. The site is included in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
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. Yazidi Temple in Aknalich
20-30 min
The Yazidi Temple in Aknalich, known as Quba Mêrê Dîwanê, is the world's largest Yazidi temple and serves as a central hub for the Yazidi community. Built in the early 20th century, this grand structure features traditional Yazidi architectural elements, including a central altar and intricate carvings. It plays a crucial role in Yazidi worship, especially during key rituals and festivals like the Yazidi New Year. Despite facing preservation challenges, Quba Mêrê Dîwanê remains a powerful symbol of Yazidi spiritual and cultural resilience.
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
- Discover the story of the largest Yazidi temple in the World
Booking conditions
Cancellation & modification
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