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  4. St. Hripsime, St. Gayane, Etchmiadzin Cathedral, Yazidi Temple in Aknalich, Zvartnots

Private tour: St. Hripsime, St. Gayane, Etchmiadzin Cathedral, Yazidi Temple in Aknalich, Zvartnots

Itinerary

St. Hripsime Church, St. Gayane Church, Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral, Yazidi Temple in Aknalich, Zvartnots Temple

1. St. Hripsime Church

20-30 min Details: St. Hripsime Church
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Before the gates of ancient Etchmiadzin, on a sunlit hill, rises the Church of Saint Hripsime – a stone testament to a love for God stronger than fear or death. Legend speaks of the beautiful Hripsime, whose heart belonged not to earthly passions but to her faith. King Tiridates III, captivated by her beauty, offered her his hand and throne. Hripsime refused, choosing instead the path of devotion to Christ. Enraged, the king ordered her to be tortured and executed and the ground that drank her blood became sacred.

2. St. Gayane Church

20-30 min Details: St. Gayane Church
St. Gayane Church St. Gayane Church St. Gayane Church St. Gayane Church St. Gayane Church St. Gayane Church St. Gayane Church St. Gayane Church St. Gayane Church St. Gayane Church St. Gayane Church St. Gayane Church St. Gayane Church St. Gayane Church St. Gayane Church St. Gayane Church St. Gayane Church St. Gayane Church St. Gayane Church St. Gayane Church
Among the sacred landmarks of Etchmiadzin, the Church of Saint Gayane stands out as a quiet guardian of the memory of the first Christian martyrs. Rising just south of the Mother Cathedral, it marks the place where, according to tradition, the blood of Gayane, the mentor of Saint Hripsime, was shed in her ultimate testimony of faith.

3. Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral

50-60 min Details: Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral
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On the silent expanse of an ancient plain, beneath the watchful gaze of the mountains, rises the Mother See of Etchmiadzin – a sanctuary where, legend says, heaven once touched the earth. According to tradition, Saint Gregory the Illuminator saw Christ in a vision, holding a golden hammer, striking the ground to reveal the place where a cathedral must be built. Thus was born Etchmiadzin – "The Only Begotten Descended" – destined to become the spiritual heart of Armenia.

4. Yazidi Temple in Aknalich

20-30 min Details: Yazidi Temple in Aknalich
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The Yazidi Temple in Aknalich, known as Quba Mêrê Dîwanê, is regarded as the largest Yazidi sanctuary in the world and holds a central role in the spiritual life of this ancient community. Built in the early 21st century, it rose as a symbol of faith, unity and cultural identity. Its architecture masterfully blends traditional elements – a majestic central altar, refined carved ornaments and distinctive domed silhouettes.

5. Zvartnots Temple

30-40 min Details: Zvartnots Temple
Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple
Amid the plains of Armavir, with the majestic Mount Ararat rising in the distance, once stood Zvartnots – a 7th-century masterpiece that embodied the bold vision and brilliance of Armenian architects. Built upon towering columns, it astonished the world with its intricate design and grandeur that seemed centuries ahead of its time. For more than three hundred years, Zvartnots stood as a marvel, until an earthquake in the 10th century reduced it to silent ruins, leaving behind the enigma of a vanished wonder.

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 Etchmiadzin's sacred churches and the early story of Christianity in Armenia
  • Visit the Mother Cathedral, one of the world's earliest Christian cathedrals
  • Discover Quba Mêrê Dîwanê, the remarkable Yazidi Temple in Aknalich
  • Admire Zvartnots, a 7th-century monument with an unforgettable architectural silhouette

Booking conditions

Cancellation & modification

Meet our Guides

Anna Harutyunyan

Anna Harutyunyan

RU HY EN

I'm Anna. Since 2010, I have been helping tourists not only discover Armenia's amazing uniqueness, the depth of its history, and the phenomenon of its existence, but also enjoy inner peace and harmony together with them.

Gayane Mkrtchyan

Gayane Mkrtchyan

RU HY EN

I'm Gayane – a small part of Armenia. Do you want to breathe in the scent of this land, feel the taste of our dishes passed down through centuries, hear the roar of endless rivers and the whisper of towering mountains, and why not, listen to the stories of our stone-carved monuments? Let's discover this ancient land together.

Anush Malyans

Anush Malyans

FR FA

I am Anush Malyants, and since 2008 I have been working at "Hyur Service" company as a tour guide in French and Persian. I will be happy to welcome you to Armenia and help you discover this wonderful country. I will also tell you why I have been living here with my family since 2001.

Hilda Mansourian

Hilda Mansourian

HY AR

My name is Hilda Mansourian. I was born in Aleppo. Since 2000, I have been volunteering at AGBU (Armenian Relief Society). I work in Armenian embroidery and as a tour guide. Why choose me? I want my group to return impressed by the beauty of my homeland's history and, above all, by the hospitality reflected in my smile.

Reviews

Евгений Гл

Belarus Belarus

02.10.2025

Прекрасная экскурсия в Эчмиадзин и к храму Звартноц с отличным гидом Давидом. Он очень интересно, с душой рассказывал! Также отмечу комфорт поездки, за что отдельное спасибо водителю

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