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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

Anush Gevorgyan

Anush Gevorgyan

HY EN ES

With a deep love for my country and a true passion for storytelling, I bring every tour to life through enthusiasm and local insights. Whether it's uncovering hidden gems or sharing fascinating history, I make every experience unforgettable. Join me on a journey filled with culture, adventure, and authentic moments – you'll leave with amazing memories and a new appreciation for this beautiful destination!

Liana Karapetyan

Liana Karapetyan

HY IT

I am Liana Karapetyan – for Italians, Liliana. I have many years of experience as a tour guide and even longer experience as an Italian language translator. Why choose me? If you want to create unforgettable memories from your trip to Armenia, I am ready to help you do so.

Anna Martirosyan

Anna Martirosyan

HY EN

Hi everyone! I'm Anna, and I've been working as a tour guide since 2013. If you're ready to discover Armenia, I'll turn it into an exciting and unforgettable journey. My tours offer a full immersion into the culture, history, religion, and traditions of the Armenian people. My goal is that by the end of your trip, you'll fall in love with Armenia and want to come back again!

Garnik Mirzoyan

Garnik Mirzoyan

RU

I'm Garnik, and I've been working as a tour guide in Armenia since 2016. If you're tired of far-fetched stories and have a good sense of humor, we'll get along perfectly. Discover Armenia from the inside – in very hospitable hands.

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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