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  4. Khor Virap, St. Hripsime, St. Gayane, Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral, Treasure Museum, Zvartnots

Private tour: Khor Virap, St. Hripsime, St. Gayane, Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral, Treasure Museum, Zvartnots

Timeless classics

Khor Virap Monastery, St. Hripsime Church, St. Gayane Church, Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral, Treasures of Echmiadzin Museum, Zvartnots Temple

1. Khor Virap Monastery

50-60 min
Attraction page
Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery
Khor Virap is the most famous pilgrimage site in Armenia, as it is directly connected with the adoption of Christianity. As a state religion, Christianity in Armenia was adopted in 301 due to endeavors of Saint Gregory The Illuminator, who, before converting King Trdat The 3rd to Christianity, was imprisoned in the dungeon, over which a church of Khor Virap monastery was built in the 17th century. From the monastery one can admire the stunning view of the Biblical Mount Ararat.

2. St. Hripsime Church

20-30 min
Attraction page
St. Hripsime Church St. Hripsime Church St. Hripsime Church St. Hripsime Church St. Hripsime Church St. Hripsime Church St. Hripsime Church St. Hripsime Church St. Hripsime Church St. Hripsime Church St. Hripsime Church St. Hripsime Church St. Hripsime Church St. Hripsime Church St. Hripsime Church St. Hripsime Church St. Hripsime Church St. Hripsime Church St. Hripsime Church St. Hripsime Church St. Hripsime Church
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.

3. St. Gayane Church

20-30 min
Attraction page
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
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.

4. Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral

50-60 min
Attraction page
Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral
The center of Armenian Apostolic church – St. Echmiadzin is located 22 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.

5. Treasures of Echmiadzin Museum

20-30 min
Attraction page
Treasures of Echmiadzin Museum Treasures of Echmiadzin Museum Treasures of Echmiadzin Museum Treasures of Echmiadzin Museum Treasures of Echmiadzin Museum Treasures of Echmiadzin Museum Treasures of Echmiadzin Museum Treasures of Echmiadzin Museum Treasures of Echmiadzin Museum Treasures of Echmiadzin Museum Treasures of Echmiadzin Museum Treasures of Echmiadzin Museum Treasures of Echmiadzin Museum Treasures of Echmiadzin Museum Treasures of Echmiadzin Museum Treasures of Echmiadzin Museum
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.

6. Zvartnots Temple

30-40 min
Attraction page
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
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

  • Embrace the stunning views of Biblical Mount Ararat
  • 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

Booking conditions

Cancellation & modification

Meet our Guides

Arev Makhsudyan

Arev Makhsudyan

My name is Arev (which means "Sun"). I am an English-speaking tour guide in Armenia, working since 2018. If you choose me as your guide, you will learn a lot about Armenian history, nature, culture, and traditions – and as a bonus, I'll perform Armenian traditional folk songs for you.

Melania Hakobyan

Melania Hakobyan

I am Melania Hakobyan, a member of the Armenian Association of Professional Guides and the Armenian Tourism Federation. Since 2017, I have had the honor of accompanying tourists and official delegations, presenting not only Armenia's ancient history but also the warmth and legendary hospitality of my people. Guiding is not just a profession for me; it is a mission to represent my homeland with pride and love. If you wish to discover Armenia not through the eyes of a tourist but through the soul of an Armenian, it would be a great honor for me to accompany you.

Arevik Avetisyan

Arevik Avetisyan

I'm Arevik Avetisyan, German-speaking tour guide. Why choose me? My deep knowledge of Armenia’s heritage, combined with fluent German communication and sense of humour, ensures an engaging and fun experience for every guest. With me as your guide, the guests will discover Armenia not just through sights, but through authentic stories, local connections, and unforgettable moments.

Hayk Harutyunyan

Hayk Harutyunyan

Dear friends! We work for 11 months in order to have 22 days vacation, and you've decided to choose Armenia to turn your vacation into a holiday! Our team has prepared everything to provide the best service, and with me, you'll unzip Armenia's picturesque beauty, architectural and natural monuments, as well learn a lot about the history and geography, economics and social issues, culture, and nature of our Homeland.

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