Armenia's Ancient Churches

In 301 AD, Armenia became the first nation to adopt Christianity as its state religion.

UNESCO

Etchmiadzin Cathedral

301-303 AD

Vagharshapat

The mother church of the Armenian Apostolic Church and considered the oldest cathedral in the world.

Treasury contains the spear that pierced Christ.

UNESCO

4th century

Kotayk Province

Carved directly into the mountainside, famous for its remarkable acoustics and cave chapels.

Parts carved entirely from rock.

642 AD

Ararat Province

Built over the pit where Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years.

Descend into Gregory's pit via ladder.

9th century

Syunik Province

Perched on a cliff, once home to the largest university in medieval Armenia.

Reach via world's longest cable car.

13th century

Vayots Dzor

Set in a red rock canyon, famous for intricate stone carvings by master Momik.

Climb the precarious exterior stairs.

UNESCO

976 AD

Lori Province

A masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture and major center of learning.

Finest Armenian medieval secular architecture.

UNESCO

966 AD

Lori Province

Sister monastery to Haghpat with a famous academy. Name means "this one is older."

Produced famous scholars and illuminators.

874 AD

Lake Sevan

A hilltop monastery overlooking Lake Sevan, once on an island and now reached by a short climb from the peninsula.

Turquoise waters at 1,900m elevation.