Etchmiadzin, Zvartnots

Etchmiadzin (Vagharshapat) is one of the ancient capitals of Armenia, right in the heart of the city is the spiritual center of all Armenians,
the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, with its ancient Christian church still standing today,
was built in 301-303 according to the vision of our first Catholicos St. Grigor LusavorIch (Illuminator). Here is also the residence of the Catholicos of All Armenians, many museums, and sightseeing.

The city is also known for its 7th-century monasteries, such as St. Hripsime, St. Gayane, and 17th-century St. Shoghakat, which were built in the places of the martyrdom of virgins, whose martyrdom was the reason for the Christian conversion of the Armenian world and the first in the world to adopt Christianity as the state religion. Not far from the city is the 7th-century Zvartnots temple, which even today surprises visitors with its half-ruined state. All listed monasteries and churches are included in the list of the historical and cultural heritage of UNESCO.

Along with the mentioned destination, we also recommend visiting the Khor Virap Monastery,
which history is closely related to the adoption of Christianity as the state religion in Armenia.