Armenia's Cradle of Christianity Tour

Visit the Edjmiatsin Cathedral, the most ancient Christian temple in Armenia and the holy vision of the Armenian Apostolic Church. According to tradition, St. Gregory the Illuminator saw a vision of the "Only Begotten" descend from heaven and indicate the spot where the church should be erected. In 303 AD, two years after Christianity was declared as the State Religion, construction of the Mother Church of the Holy See was completed. It has since been rebuilt once around 480AD and renovated several times. The main dome was rebuilt in 1627. Years later in 1720, the interior murals were painted by Nagash Ovnatan. The Cathedral is surrounded by beautiful gardens bejeweled by stone crosses, better known as khachkars.

Visit the magnificent ruins of the Cathedral of Zvartnots, built in the 7th century by Catholicos Nerses III. Here once stood a mighty three-tiered circular structure with a glorious central dome. The Cathedral was decorated with sculptured floral and geometric patterns and decorative pillars and arches, the ruins and remnants of which can be seen on the grounds. Zvartnots is considered to be the masterpiece of Armenian Church architecture.

- If the tour happens to be on a Sunday you will also witness a Mass at Ejmiatsin Cathedral.
- For Sunday tours please dress for Mass.
- Cameras are forbidden inside of the Cathedral and museum.

Entrance to the museum of Ejmiatsin and Zvartnots Cathedral are not included in the rate.