Vagharshapat, widely known as Etchmiadzin, is one of Armenia’s oldest and most important historic cities. It is located in Armavir Province on the Ararat Plain, around 800–850 meters above sea level and only a short drive west of Yerevan. The city has existed under several names throughout its long history, including Vardgesavan and Vagharshapat, while the name Etchmiadzin began to be used after Armenia adopted Christianity in 301.
Vagharshapat became the spiritual center of the Armenian Apostolic Church after the conversion of Armenia to Christianity. At the heart of the city stands the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin, traditionally founded in 301–303 by Saint Gregory the Illuminator. According to Armenian Christian tradition, Saint Gregory saw a vision in which Christ indicated the place where the cathedral should be built. The name Etchmiadzin is connected with this tradition and means “the place where the Only Begotten descended.”
The city is especially rich in early Christian architecture. The Mother Cathedral, St. Hripsime Church, St. Gayane Church and St. Shoghakat Church form one of Armenia’s most important religious ensembles, while the nearby ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral add another major historic site. The Cathedral and Churches of Etchmiadzin together with the archaeological site of Zvartnots have been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2000. Vagharshapat also has museums, the Gevorkian Theological Seminary and important religious collections connected with the Mother See.
Basic Information:
Province: Armavir Province
Altitude: approximately 800–850 m above sea level
Population: about 60,000 residents
Climate: dry continental climate, with hot and dry summers and moderately cold winters typical of the Ararat Plain.
Main Attractions:
Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
St. Hripsime Church
St. Gayane Church
St. Shoghakat Church
Gevorkian Theological Seminary
Alex and Marie Manoogian Treasury
Vagharshapat Historical and Ethnographic Museum
Nearby Zvartnots archaeological site
Interesting Facts:
Vagharshapat is one of Armenia’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and has carried several names during its history. After Armenia adopted Christianity in 301, it became the spiritual center of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the seat of the Catholicos of All Armenians. The Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin is regarded as one of the world’s oldest cathedrals, while St. Hripsime Church, completed in 618, is among the best-preserved early medieval Armenian churches. The city’s Historical and Ethnographic Museum, founded in 1964, preserves more than 15,000 religious and historical objects.
Best Time to Visit:
April–May — mild weather and spring greenery.
June–September — warm, dry weather and long daylight hours.
September–October — pleasant temperatures and quieter sightseeing conditions.