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View of Ararat and the Monastery of Echmiadzin Photo sourced from

Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Echmiadzin Monastery

The Echmiadzin Monastery is a World Heritage-listed cathedral built by the country’s patron saint. Gregory the Illuminator completed the Christian Apostolic cathedral in 303, symbolizing Armenia’s transformation from a predominantly pagan country to a Christian one.

Believed to be the oldest cathedral in the world, it remains active as the headquarters of the Apostolic Church. Admire the building’s austere facade, adorned with several Greek inscriptions, and step inside to view the 18th-century frescoes that decorate the interior walls.

Let’s take a look at some of the most fascinating facts about it;

1.The monastery complex comprises of many several things 

Echmiadzin_1855 Photo sourced from

The Echmiadzin monastery complex  comprises of many several things including; the refectory (17th century), the hotel (18th century), the residence of Catholicos (1738-1741), the school (1813), the stone reservoir (1846) and other structures.

On the left from the entrance leading to the monastery territory is Echmiadzin printing house (the first one in Armenia ) established in 1772, and on the right 鈥� monks’ cells.The monastery is today one of the most visited sites in Armenia and it comprises a huge history of religion of the Armenian people. 

2.The monastery also consists Khachkars

The most noticeable objects in the monastery courtyard are two ancient khachkars. (Khachkars are the so-called cross-stones which were put to commemorate every significant event). The first khachkar was cut in the 13th century the other – in the 17th century. Both are covered with the intricate ornament and the images of animals and birds. There is also the modern monument-khachkar to Armenians the victims of genocide.

In 2001, the year of the 1700th anniversary of adoption of Christianity, the new monument in the shape of a big open book, the so-called 鈥淥pen altar鈥�, was placed in front of the entrance to the monastic complex court yard. On that day the Catholicos of all Armenians Garegin II and Pope John Paul II conducted the Mass.

3.The Monastery is listed in the UNESCO’s World Heritage Site

View of Ararat and the Monastery of Echmiadzin Photo sourced from

Echmiadzin Monastery is the Mother Church of the Armenian Apostolic church. It is located in the city of Vagharshapat, not far from Yerevan. It was built in the beginning of 4th century, following the adoption of Christianity as a state religion.

Echmiadzin was the first cathedral built in ancient Armenia, even it is considered to be the oldest cathedral in the world. This Monastery is listed in the UNESCO’s World Heritage Site.The government of Armenia also recognizes the monastery as an important part of its history. 

4.The echmiadzin is the the oldest Christian temple and monastery in Armenia

Echmiadzin_1855 Photo sourced from

The echmiadzin cathedrall is the the oldest Christian temple and monastery in Armenia. According to legend the echmiadsin is the only christian church that was designed by jesus christ himself . The church shown to saint Gregory (the first catholicos and patron saint of Armenia ) in dreams by the jesus christ to build the first church in pahan Armenia. 

Every Armenian and every christian should visit this holy place. Echmiadzin is the Vatican of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the place where Surp Grigor Lusavorich saw a beam of light fall to the earth in a divine vision, and where he built the first Mayr Tachar (Mother Church of Armenia). 

5.The monastery complex has undergone several rebuilding over the years

The original church was built in 301. It has been rebuilt and extended several times. The interior of the church is stunningly beautiful with amazing wall decoration. On the outside is a carving of Shah Abbas to deter the Persian soldiers from destroying it.

Near the entrance is an outdoor altar built for the visit of John Paul 11 in 2001. It is not very beautiful. There is a treasury which contains the lance which pierced Christ’s side. Very interesting to see the architecture, nice garden to walk and enjoy. Lots of interesting artifacts, paintings inside very nice. 

6.Echmiadzin has several buildings in it

Entering the main gate one comes to a big square with several buildings, also monastic, but mostly with administrative functions for the Holy See of Echmiadzin and the whole Church of Armenia. No tourist will enter these places under normal circumstances, all he gets to see is the Cathedral and the museum opposite its entrance, if it is open. 

The cruciform church has a central cupola, which sits on four heavy pillars. There is an altar also in the center of the church, not just near its eastern apse as usual. The floor consists of marble and the inner walls are white-washed. Also there are several frescoes to be seen as well as framed paintings, not of the Icon style, more of the Western type. 

7.The monastery as several incredible things you can only hear & read but cannot see

The place is beautiful, the history behind the walls incredible and the things you cannot see but only read or hear about this place are simply amazing.The church is magnificent and the acoustics are lovely. It’s a very sacred site to the Armenians and a pilgrimage site. 

The souvenir shop is quite large and has a decent array of icons, historical literature, maps, books and assorted material especially paintings of good quality. The bright and colorful flowers at the gardens added beauty to the surroundings. 

8.The monastery is one of the most visited places in Armenia

The monastery is one of the most visited places in Armenia and has been visited by several top leaders from different organizations and countries. These include Religious leaders like; Pope John Paul II (2001),Pope Francis (2016), Ignatius Zakka I Iwas (2002), and Patriarch Kirill of Moscow (2010). 

Other world and political leaders who have visited the monastery include; Vladimir Putin in 2005,Angela Merkel in 2018, Jacques Chirac in 2006,Giorgi Margvelashvili in 2014 and King Charles iii in 2013 then Prince Charles of United Kingdom. 

9.There are several hotels and restaurants near the monastery

There are several hotels and restaurants near the monastery. Hotels near Echmiadzin Monastery include;Richmind Hotel which is 0.20 miles away from the monastery, H Resort Hotel (0.23 mi), Machanents Guest House (0.39 mi, B&B Artson (0.89 mi) and Cross Resort Hotel (9.86 mi). 

Restaurants near Echmiadzin Monastery include; Agape Refectory which is 0.12 miles away from the monastery, Machanents House Restaurant (0.18 mi), Richmind Restaurant (0.22 mi), H Restaurant (0.26 mi) and King Food which is 0.71 miles away. 

10.The monastery complex also has a museum

The monastery also has a museum. The museum of the cathedral has numerous items on display, including manuscripts and religious objects. Among its notable exhibits are the Holy Lance (Spear), relics belonging to Apostles of Jesus and John the Baptist, and a fragment of Noah’s Ark. 

In 2002, the monastery complex with over 50 monuments, including many khachkars (cross-stones) and graves located around the cathedral, was listed by the Government of Armenia in the list of historical and cultural monuments of the Armavir Province.