Vagharshapat

Vagharshapat is a town in Armavir Province that contains multiple religious buildings recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin stands at its center, surrounded by churches, monasteries, and historic structures that shape the town's character.

The city was originally known as Kuarlini and later served as capital of the Arsacid Kingdom from around 120 to 330 AD. After this period, it became a major religious center for the Armenian Apostolic Church.

The Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin shapes daily life as the spiritual heart of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Pilgrims and worshippers gather here to participate in religious traditions that have defined this place for centuries.

The town connects easily to Yerevan through public transportation and sits near Zvartnots International Airport for air access. You can explore the religious buildings and museums at a comfortable pace, taking time to move between the different sites.

The Komitas Palace of Culture and several museums house an important collection of Armenian religious artworks and artifacts. The Alex and Marie Manoogian Treasury Museum displays especially precious objects from different periods of history.

Location: Armavir Province

Inception: 685 BCE

Elevation above the sea: 853 m

Website: https://ejmiatsin.am

GPS coordinates: 40.17278,44.29250

Latest update: December 14, 2025 19:58