Zvartnots Cathedral, 7th century cathedral ruins in Vagharshapat, Armenia
Zvartnots is a circular church ruin from the 7th century in Vagharshapat, Armenia. The remains show the foundation of three stacked tiers with column stumps and relief panels that once supported a central dome.
The construction took place between 641 and 661 under Catholicos Nerses III and stood for more than two centuries before collapsing in the 10th century. The ruin remained mostly buried until archaeological excavation in the early 20th century brought it back to light.
The name of this place means Celestial Angels and recalls a divine vision that Saint Gregory the Illuminator experienced here. The ruins stand near the international airport, which also carries the Zvartnots name.
The archaeological site opens daily from 10 to 17 and includes a small museum with medieval clay artifacts, sundials, and relief fragments. The paths lead between the foundation walls, allowing you to see the layout of rooms and columns up close.
The design with three tiers and a circular plan was uncommon at the time of construction and later influenced religious buildings across the region. Since 2000, the site has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing, together with other monuments of Etchmiadzin.
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