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.
Construction began in 643 under Catholicos Nerses III the Builder and was consecrated in 652, according to Movses Kaghankatvatsi. The cathedral stood for 320 years before collapsing in the 10th century, most likely in an earthquake. Excavations directed by Khachik vardapet Dadian from 1901 to 1907 uncovered its foundations, the catholicosal palace and a winery.
The name Zvartnots was first recorded by the historian Sebeos, who explained it as the host of heavenly angels who appeared to Saint Gregory the Illuminator at the site. Other chroniclers called it the church of Saint Gregory in Vagharshapat. The ruins lie beside the international airport that bears the same 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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