Zvartnots Cathedral, 7th century cathedral ruins in Vagharshapat, Armenia
The three-tiered circular church featured a central dome supported by columns, reaching a height of 45 meters with intricate stone carvings.
Constructed between 641-661 under Catholicos Nerses III, the cathedral remained standing until the 10th century when it collapsed due to natural causes.
The cathedral's name Zvartnots means Celestial Angels, referencing the divine vision of Saint Gregory the Illuminator at this sacred location.
The archaeological site opens daily from 10:00 to 17:00 and includes a museum displaying medieval clay vessels, sundials, and architectural fragments.
The temple's architectural design influenced religious buildings across the region and received recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
Location: Vagharshapat
Inception: 7 century
Architectural style: Armenian architecture
Part of: Zvartnots
Opening Hours: 10:00-17:00
Website: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1011/documents
GPS coordinates: 40.15970,44.33660
Latest update: May 27, 2025 09:32
Armenia hosts a collection of archaeological, religious, and natural sites that testify to several millennia of rich human occupation. The country's mountainous territory features medieval monasteries perched on rocky plateaus, such as Tatev which overlooks gorges from 5,250 feet (1600 meters), or Khor Virap offering a direct view of Mount Ararat. Religious buildings are complemented by ancient remains like the Greco-Hellenistic temple at Garni, built in the first century, and the circular ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral. Military fortresses such as Amberd, situated at 7,550 feet (2300 meters), demonstrate defensive architecture developed as early as the seventh century. The Armenian landscape also shapes notable geological formations, including the Noravank gorges with their red sandstone walls rising up to 650 feet (200 meters), and the Debed canyon, which houses the listed monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin. Lake Sevan, a freshwater body situated at nearly 6,200 feet (1900 meters), extends over more than 470 square miles (1200 square kilometers) and features monasteries and beaches along its shores. Significant archaeological discoveries have been made at sites like the Areni-1 cave, where artifacts over 6000 years old have been uncovered, while the Megalithic site of Zorats Karer contains more than 200 standing stones dating back several millennia B.C.
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