Cathédrale Sainte-Croix-Saint-Jean-des-Arméniens

The cathedral is an Armenian place of worship in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris, featuring a classical facade designed by Victor Baltard that blends Romanesque and Renaissance architectural elements. The building sits on rue du Perche in the Marais district with a symmetrical exterior composed of stone and traditional proportions.

The building began as a chapel in 1623 for Capuchin friars who served as volunteer firefighters in Paris. It received its current designation when the Armenian Catholic Exarchate became an eparchy in 1986.

The interior displays works of art and religious objects that reflect the traditions of the Armenian Apostolic Church and how the community maintains its spiritual identity. Visitors can observe how these pieces reveal the values and beliefs of those who gather here today.

The cathedral is centrally located in the Marais district and easy to reach on foot from nearby metro stations. Services are held in multiple languages, so visitors can find times that suit their needs.

The cathedral went through several name changes before becoming the Armenian place of worship it is today, reflecting how its purpose transformed over time. These shifts show how the building adapted to serve different communities and religious traditions across its long history.