Armenian Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Armenian cathedral in 8th arrondissement, France.
The Armenian Cathedral of St. John the Baptist sits on Rue Jean-Goujon and displays Oriental Orthodox architectural features including rounded arches and ornate stone facades. The building is topped with a distinctive bell tower that stands out in the 8th arrondissement streetscape.
Construction of the cathedral began in 1902 following calls from the Armenian press for a dedicated religious space in Paris. A wealthy oil magnate acquired the land and funded the project to serve the city's growing Armenian population.
The cathedral maintains regular religious services for the Armenian Apostolic community in Paris and represents a central point for Armenian religious practices in France.
The location is accessible throughout the week, though visitors should check ahead as the space hosts regular religious services that may limit access. It is best to visit outside service times to fully explore the interior.
The building rose in a neighborhood primarily inhabited by French and foreign financiers, making it an unusual location for an Armenian church. This setting made it a cultural bridge for the city's dispersed Armenian professional class.
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