Saint Catherine Convent, Armenian Apostolic church in New Julfa, Iran
Saint Catherine Convent is an Armenian Apostolic religious building in New Julfa, Isfahan, constructed with brick, mortar, and decorative tiles in Safavid architectural style. The structure displays typical features of this period with ornamental elements adorning both exterior and interior surfaces.
The convent was founded in 1623 and became the first female educational institution in New Julfa by 1858. Its establishment under Khoja Yeghiazar's leadership marked a significant development for the Armenian community in Isfahan.
The convent honors Saint Catherine, revered in Armenian tradition as a symbol of learning and wisdom. Visitors can observe how Armenian religious customs blend with Persian architectural details throughout the structure.
Visits work best during daylight hours when the New Julfa neighborhood can be explored on foot. Wearing comfortable shoes is helpful as you can wander through the surrounding area to see other Armenian churches and structures.
The convent once had a cold water well that served the local community for generations. This water source became unusable during the 1970s when nearby street development projects altered the surroundings.
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