Zvartnots Cathedral
Զվարթնոց
A UNESCO World Heritage site and the ruins of a 7th-century circular, three-story cathedral, with surviving colonnades, grapevine and eagle carvings, and Mount Ararat often visible behind.
Zvartnots Cathedral was built between 643 and 652 under Catholicos Nerses III. It was originally a three-story circular building about 45 meters tall. It was destroyed by an earthquake in the 10th century and was not excavated until the early 20th century. Capitals scattered across the site are carved with grapevines, pomegranates and eagles, and the surviving colonnades look striking against the backdrop of Mount Ararat. The site is listed as a World Heritage site together with Etchmiadzin Cathedral. Admission is about 3,000 dram, including a small museum. It lies beside the road to Etchmiadzin, about 15 km from the city, and is usually visited on the same day as other sites.
Opening hours
Approx. 10:00–17:00 (may close Mondays)
Nearby sights
- Saint Hripsime Church
- Saint Gayane Church
- Etchmiadzin Cathedral
- Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex
- Yerevan Brandy Company (Ararat)
- Sergei Parajanov Museum
- Blue Mosque
- Quba Mere Diwane (Yazidi Temple)