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Offered languages
- English
"Khor Virap Monastery offers the most breathtaking views of the Biblical Mt. Ararat. The monastery holds significant religious and historical importance - sight where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned and Christianity took its start in Armenia. Echmiadzin Cathedral (literal translation: The descent of the Only Begotten) is the center of the Armenian Apostolic church originally built in the early 3rd century BC and a number of sources also state that Etchmiadzin is the oldest official Christian church in the entire world. This is your chance to visit and explore such a unique and one-of-a-kind place in the world! The church of St. Hripsime is dedicated to one of the 40 virgins who escaped from the Roman empire. Standing largely intact since its construction, the church has been widely admired for its architecture, considered a masterpiece of classical Armenian architecture, it has influenced many other Armenian churches.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Itinerary
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1Khor Virap
The Khor Virap monastery is located about an hour’s drive away from the capital Yerevan, and offers an amazing view of Armenia’s defining symbol – the majestic Ararat. “Khor Virap” translates as “deep dungeon”, and was built of the place of the former royal prison, located on the historical site of Artashat. It was this very prison in which they kept Gregory the Illuminator, the first Armenian Catholicos, for a whole 13 years.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Saint Hripsime Church
You will visit the St. Hripsime church, which was built on the sepulcher of a Christian nun Hripsime who fled from the Roman Empire and was killed in Armenia. This amazing building has stood upright from the day of its construction since 618 A.D, making it one of the oldest standing churches in the world.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Saint Gayane Church
Five minutes drive away will be our next spot: the 7th century church of St. Gayane. Gayane was the nanny of Hripsime, and shared Hripsime’s tragic fate.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
You will be able to observe the first world’s first Christian Cathedral – the Holy Ejmiatsin, built in 301-304. According to the legend, Jesus Christ descended on the same spot where the Dissention Altar stands today, where Gregory the Illuminator ordered to build the church. The cathedral is a symbol of Armenian national identity and heritage, reflecting the country's deep-rooted Christian tradition.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Zvartnots Temple
Zvartnots Cathedral, now in ruins, is a 7th-century centrally planned aisled tetraconch type Armenian cathedral built by the order of Catholicos Nerses the Builder from 643-652. According to legend, the name "Zvartnots" means "celestial angels," inspired by the belief that angels once watched over the temple. It is included in the UNESCO heritage list. In fact, all of the churches included in the tour, are listed on the UNESCO World’s Cultural Heritage Sites.
45 minutes • Admission ticket not included
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Possible languages: English, Russian. In case the tour is organized in other language, changes of the prices are possible.
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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