Echmiadzin (Hripsime, Gayane, Mother Cathedral, Museum "Treasures of Echmiadzin"), Zvartnots

The excursion starts at 10:00. A trip to the most sacred place for every Armenian - the Armenian Vatican - Echmiadzin is the official residence of the Catholicos of All Armenians. Since the adoption of Christianity by Armenians, the throne of the Catholicos of All Armenians was located here. In this place, many significant Christian shrines are stored: a spear pierced by Christ, a particle of Noah's Ark and the Hand of St. Gregory the Illuminator. You will also visit the St. Gayan's Basilica of 603, the Church of St. Hripsime in 618 and the later church of St. Shokagat. All these churches, together with the main cathedral of Etchmiadzin, are included in the list of cultural heritage of the UNESCO. On the way back - an inspection of the ruins of the ancient cathedral of Zvartnots. Return to the hotel. Near the square of Etchmiadzin there is a cathedral, which was founded in 301 AD. Return to Yerevan.