Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin - Armenian Apostolic Church (Armenian Orthodox Church)

Beautiful church, filled with history, lots of places to sit and contemplate the architecture, the park is filled with drinking water fountains, the church has been going threw a long and intensive renovation, the interior was closed off so we weren’t allowed in.

One of the most beautiful places we have visited which is near to Yerevan.The grounds and the architecture are immaculately maintained and just amazing .We could not visit the main cathedral unfortunately, as it was under renovation but we walked around and enjoyed the beautiful gardens ,and the other buildings in the complex.

Oldest cathedral in the world. Besides cathedral you can see also the museum and grab something from Armenian cuisine in the cafe and take some photos in traditional cotsumes. We were happy to try them.
Worth visiting. You can bring also kids, it a silent and peaceful place to spend some time in the garden and enjoy the energy of the place. Unfortunately when we visited the cathedral was closed for renovations, but I hope you are luckier than us and can get in and enjoy the beauty inside.

Wonderful place to visit. It is the mother church of the Armenian Apostolic Church and is considered the oldest cathedral in the world. Holy Lance which is believed to pierced Jesus is here. Also a relic of Noah's Ark you can see here.

We weren’t able to enter because of the construction going on, but it is lovely and there is a museum u can enter with translator or tour guides who speak different languages

An interesting site as it is where the Catholico (leader of the Armenian orthodox fait) lives. Great to see and wonder around the gardens. When we went (Aug 2019) the main church (which is the oldest one) was closed for restauration. Do not go to the museum where the Catholico is as it’s interesting but not worth the 6,500 Dram.

Etchmiadzin Cathedral is the mother church of the Armenian Apostolic Church, located in the city of Vagharshapat (Etchmiadzin), Armenia. According to most scholars it was the first cathedral built in ancient Armenia, and is often considered the oldest cathedral in the world.

The original church was built in the early fourth century - between 301 and 303 according to tradition—by Armenia's patron saint Gregory the Illuminator, following the adoption of Christianity as a state religion by King Tiridates III. It was built over a pagan temple, symbolizing the conversion from paganism to Christianity. The core of the current building was built in 483/4 by Vahan Mamikonian after the cathedral was severely damaged in a Persian invasion. From its foundation until the second half of the fifth century, Etchmiadzin was the seat of the Catholicos, the supreme head of the Armenian Church.

Although never losing its significance, the cathedral subsequently suffered centuries of virtual neglect. In 1441 it was restored as catholicosate and remains as such to this day. Since then the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin has been the administrative headquarters of the Armenian Church. Etchmiadzin was plundered by Shah Abbas I of Persia in 1604, when relics and stones were taken out of the cathedral to New Julfa in an effort to undermine Armenians' attachment to their land. Since then the cathedral has undergone a number of renovations. Belfries were added in the latter half of the seventeenth century and in 1868 a sacristy was constructed at the cathedral's east end. Today, it incorporates styles of different periods of Armenian architecture. Diminished during the early Soviet period, Etchmiadzin revived again in the second half of the twentieth century, and under independent Armenia.

This historic cathedral is under renovation, but the museum next door is not. The spear head, the wooden pieces and much more are still in display.

A very spepcial place for us, because we've got engaged in Armenia en the priest from Etchmiadzin blessed our engagement ring.

Holy place. There's a piece of Noah' Ark as well as relics of Apostols and our God Jesus Christ.

Sundays morning mass is extremely well rehearsed includes Gregorian chanting and Gregorian spiritual prayers.
Great experience for everyone, no exceptions.

Amazing church and park! One of the nicest places located close to Yerevan

This place is good when I reached there at that time construction was going on due to which church was closed

The oldest cathedral in the world.. Where you'll get trapped between the dust of the past and the hopes of the future

A must visit place. History and feeling is amazing

Etchmiadzin Cathedral (Armenian: Էջմիածնի մայր տաճար, Ēǰmiatsni mayr tačar) is the mother church of the Armenian Apostolic Church, located in the city of Vagharshapat (Etchmiadzin), Armenia. According to scholars it was the first cathedral built in ancient Armenia, and is considered the oldest cathedral in the world.

important religious place, huge space, well kept, cathedral at the moment (may 2019) under construction, interesting visit.

Spiritual Center of Armenia. There's a completely different atmosphere.

Now in renovation but anyway you can visit holy Etchmiadzin church and walk around

one of the oldest churche in the world. right now they're preparing this place. you can't go through the church.