Echmiadzin – Zvartnots – Sardarapat Museum

The Mother Cathedral of Echmiadzin is the main religious structure of the Armenian Apostolic Church and one of the architectural monuments of the early Christian period. Its architectural solutions laid the foundation for the construction of many Armenian churches. According to legend, Gregory the Illuminator, who preached Christianity in Armenia, once had a vision in which Jesus Christ descended from heaven with a hammer in his hand and struck the ground where a pagan temple once stood. The next morning, Gregory shared his dream with King Trdat, who then ordered the construction of a cathedral on that site, naming it “Echmiadzin” (meaning “The Only Begotten Descended”).

Not far from Vagharshapat is the unique complex of Zvartnots, which includes the Zvartnots Cathedral and the adjacent Catholicos’ Palace. This splendid complex was constructed between 643 and 652 AD by order of Catholicos Nerses III the Builder, who earned his title due to his extensive construction efforts. Zvartnots was founded on the road along which King Trdat III welcomed Gregory the Illuminator during his visit to Vagharshapat. It is believed that Nerses III built the cathedral in honor of Saint Gregory to commemorate this meeting, and a relic of the saint is preserved here. However, the site is better known as “Zvartnots,” meaning “Celestial Joys” or literally “Place of the Angels,” as the complex was dedicated to the joys of the heavens.

The Sardarapat State Ethnographic Museum was built in 1978 on the site of the heroic Battle of Sardarapat, which took place in May 1918. During this battle, thanks to the perseverance and determination of the Armenian people, a brilliant victory was achieved over the Turkish forces. After the October Revolution of 1917, the Turkish army, taking advantage of the withdrawal of Russian troops, violated the Erzincan armistice and sought to carry out a plan to seize not only Western but also Eastern Armenia. However, from May 22 to 26, the Turkish forces were completely defeated. Everyone took part in the battle—elderly people, women, and even children.

Cost of a Private Tour (up to 4 people): 28,000 AMD per vehicle

Cost of a Group Tour (6 or more people): 7,000 AMD per person

Departure: 13:30 (after lunch)

Book here! For more details, call +7 958 402 21 61 or message us in the chat — we’re always online!