Echmiadzin (Hripsime, Gayane, Mother Cathedral, Museum "Treasures of Echmiadzin"), Zvartnots
Cities |
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Group discount starts from | 10 people | ||
Days | 1 | ||
Price per person | from $19 |
Description
The tour at 10:00 am from central Yerevan. You will be driven 20km to the Western part of Armenia where the first stop is foreseen at the center of Armenian Apostolic church, St. Echmiadzin. The Cathedral of Echmiadzin was founded at the beginning of the forth century and is one of the oldest churches in the world. According to the legend the church was built in the place where apparition of Jesus Christ was seen to Grigory the Illuminator in the dream. The interior of the church is covered with frescoes created by Hovnatanyan family. The residence of the Catholicos and the Theological Academy are situated near the Cathedral.
The next stop is St. Hripsime church, the one of the famous ecclesiastical buildings in the city of Echmiadzin. This is the developed and perfect example of cross-cupola churches in Armenia. The church is notable with its architectural simplicity and loftiness. The tomb of the Christian martyr Virgin Hripsime is in the sacristy of the church. Not far from the Echmiadzin Cathedral against the back-ground of white peaks of Ararat one can see the silhouette of the cupola of St. Gayane church. The church was built in the 7th century and belongs to the domed-basilica style. Accor-ding to the legend this church was constructed over the tomb of Virgin Gayane, who was martyred for preaching Christianity.
The Museum "Treasures of Echmiadzin" is situated in the southeast section of the Cathedral. Unique holy relics and religious art are now housed in the museum. Among the many treasures are: the Holy Lance (Geghard) which pierced the side of Christ, housed in a silver reliquary; the relics of Noah's Ark in a reliquary that was created in 1698 and other valuable pieces of art. According to the history, the relic of Noah's Ark, was given to Patriarch St. Hakob (Jacob) of Mts'bna in the fourth century, as he desired to climb the peak of Mount Ararat to find Noah's Ark.
The last stop is Zvartnot temple which is a result of skillfulness and brave creativity of Armenian architects of the 7th century. Having been built on several columns it could survive only till the 10th century. When in the beginning of the 20th century this site was being excavated many specialists could hardly accept its reconstruction model designed by famous Armenian architect Toros Toramanyan as it was difficult to believe that such a huge and complicated construction could have been built those days. You will be returned to central Yerevan.
Duration: 4-5 hours
In case of unfavorable weather conditions or unexpected circumstances, for security purposes the company reserves the right to change, reduce or cancel the tour.
The price includes
Transportation by comfortable vehicles with AC Guide service (Armenian, Russian, English consecutively) Water and cookies Entrance fees Insurance of vehicle and passengers
The price does not include
Lunch