About this experience
This program will be interesting to all those interested in pilgrimage and who want to immerse themselves in the holiest of holies of the first Christian state in the world. You will follow the path of St. Gregory the Illuminator, see several ancient temples, visit a prison cell, and enjoy the snowy peaks of Ararat from the walls of the Khor Virap monastery - Armenia's calling card.
What to expect
Khor Virap Monastery
First, we will head to the ancient Armenian capital - the city of Artashat, to the Khor Virap Monastery. Here, in a deep prison cell for criminals, the first patriarch and baptizer of Armenia, Saint Gregory the Illuminator, spent 14 years. You will learn how he managed to survive, and if desired, you can descend into the cell via a narrow vertical staircase. From the walls of the monastery, on a clear day, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the peaks of Ararat.
Echmiadzin Monastery
We will retrace the path of Gregory the Illuminator, visiting the city of Vagharshapat. We will visit the heart of the Armenian Apostolic Church. We will see the Echmiadzin Monastery and stroll through its extensive grounds. If desired, we will visit the museum-treasury, where Christian relics are kept. The main one is the 'Spear of Destiny,' with which the Roman guard pierced the crucified Christ. And at the eastern gates of Vagharshapat, we will admire the gem of Armenian architecture - the St. Ripsime Church.
Zvartnots Temple
The culmination of the journey will be a visit to the historical reserve of the 7th-century Zvartnots. Despite the fact that the temple was destroyed as a result of a powerful earthquake in the 10th century, the grand ruins of cells, a monastery bathhouse, a patriarch's palace, and wineries to this day do not leave people indifferent. In addition, in Zvartnots, you will touch the Urartian era of Armenia's history and get acquainted with ancient cuneiform.
Organizational details
- The format of the tour will be close to pilgrimage, rather than a festive inspection of architectural monuments
- When visiting churches and monastery complexes, women are advised to have scarves. Shorts, flip-flops, sportswear, and revealing outfits are also not welcomed.
- The tour will be conducted in a car, minivan, or minibus depending on the number of participants
- The Museum 'Treasury of Echmiadzin' and the historical-cultural reserve of Zvartnots are closed on Mondays. Zvartnots is open until 15:00 on Sundays.
- The tour will be led by me or another guide from our team
Additional expenses
- Lunch a la carte in Echmiadzin or Yerevan
- Entrance ticket to the Museum 'Treasury of Echmiadzin' - 1500 drams
- Entrance ticket to the historical-cultural reserve of Zvartnots - 1500 drams (for schoolchildren - 100 drams)
