ARMENIA - Echmiadzin (Archaeological Site of Zvartnots)

The magnificent cathedral of Zvartnots or St. Grigor by medieval historians, was commissioned by Catholics Nerses III from Taik region, between year 643 – 652. According to historian Sebeos, this cathedral was built on the spot where Gregory the Illuminator met the Armenian king Tr’dat; initiating the king’s conversion and leading to Armenia adopting Christianity as the state religion in 301.

ARMENIA - Echmiadzin (Saint Hripsime & Saint Gayane Church)

Vagharshapat is one of the historic capitals of Armenia and is commonly known as Echmiadzin. Along with other historical churches of Vagharshapat, Saint Hripsime & Saint Gayane Church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

ARMENIA - Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin is the holy seat of the Supreme Patriarch-Catholicos of All Armenians. The Etchmiadzin Cathedral inside the complex which encompasses an area of 150,000m², was built in 303 on the site of a pagan temple after the adoption of Christianity as a state religion in 301.

ARMENIA - Areni

Still in Southern Armenia, I headed to Areni. Areni is well known for its wine production and is also the cradle of viticulture. This is where the world’s oldest winery was discovered, dating back 6,000 years ago!