Background

Saint Gayane Church: A Testament to Armenian Faith

Discover Saint Gayane Church in Vagharshapat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a serene example of 7th-century Armenian religious architecture.

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Saint Gayane Church, a 7th-century Armenian Apostolic church in Vagharshapat, stands as a serene jewel of Armenian heritage. Built on the site where Abbess Gayane was martyred in 301 AD, it is a significant religious and architectural monument and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A brief summary to Saint Gayane Church

  • Monday 7 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 7 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 7 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 7 am-7 pm
  • Friday 7 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 7 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 7 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during a wedding ceremony to witness a traditional Armenian celebration.
  • Explore the surrounding gardens for quiet contemplation and to view the ancient gravestones.
  • Take a walk to the nearby Etchmiadzin Cathedral and other religious sites to appreciate the area's rich spiritual heritage.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, head south. Saint Gayane Church is located within walking distance (approximately 1 km) to the south of the Etchmiadzin Cathedral. The walk is a pleasant way to experience the local scenery. There is no cost for walking.

  • Public Transport

    From Yerevan, take bus number 202 or 203 from Kilikia bus station to Vagharshapat. The buses depart every 10 minutes and the journey takes about 32 minutes. From the bus stop in Vagharshapat, Saint Gayane Church is about a 10-minute walk. The bus fare is approximately 500 AMD ($1 USD).

  • Taxi

    From Yerevan, a taxi ride to Saint Gayane Church takes approximately 25 minutes. Taxis are readily available via apps or by hailing on the street. The typical cost is 2,000-3,000 AMD ($4-$6 USD).

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Discover more about Saint Gayane Church

Saint Gayane Church, located in Vagharshapat (Etchmiadzin), is a prominent spiritual center in Armenia. This 7th-century Armenian Apostolic church is dedicated to Saint Gayane, an abbess martyred in 301 AD during the conversion of Armenia to Christianity. The church stands on the site where Gayane was killed by King Tiridates III for refusing to renounce her faith. Built in 630 AD by Catholicos Ezra I, the church exemplifies early Christian Armenian architecture. Its design has remained largely unchanged, despite renovations in 1652. The church is a three-nave domed basilica, with an octagonal drum resting on four internal pillars. The interior is divided into three naves, and a semicircular apse adorns the eastern wall. Frescoes of clergymen and saints embellish the interior walls. In 1683, a triple-arched portico was added to the western facade, serving as a burial place for Armenian clergymen. The exterior features a cruciform-plan gable roof, with the drum and dome centrally placed. Saint Gayane Church, along with other historical churches in Vagharshapat, was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. The relics of Saint Gayane are buried in the southern part of the church. The church is a popular wedding venue, adding to its vibrant atmosphere.

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