Background

St. Astvatsatsin Kathoghike Church: A Testament to Armenian Faith

Discover Yerevan's oldest church, a beautiful testament to Armenian faith and resilience, showcasing stunning medieval architecture and rich history.

4.8

St. Astvatsatsin Kathoghike Church, located in the heart of Yerevan, is a significant religious and historical site. With origins dating back to the 13th century, this small, yet striking church showcases medieval Armenian architecture and serves as a lasting symbol of the Armenian people's devotion through centuries of upheaval.

A brief summary to St. Astvatsatsin Kathoghike Church

  • Monday 9 am-8 am
  • Tuesday 9 am-8 am
  • Wednesday 9 am-8 am
  • Thursday 9 am-8 am
  • Friday 9 am-8 am
  • Saturday 9 am-8 am
  • Sunday 9 am-8 am

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning to experience a quieter atmosphere and avoid the crowds.
  • Dress modestly when visiting, as it is a place of worship; covering shoulders and knees is recommended.
  • Take a moment to admire the intricate stone carvings and the beautiful pink tuff stone, especially during sunset.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    St. Astvatsatsin Kathoghike Church is located in the heart of Yerevan on Abovyan Street, making it easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From Republic Square, walk north along Abovyan Street for about 10 minutes. The church will be on your right, just past Sayat-Nova Avenue. There are no specific costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Yerevan's public transport system includes buses, minibuses, and the metro. The closest metro station to St. Astvatsatsin Kathoghike Church is Republic Square. From there, it's a short walk north on Abovyan Street. A single ride on public transport costs 100 AMD. Pay directly to the driver as you exit the vehicle.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Yerevan and are an affordable way to reach the church. You can hail a taxi on the street or use a ride-hailing app such as GG Taxi or Yandex Taxi. A short taxi ride from Republic Square to the church should cost around 600-700 AMD, which includes the minimum fare for the first few kilometers. Ensure the taxi has a meter to avoid overcharging.

Unlock the Best of St. Astvatsatsin Kathoghike Church

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about St. Astvatsatsin Kathoghike Church

St. Astvatsatsin Kathoghike Church, nestled in Yerevan's Kentron district, stands as a resilient symbol of Armenian faith and architectural heritage. Its history stretches back to the 13th century, with evidence suggesting it was built upon the ruins of an even earlier 5th or 6th-century church. The name 'Astvatsatsin' translates to 'Mother of God' in Armenian, reflecting the church's dedication. Constructed from local pink tuff stone, the church exhibits the simplicity and elegance characteristic of medieval Armenian church architecture. The stone glows softly at sunset, enhancing its beauty. Inside, medieval frescoes and manuscripts speak to Armenia's rich religious and cultural heritage. The church's architecture features a dome-made composition. Throughout its history, St. Astvatsatsin Kathoghike Church has been a witness to significant events, surviving earthquakes and periods of destruction. In the 17th century, a larger basilica church was built around it, incorporating the smaller church as its altar. The smaller church was rediscovered during a demolition project in the 1930s. For decades, it was hidden in the backyard of a building, only to be revealed again in the 2000s. Today, St. Astvatsatsin Kathoghike Church is not only a pilgrimage destination but also a vibrant community center, hosting regular services, weddings, and baptisms. It also supports charitable organizations and cultural programs, preserving and promoting Armenian heritage.

Popular Experiences near St. Astvatsatsin Kathoghike Church

Popular Hotels near St. Astvatsatsin Kathoghike Church

Select Currency