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Saint Mesrop Mashtots Church: Cradle of the Armenian Alphabet

Visit the final resting place of Saint Mesrop Mashtots, inventor of the Armenian alphabet, and explore Armenian history and culture.

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The Saint Mesrop Mashtots Church in Oshakan is more than just a religious site; it's a national treasure, holding the tomb of Mesrop Mashtots, the creator of the Armenian alphabet. Pilgrims and tourists alike visit to pay homage to this pivotal figure and witness the stunning frescoes and architecture of this important Armenian Apostolic church.

A brief summary to Saint Mesrop Mashtots Church

  • 7858+F75, H19, Oshakan, 0226, AM

Local tips

  • Visit on the Feast of the Holy Translators in October for a unique pilgrimage experience.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Armenian Alphabet Monument.
  • Take time to explore the village of Oshakan, including the 7th-century Church of Zion and the medieval bridge.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Yerevan, take a bus or minibus from Kilikia Central Bus Station to Oshakan. Note that there may not be a direct bus, requiring a change in Yerevan or Ashtarak. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 16 minutes. From the Oshakan bus stop, the church is a short walk away. A one way ticket from Yerevan to Oshakan costs approximately 200-700 AMD.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Yerevan and can take you directly to Saint Mesrop Mashtots Church in Oshakan. The ride is approximately 27 km and takes around 26 minutes. Expect to pay between $9 and $11 USD for the trip. GG Taxi service, the Armenian version of Uber, is a reliable option.

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Discover more about Saint Mesrop Mashtots Church

Located in the village of Oshakan, a short distance from Yerevan, the Saint Mesrop Mashtots Church stands as a monument to Armenian culture and identity. The church is built on the site where Mesrop Mashtots, the inventor of the Armenian alphabet, was buried in 440 AD. A martyrium was erected three years later. The current church, a vaulted basilica constructed with black tuff, dates back to 1873-1879. Inside the church, visitors can view the tomb of Mashtots, located in a crypt beneath the main altar. The interior is adorned with frescoes created in the 1960s by H. Minasyan, with the most prominent being "Glory to Armenian Letters and Literature," depicting the invention of the Armenian alphabet. The church also features a unique cylindrical bell tower, added in 1884, with an entrance from the altar. Beyond its religious and historical significance, the church is a symbol of Armenian patriotism, particularly on September 1st, the start of the school year. On this day, first-grade students traditionally visit the church to learn the first letters of the Armenian alphabet near the tomb of Mesrop Mashtots.

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