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St. Astvatsatsin Kathoghike Church: A Medieval Gem in Yerevan

Explore Yerevan's oldest church, a 13th-century architectural treasure showcasing Armenia's rich religious and cultural heritage.

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Discover St. Astvatsatsin Kathoghike Church in Yerevan, a small but historically significant 13th-century Armenian church made of pink tuff stone. Witness to centuries of Armenian history, it stands as a testament to the nation's enduring faith and architectural traditions.

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 for a quieter experience and better lighting for photography.
  • Dress modestly when visiting, as it is a place of worship; covering shoulders and knees is recommended.
  • Take a guided tour to fully appreciate the church's history and architectural details.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    St. Astvatsatsin Kathoghike Church is located in the Kentron district of Yerevan, at 17 Abovyan Street. From Republic Square, walk north on Abovyan Street for approximately 1 km. The church will be on your left, near the intersection with Sayat-Nova Avenue. There are no specific costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    To reach St. Astvatsatsin Kathoghike Church via public transport, take the Yerevan Metro to Yeritasardakan station. From the station, walk south-east on Abovyan Street for about 5 minutes (400m). Alternatively, several buses and trolleybuses stop near the intersection of Abovyan Street and Sayat-Nova Avenue. A single ride on the bus or metro costs 100 AMD. A trolleybus ride costs 50 AMD. As of January 1, 2025, a daily travel pass costs 880 AMD.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Yerevan. You can hail a taxi from the street or use ride-hailing apps like GG Taxi or Yandex Taxi. A short taxi ride from Republic Square to the church (approximately 1 km) will cost around 600 AMD. Taxi fares generally start at 600 AMD, with an additional 100 AMD per kilometer. Be sure the driver uses the meter.

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Discover more about St. Astvatsatsin Kathoghike Church

St. Astvatsatsin Kathoghike Church, located in the heart of Yerevan, is a significant historical and religious site. Dedicated to the Mother of God ('Astvatsatsin' in Armenian), this small church dates back to the 13th century. It was constructed using local pink tuff stone, giving it a unique and beautiful appearance, especially at sunset. The church's history is rich and complex. It was built on the site of an earlier church from the 5th or 6th century. The current structure witnessed many historical events, influencing Yerevan and Armenia. In 1604, the church suffered damage during the occupation led by Shah Abbas I of Persia. In the 17th century, it briefly housed the Catholicos of all Armenians. An earthquake in 1679 destroyed the parsonage but left the small church standing. Between 1693 and 1695, a larger basilica church was built around it, incorporating the older church as an altar. In Soviet times, the larger church was demolished in the 1930s, revealing the original 13th-century structure. For decades, it was hidden within the courtyard of a Language Institute. In the 2000s, the area was given to the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Institute was demolished, and the church was restored. Today, St. Astvatsatsin Kathoghike Church stands as a unique monument of medieval Yerevan. Inside, visitors can see medieval frescoes and manuscripts, reflecting Armenia's cultural heritage. It remains a vibrant community center, hosting services and cultural programs.

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