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Saint Hripsime Church: A Masterpiece of Armenian Architecture

Discover Saint Hripsime Church in Vagharshapat: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of 7th-century Armenian architecture.

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Saint Hripsime Church, located in Vagharshapat (Etchmiadzin), Armenia, is a 7th-century architectural gem and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in 618 AD, it stands on the site where Saint Hripsime, a Roman virgin, was martyred in the 4th century. The church is renowned for its classical Armenian design, influencing many churches throughout the region.

A brief summary to Saint Hripsime Church

Local tips

  • Dress modestly when visiting; women should cover their heads, and both men and women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees.
  • Combine your visit with other nearby historical sites like Etchmiadzin Cathedral, Saint Gayane Church and the Zvartnots Cathedral.
  • Consider visiting during the off-season (April-May or September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Yerevan, take bus number 202 or 302 from Mashtots Avenue or a minibus from Kilikia bus station to Vagharshapat. The journey takes approximately 32 minutes. From the Vagharshapat bus station, you can walk to Saint Hripsime Church in about 15 minutes or take a short taxi ride. The bus/minibus fare is around 500 AMD ($1 USD).

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Yerevan. A taxi ride from Yerevan to Saint Hripsime Church typically takes around 21 minutes and costs approximately 2000-3000 AMD ($6-$9 USD). Several taxi services and ride-hailing apps operate in Yerevan, ensuring a convenient way to reach the church.

  • Walking

    If you are already in Vagharshapat city center, you can easily walk to Saint Hripsime Church. From the city center, head east on Mesrop Mashtots Street. The church is located at 85 Mesrop Mashtots Street and is easily visible from a distance. The walk is generally flat and takes about 15-20 minutes.

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Discover more about Saint Hripsime Church

Saint Hripsime Church is a cornerstone of Armenian religious architecture, located in the city of Vagharshapat, also known as Etchmiadzin, about 20 km west of Yerevan. This seventh-century Armenian Apostolic church stands as a testament to Armenia's rich Christian heritage. The church was erected in 618 AD by Catholicos Komitas I Aghtsetsi, replacing an earlier mausoleum, to honor Saint Hripsime, a Roman virgin who fled to Armenia to escape persecution by Emperor Diocletian. According to legend, Hripsime's beauty caught the attention of both Diocletian and King Tiridates III of Armenia, who both desired to marry her. When she refused their advances, Hripsime and her companions were martyred. Following his conversion to Christianity, King Tiridates, along with Gregory the Illuminator, built a chapel on the site of Hripsime's martyrdom as an act of remorse. The architectural design of Saint Hripsime Church is celebrated as one of the most refined examples of Armenian architecture. The church's exterior presents a square, central-dome structure, while the interior follows a cruciform plan. Earthquake-resistant features, such as triangular niches on the outer walls, showcase the advanced engineering of the time. The church's sixteen-faceted cupola and round towers add to its unique character. The interior is relatively modest, with large apses in the corners and narrow cylindrical niches leading to annexes. The vaulted sepulcher of Saint Hripsime lies beneath the main altar. Over the centuries, Saint Hripsime Church has undergone several renovations and additions. In 1653, Catholicos Pilippos renovated the church and added an open gavit (portico) at the western entrance. In 1776, the church's brick walls were constructed, and in 1790, a two-tier bell tower was added. Further renovations occurred in 1880 and 1898, solidifying the church's structure and preserving its historical integrity. Today, Saint Hripsime Church stands in excellent condition and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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