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Saint Gregory the Illuminator Church: A Silent Witness to Baku's History

Explore Baku's only remaining Armenian monument, a 19th-century church near Fountains Square, reflecting the city's diverse cultural heritage.

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Located near Fountains Square in Baku, the Saint Gregory the Illuminator Church, completed in 1869, stands as the sole remaining Armenian monument in the city. It serves as a reminder of Baku's multicultural heritage and the Armenian community that once thrived there.

A brief summary to Saint Gregory the Illuminator Church

  • 9RCP+MH7, Baku, Sabayil, 1005, AZ

Local tips

  • Visit during daylight hours to best appreciate the architectural details of the church's exterior.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through nearby Fountains Square to experience Baku's vibrant city center.
  • Check local listings for occasional cultural events that may grant access to the church's library.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Fountains Square, walk northeast along Nizami Street. The Saint Gregory the Illuminator Church is located a short distance from the square, on the right-hand side of the street. The walk is generally flat and takes only a few minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Baku Metro to Sahil station, which is the closest station to Fountains Square. From Sahil station, walk northeast along Nizami Street towards Fountains Square, then continue past the square. The church will be on your right. A single metro fare costs 0.30 AZN. You'll need to purchase a BakiKart, which costs 2 AZN, to use the metro.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are readily available in Baku. Simply enter 'Saint Gregory the Illuminator Church' or the address (38 Nizami Street) as your destination. A short taxi ride from most central locations in Baku should cost approximately 3-5 AZN, depending on traffic.

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Discover more about Saint Gregory the Illuminator Church

Saint Gregory the Illuminator Church, also known as the Armenian Church of Baku, is a former Armenian Apostolic church situated near Fountains Square in the heart of Baku. Completed in 1869, the church was designed by Baltic German architect Karl Hippius, blending traditional Armenian architectural elements with local Azerbaijani influences. The construction was funded by Javad Melikiants (Melikov), an Armenian philanthropist and oil magnate based in Baku. Historically, the church served as a vibrant center for the Armenian community in Baku. It survived the Soviet era's anti-religious policies, a period when most other Armenian churches in Baku were destroyed. The church reopened in 1945 and became the seat of the diocese of Azerbaijan. However, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in the late 20th century led to a dwindling Armenian population in Baku, eventually resulting in the church's closure. Today, the church stands as a historical and cultural monument of national importance, listed by the Cabinet of Azerbaijan in August 2001. While no longer an active church, it houses a library containing over 5,000 rare Armenian books and manuscripts, including a unique 1773 Bible. Although access to the church may be limited, its presence evokes contemplation on Baku's diverse heritage and the cultural shifts it has undergone.

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