Have you ever been to a new place and said to yourself, “Wow!” Vagharshapat is where it happens for many guests.

Vagharshapat may not be as well-known as other Armenian cities, but don’t be fooled. Vagharshapat is a modest but lovely future tourist site worth seeing. Some of the interesting things to do and places to visit at this secret getaway will astound you. It is home to Cathedrals and churches, so here you will see a lot of similar places to visit.

You might like to revisit it someday again, to take a break and rest at Vagharshapat. Continue reading if you’re planning a trip to Armenia and aren’t sure if Vagharshapat should be on your itinerary. We’ve compiled a list of things to do in Vagharshapat and the surrounding area.

Saint Gayane Church

The Saint Gayane Church is located next to the Etchmiadzin Cathedral. It is one of the sites that UNESCO has designated as a World Heritage Site. Saint Gayane Cathedral has three entrances and an eight-sided barrel seated on four inner parapets that divide the cathedral into three halves.

Etchmiadzin Cathedral

The Holy Mother of God Cathedral, originally known as the Mother Minster of Holy Etchmiadzin, goes back to the 4th century. It is located in the Armenian township of Ejmiatsin. It is the oldest state-built cathedral on the face of the earth. It is also the essential minister in the Armenian Apostolic Church’s Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The church of Etchmiadzin has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Zvartnots Cathedral

In the early seventh century, Catholicos Nerses the Builder ordered the construction of Zvartnots Cathedral. It is built in the four-apses style and is located on the outskirts of Etchmiadzin, in the Armavir region.

Saint Hripsime Church

Armenia’s prehistoric cathedral is Saint Hripsime Church. In the year 395 AD, the church was built. Catholicos Sahak designed the distinctive crypt, while Catholicos Komitas designed the crest. It is known for its old-era Armenian structural design. UNESCO has designated it as a World Heritage Site, together with the other sites in the area. The carvings on the east and west fascias depict the lifestyle of the Sebeos in the seventh century. The mother-of-pearl fresco that can be found inside the edifice and represents the Armenian design of the 18th century is the most beautiful aspect. The church is said to have gone through a number of renovations.

Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin is a monastery and religious sanctuary in Vagharshapat. If you have time, include it in your Vagharshapat visit.

Religious scholars and monks are also housed at the monastery. The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin is a peaceful haven away from the bustle of the city. The monastery’s gorgeous church, antique library, and cloister are all worth visiting.

The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin is built in the Armenian style. Gregory the Illuminator is the monastery’s principal architect.