Echmiatsin

Echmiatsin, officially Etchmiadzin, is a city in Armenia located about 20 kilometers west of the capital Yerevan. It is the spiritual and administrative center of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the oldest national church in the world. The city is home to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the primary cathedral and residence of the Catholicos of All Armenians. This ancient complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a major pilgrimage destination for Armenians worldwide.

The history of Etchmiadzin dates back to the 4th century AD, shortly after Armenia adopted Christianity as its state religion. According to tradition, Saint Gregory the Illuminator, the apostle who converted Armenia to Christianity, had a vision of Jesus Christ descending from heaven and striking the ground with a golden hammer. The site of this vision became the location for the first cathedral. The current cathedral, built on this site, has undergone numerous renovations and additions over the centuries, reflecting different architectural styles and historical periods.

Beyond the Mother See, Etchmiadzin boasts several other significant churches, including Saint Hripsime Church and Saint Gayane Church, also part of the UNESCO designation. These churches are renowned for their early Christian architecture. The city itself has developed around the religious center, with a population that largely supports and maintains the ecclesiastical institutions. Etchmiadzin serves as a vital link to Armenia's rich religious and cultural heritage, attracting both religious followers and cultural tourists to explore its sacred sites and historical significance.