Description
While traveling to Armenia, you may just be interested in seeing the world’s first Christian Cathedral church. Echmiadzin is considered to be the spiritual center of all Armenians all over the world! The word itself means a place where “the only begotten son of the God descended.” St. Hripsime church was built on the tomb of a Christian nun Hripsime who fled from the Roman Empire and was killed in Armenia. This fabulous building has stood upright from the day of its construction since 618 A.D, making it one of the oldest standing churches in the world. Then visit the eponymous church of St. Gayane, built on the burial site of another early Christian nun Gayane. After this stop, you will take part in the local food-making master class. Dolma is considered the second main dish in Armenian tables, which is made with cabbage leaves, grape leaves, rice, minced meat, and other species. You will also taste it during lunch. After having a full lunch, you will be able to observe the first world’s first Christian Cathedral – the Holy Ejmiatsin, built in 301-304. According to the legend, Jesus Christ descended on the exact spot where the Dissention Altar stands today, where Gregory the Illuminator ordered to build the church. Inside of the Cathedral, there is a small museum home to many Christian relics, including pieces from the Holy Cross and Noah’s Ark and the spear with which Jesus was wounded. NOTE: We can organize pick up from your hotel in the city center upon request FOR FREE. The duration of the tour may vary depending on the weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances. For security reasons the trip might be modified or cancelled in case of bad weather conditions.