Армавирская область

Armavir marz is the smallest marz in Armenia with a population of 280 000 people. The centre of this marz is the city of Armavir (former Argishtikhinili) which was founded in the 8^th century BC by Argishti I – the same king who in 782 BC founded the current capital of Armenia. There are three cities in this region, one of which is Vagharshapat – the religious centre of Armenia, famous for UNESCO-listed monuments, among which are Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin, Saint Hripsime Church, Saint Gayane Church, the Church of Shoghakat and Zvartnots Cathedral.