While traveling throughout Armenia, marvel at our outstanding church architecture.

Check out our list of the best churches and monasteries and include them in your itinerary. These one-of-a-kind cultural heritage pieces located in the most picturesque locations will take your breath away.

Geghard

A monastery in a cave dating back to the 4th century? That’s Geghard! The name "Geghard'' means spear in Armenian. For centuries, the Geghard Monastery was the repository of the actual spear from which the monastery derived its name. Geghard monastery is an architectural gem among the Armenian churches and monasteries.

Founded in the 4th century, it acquired its present appearance in the 13th century. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the most majestic structures in Armenia.

Etchmiadzin

The main cathedral in Armenia, Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, is a must-see religious site representing the Armenian path towards the Christian faith. Located just 30 minutes away from Yerevan, Etchmiadzin is the main church of all Armenians. Discover the history of the first Christian nation and church while exploring Etchmiadzin's architectural marvels, religious frescoes, decorations, and holy relics kept in the Treasury Museum.

The complex consists of religious buildings and auxiliary structures, all of which are magnificent in terms of architectural solutions and patterns.

Khor Virap

If you want to take the most striking photos of Mount Ararat and learn how Armenians converted to Christianity, the Khor Virap Monastery is the place to go. Khor Virap Monastery, located in the Ararat region, is only 40 minutes from Yerevan. It is a significant pilgrimage site for Armenians, with a strong connection to the adoption of Christianity.

Khor Virap means "deep dungeon," and it was here that Grigor Lusavorich (Gregory the Illuminator) was imprisoned for 13 years for his Christian beliefs. Later, he became catholicos of all Armenians, converting the royal family and the entire nation to Christianity.

Noravank

Visit Noravank Monastery to see how man-made and natural elements coexist in harmony. You'll only need two hours to get to one of the 13th century's wonders, which is located in the Vayots Dzor region. The location, choice of stone and color, and variety of ornaments and sculptures distinguish Noravank.

If you go to Noravank at sunset, you will see sunlight kissing the reddish stones of the churches and the surrounding rocky cliffs.

Sanahin & Haghpat

The Lori region's architectural masterpieces, the Sanahin and Haghpat Monasteries, will undoubtedly impress you. These two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Armenian culture feature a variety of sacred and secular structures, one-of-a-kind cross-stone carving specimens, and breathtaking views of the Lori region's landscapes.

The architecture of these monasteries built between the 10th and 13th centuries are stunningly beautiful.

Akhtala

Another architectural masterpiece in the Lori region, Akhtala, contains the finest frescoes of religious themes, ready to amaze visitors. It will take you about 3 hours to get to Akhtala. It stretches across a flat area high on a rock cliff, surrounded by a deep canyon of the Debed river, providing excellent views for landscape photography.

Visit Akhtala to learn about the other side of Armenian church architecture and its design elements. We know you’ll enjoy this monastery during your trip to the Lori region.

Haghartsin

Haghartsin Monastery, hidden in the dense forests of Dilijan National Park, resembles a white jewel on a green background. Haghartsin is a monastic complex built of local limestone dating from the 10th to 13th centuries. It is made up of several structures, the most interesting of which is the refectory building, which has a unique architectural design.

Haghartsin has been renovated in the last decade and welcomes you into its neat and well-kept condition. Take some landscape photos from a distance to capture the entire complex in all of its splendor.

Marmashen

Visit the Marmashen Monastery, one of the Shirak region's jewels, to explore a typical structure that follows the architectural patterns of the ancient capital - Ani. Marmashen is located in the Shirak region and consists of several churches as well as the ruins of non-religious buildings, all of which are unique and distinct from other religious sites in Armenia. Marmashen is lovely in all seasons and accessible all year.

The umbrella-like dome roofs, lavish decorations around windows, and a large number of arches on the church walls are typical distinctions.

Harichavank

Harichavank, founded in the 7th century, is another excellent example of architectural evolution in Armenia's churches and monasteries. Harichavank Monastery grew significantly during the 13th century. The small chapel on a piece of rock hanging over the gorge, which is part of the monastic complex, will definitely leave you spellbound.

Do not hesitate to explore the magnificent decorations on the central cathedral walls. On Saturday and Sunday, you can participate in liturgies.

Sevanavank

Sevanavank, or the Monastery of Sevan, is located on the Sevan peninsula and naturally blends in with the surroundings, allowing visitors to capture the perfect photo. Sevanavank is only an hour away from Yerevan. It is beautiful in all seasons, but nothing compares to its beauty during winter. Imagine the surrounding mountains covered in snow and the monastery perfectly nestled in the background. While taking pictures is the first thing you do when you get close to the monastery, you will quickly become engrossed in exploring the 9th-century unique churches of St. Apostles and St. Holy Mother of God.

Spend at least an hour on the peninsula to fully appreciate its beauty.

Saghmosavank & Hovhannavank

Saghmosavank and Hovhannavank, which dominate the Kasakh River Gorge, are must-see religious sites in Armenia. As you approach the sites, you will be impressed by the churches first, and then by the location. Built in the 13th century, both monasteries played a significant role in the prosperity of writing books, copying gospels, and painting. Take advantage of the fact that these two representatives of medieval Armenia are only an hour's drive from Yerevan.

If you enjoy hiking, you can also take the Kasakh gorge hiking trail from Hovhannavank to Saghmosavank (or vice versa).

Tatev

The monastery, which is located high on a cliff near Tatev village, blends in with the surrounding nature and is barely visible from a distance. It was built between the 9th and 14th centuries and consists of several churches, chapels, an oil press, monks' cells, a refectory, and Gavazan, a vertically standing pillar dedicated to the Holy Trinity.

Visit Tatev to be amazed by the imaginative architectural choices, decorative selections, and breathtaking scenery. Make an effort to see the complex from a high point on the road to Svarants village, and you will make the most of your trip.