The document discusses several important churches and monasteries in Armenia, including Khor Virap monastery located below Mt. Ararat, Noravank monastery with a two-story church accessed by stone steps, and Echmiadzin Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in the world and headquarters of the Armenian church. Geghard Monastery is described as a unique cave monastery carved into the rock, and Sanahin Monastery complex is praised for its remarkable archways and many preserved khachkars.

1. Churches
in Armen

2. It’s no wonder why Khor Virap is one of the
favourite attractions of most travellers in Armenia.
The majestic Mt. Ararat positioned right behind
the church makes a fantastic backdrop for a
panorama view of the church. The locals also
believed that Mt Ararat protected the monastery
against a strong earthquake in the past.
Khor Virap
Khor Virap

3. This monastery is most famous for
its two-storey church whereby
you will have to climb up to the
main entrance via a narrow
staircase made from stones
jutting out from the face of
building.
Noravan
k
Monastery
Noravank Monastery

4. Echimiazin
Armenian
Apostolic Church
Echimiazin Armenian Apostolic Church
This was the first cathedral that was ever
built in Armenia and also the oldest
cathedral in the world. Sadly the main
church building has been under
construction for the past few years, hence
we were not able to get a nice shot of it.
The photo below shows the main entrance
to this Church. This place was also the
headquarter for all the churches in
Armenia

5. This was one of the most interesting and unique
monasteries that we’ve seen during our time in
Armenia and also my personal favourite. This entire
cave monastery was carved inside a rock mountain,
how is that even possible back then with limited tools
and technology?! Its name “Gerhard” means spear and
this spear was actually referring to the same spear that
was used to pierce Christ after he was being crucified
on the cross to check if he was still alive. Many
pilgrims head here to see the relic of the “spear” and
hence they eventually renamed the monastery to
Gerhard Monastery (Spear Monastery)
Geghard
Monaster
Geghard Monastery

6. Sevanakvank monastery
Sevanakvank
monastery
Most people travel to this monastery situated on a hill
adjacent to the beautiful Lake Sevan to get a glimpse of
the unique green cross stone that was made from
limestone. This place was originally built for the priests
that have sinned as this monastery was isolated and far
away from the city and women. Also, this was one of
the only 3 churches in Armenia that has Christ
illustrated on the cross stone.

7. Tatev Monastery
Monastery
Tatev
Another stunning fairytale like monastery that
literally took our breath away. This was in fact
Daniel’s favourite out of the lot that we’ve
seen! But this monastery is definitely more
beautiful during summer.

8. Odzun church
church
Odzun
This church was different because of its
pink felsite stoned walls. Most of the other
churches that we’ve seen were grey/dark
coloured, so this was indeed quite
refreshing for us! Especially with its
picturesque setting of the magnificent
ridge as the backdrop, this church quickly
became one of our favourites.

9. Sanahin
monastery
Sanahin monastery complex
complex
The Sanahin Monastery was very impressive
because of its remarkable archways. The Sanahin
was especially rich in Khachkars (cross stones)
where more than 80 of them survived till date. If
you’re visiting this complex, do remember to pay
more attention to the intricate details on the
khachkars. Most of these khachkars depict the
traditional cross growing out of a grain with
branches at its sides. According to our guide, this
symbolises “life”.

10. Saviour's
Holy
Holy Saviour's Church
Church
Holy Saviour's Church, is a 19th-
century church in Gyumri, Armenia.
It occupies the southern side of the
Vartanants Square at the centre of
Gyumri. It was constructed
between 1858 and 1872 and
consecrated in 1873.