11 March, 2018 Armavir Region 3149 Views

Echmiatzin / Vagharshapat

Territory:                                      44 km2
Population:                                  56,000 Persons
Distance from capital/Yerevan:   18 km
Height of above sea level:           850 m 
The main branches of economy: industry, agriculture

Armenian Vatican with UNESCO Churches
The holy City Echmiadzin is the 4th largest city of Armenia. It is the spiritual and administrative center of The Armenian Apostolic Church, the so-called Armenian Vatican and the Pontifical Residence of the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. Echmiatzin City is the most popular destination in Armenia. The Mother Cathedral dates back to 303, and along with the 4th-7th cc. Guyaneh (also spelled "Gayane") and Hripsimeh ("Hripsime") martyria and churches, it is the pre-eminent pilgrimage destination for 9 million Armenians worldwide as well as for the tourists.
The Cathedral of Etchmiadzin, the Churches of Saint Hripsimé, Saint Gayane and Saint Shoghakat, together with the archaeological site of Zvartnots are listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Legend
The city is named in fact Vagharshapat but generally referred to as Echmiadzin, which translates to "the Descent of the Only-Begotten [Son of God]." According to the legend Armenia's patron saint Gregory the Illuminator had a vision of Jesus Christ descending from heaven and striking the earth with a golden hammer to show where the cathedral should be built. Hence, the patriarch gave the church the name of Etchmiadzin. 

In the V century after the invention of the Armenian alphabet Mesrop Mashtots opened the first Armenian school. The first Armenian book was printed in Vagharshapat, here opened the spiritual high school - Gevorgyan Seminary, and established the paper mill. 

Residence of Catholico
In the 1447 the residence of Catholicos from Sis moved to Vagharshapat. Currently there are 4 churches and the S. Astvatsatsin church. 

Economy
The city has a developed industry, electrical equipment, food industry companies. 
The main branch of economy is agriculture: wine-growing, fruit-growing, vegetable growing as well as cattle breeding. 

Aragatsotn Region

Aragatsotn Region

Aragatsotn is named after the massive mountain (4095m / 13,435 ft.) that hovers over the northern reaches of Armenia. This region is one of the...

Ararat Region

Ararat Region

Ararat region is named after the biblical Mount Ararat which is mentioned in the Bible as a place where Noah’s ark has landed after the Great...

Armavir Region

Armavir Region

Armavir Region - Because of its Christian history the region is most famous for locals and Diaspora Armenians, who make pilgrimages to Armenia to...

Gegharkunik Region

Gegharkunik Region

Gegharkunik ist die größte Region Armeniens, die an Aserbaidschan und die Shahumyan-Region der Republik Berg-Karabach grenzt. Ein Viertel der...

Kotayk Region

Kotayk Region

Kotayk region is located at the central part of the country and is home to many must-see sites in Armenia including the pagan Temple of Garni...

Lori Region

Lori Region

Lori region is in the northern part of Armenia, bordering on Georgia. It is considered Armenia’s greenest area, with more native forest land than...

Shirak Region

Shirak Region

Shirak region lies in the north-west of Armenia. It borders with Georgia and Turkey. Shirak region is mainly dominated by the Ashotsk Plateau and...

Syunik Region

Syunik Region

Syunik region- It is in the southern part of Armenia, bordering by Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic exclave, the de facto independent...

Tavush Region

Tavush Region

Tavush region lies in the Northeast of Armenia, bordering by Georgia and Azerbaijan. The territory is mainly mountainous and rocky hillsides...

Vayots Dzor Region

Vayots Dzor Region

Vayots Dzor region is mainly a mountainous region at the southeastern end of the country, known with Jermuk Waterfall, Areni cave, Smbataberd...

Yerevan, 2800 years old

Yerevan, 2800 years old

Yerevan city – 2800 years old. Yerevan is the capital of the Republic of Armenia with more than 1 million people. It is an amazing city with view...

 

800

Happy Travellers

149

Successfull Tours

1476

Photos 

32

Videos