Armenia is one of the world's oldest civilizations and the first country to adopt Christianity as its state religion. It comes as no surprise that "The Homeland of Noah" is home to nearly 4,000 religious buildings scattered across its mountains! Are you dreaming of visiting them but torn between the Sanahin complex and Sevanavank? Between the Geghard ecclesiastical center or the Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Yerevan? Join us as we explore Armenia's most beautiful monasteries…

1 - Sanahin Monastery: A UNESCO-Listed Complex

Sanahin Monastery is located in northern Armenia, in the Lori region. Built between the 10th and 13th centuries, this complex was once the center of cultural influence, housing a higher school and a scriptorium (a dedicated space for manuscript writing). You'll admire the conical dome of the Church of the Holy Savior, as well as the magnificent arches of the Holy Mother of God Narthex, and the portico of the matenadaran (the former library). Far from tourist crowds, you'll experience a profound sense of peace within this complex, where nature has reclaimed its rightful place…

Address: Alaverdi 1705, Armenia

2 - Odzoun Church: A Religious Site Perched Above Sanahin

Some 15 kilometers south of Sanahin, you'll find Odzoun Church – considered one of Armenia's oldest. Perched at 1,150 meters altitude, it offers a breathtaking view of the Debed Valley! Odzoun Church is also renowned for its unusual funerary monument built in the garden. It's a structure featuring a double arcade on a pedestal of several steps. As you approach, you'll admire evangelical scenes, decorative vegetation motifs, and enjoy an exceptional landscape as your backdrop.

Address: Odzoun, Armenia

3 - Sevanavank Monastery: One of the Finest Views of Lake Sevan

Founded in the 9th century, Sevanavank Monastery stands at 2,000 meters altitude in the Servan Valley. To reach it, you'll climb 200 steps bordered by vegetation and wildflowers. Once there, you'll discover two magnificent medieval churches: Sourp Arakelots and Sourp Astvatsatsin. In the first, you can admire a triconch dome and bas-reliefs depicting the 12 Apostles, while the second will enchant you with its colorful altar and carved doors. The site also offers a beautiful view of Lake Sevan. In summer, it's also possible to reach it by train (departing from Yerevan).

Address: Sevan, Armenia 
Opening hours: Daily 09:00–18:00

4 - Saint Etchmiadzin: A Cathedral Steps Away from the Zvartnots Site

About 20 km from Yerevan (Armenia's capital), stands the Saint Etchmiadzin Cathedral. Founded between 570 and 560 BCE, it has undergone numerous modifications over the centuries, particularly in the 17th century. Inside? The cathedral preserves frescoes depicting Saint Paul and Saint Thekla, as well as charming birds. It also houses three remarkable relics, including wood from Noah's Ark! Since 2000, the Etchmiadzin complex and the Zvartnots archaeological site (located about 5 kilometers away) have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Address: Vagharshapat, Armenia

5 - Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Yerevan: A Modern Building at the Heart of Armenian History

The Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral (better known as the "Yerevan Cathedral") is located in the Kentron district, in the heart of the capital. Built between 1997 and 2001, it forms part of a vast religious complex comprising two chapels. Note that it houses the relics of Saint Gregory the Illuminator – the saint who brought Christianity to Armenia! After your visit, why not head to Republic Square, just steps away? A chance to admire the magnificent government palace.

Address: Yervand Kochar St, Yerevan 
Opening hours: Daily 09:00–20:00

6 - Geghard Complex: One of Armenia's Most Beautiful Monasteries

The Geghard Monastery is a medieval ecclesiastical center located in the Kotayk region. The monuments on the site (churches, library, scriptorium, etc.) were built between the 4th and 13th centuries. Why such a long construction period? Many buildings are carved directly from rock! To discover these superb rock-hewn vestiges, you'll need to do some walking, as the complex sits in the Azat Valley. After exploring this extraordinary UNESCO-listed site, treat yourself to a Gata – an Armenian pastry sold outside the monastery…

Address: Geghard, Armenia
Opening hours: Daily 09:00–20:00

7 - Khor Virap Monastery: The Prison of Saint Gregory the Illuminator

South of Yerevan, at the edge of the Turkish border, you'll find Khor Virap Monastery, nestled among vineyards and orchards of the Ararat Plain. Adorned with numerous khachkars (sculptured stelae featuring one or more crosses and decorative motifs), the building showcases Armenian architecture. A secret? One of the chapels houses an underground prison… Saint Gregory the Illuminator is said to have been imprisoned there for fifteen years! The monastery also offers a breathtaking view of the valley.

Address: Village of Pokr Vedi 0612 Armenia

N.B.: Most religious complexes are free to visit and open 24/7, unless otherwise stated.