Zvartnots Archaeological Site

Ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral (Cathedral of the Angels)

Zvartnots Cathedral was a three-storey circular structure built in the 7th century by Nerses III on the very spot where St. Gregory the Illuminator converted King Tiridates III of Armenia to Christianity. Its beauty captivated the Byzantine Emperor, Constantine III, so much so, that he brought the builder with him to Constantinople to create a similar structure there. Unfortunately, the builder died along the way.

Zvartnots stood for nearly 300 years. By the 10th century, it was in ruins. It is not certain how it was destroyed. A strong earthquake may have caused its collapse or it may also have been due to continued Arab raids. There’s a debate among scholars on the reason why a building constructed to last a millenia only lived a third of its “warranty”.

The Zvartnots archaeological site also includes the Catholicos Palace ruins. The complex together with Etchmiadzin Cathedral were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.

This is a reconstuction of the Cathedral rendered by Toros Toramanian in 1905

Architectural Plan of Zvartnots Cathedral*

The interior plan of Zvartnots is in the shape of a Greek cross or tetraconch. A corridor wraps around the four apses in a continuous flow. There are three main portals. This image was scanned from the Medieval Armenian Architecture: Construction of Race and Nation, a book by Christina Maranci. The sketch was drawn by Toros Toramanian in 1905. Toramanian was an Armenian architectural historian.

*This image is in the public domain. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Reconstructed section of Zvartnots Cathedral

A section of interior space showing one of four apses defined by a colonnade.

This is the outer corridor that wraps around the inner quatrefoil. Notice one of three portals on the right.

Back view of the arched pillars

Do you see the crown of the tall pillar? It is decorated with a relief of an eagle.

Each colonnade has six pillars. These pillars are crowned with ionic capitals.

Partially reconstructed “Armenian Ionic” capital crowns with basket weave decoration below the capitals.

A closer look at the Ionic capital crowns and the basket weave relief below it. In the middle of the capital is a Greek cross, the model for the shape of the Cathedral.

The Sanctuary (altar) of the Cathedral in the shape of a conch

The Sanctuary

I couldn’t find any information about this huge stone block and its purpose. It is outside the perimeter of the Cathedral and may have been part of the palace ruins.

Catholicos Palace ruins

Nerses III, the Builder, had a palace constructed adjacent to Zvartnots Cathedral. He was elected Catholicos (or head) of the Armenian Apostolic Church in 640 CE. As Catholicos, he was both the temporal and spiritual leader of the people of Armenia.

Catholicos Palace Ruins

I found the Zvartnots ruins the most intriguing monument in the country. Garni Temple was quite amazing. Both have the most beautiful locations. Zvartnots has an enviable view of Mount Ararat but unfortunately, it was hiding behind clouds during my visit. This place warrants a second visit. The mystery that shrouds its demise is hard to ignore.

Zvartnots is a short distance from Yerevan. There is a fee to enter the archaeological site.

If you would like to learn more about Garni Temple, follow this link: https://www.travelswithcharie.com/2025/06/the-history-and-architecture-of-garni.html

How to get there from Tbilisi, Georgia: I traveled to Armenia with G7 Euro Travel and Tours. Please check out my post about Travel Tips and Resources here: https://www.travelswithcharie.com/p/travel-tips.html

Where to stay:

Holiday Inn Express is a ten-minute walk to Republic Square and beside Mashtots Park. It's on Buzand 97/2. It offers free breakfast. Reservations link is ihg.com.

Currency in Armenia : Dram. $1.00 is equivalent to 382.96 drams (exchange rate on September 24, 2025)

Electrical Outlet: Type C or F

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*****

Images by TravelswithCharie

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