One-Day Tour to Echmiadzin and Yereruyk

armeniangeographic

2 years ago

The one-day tour to Echmiadzin is a perfect chance to learn a lot about the religious history of Armenia. In Echmiadzin, which is the religious capital of Armenia, we will see a number of sanctuaries dating from the early Christian period. One of the most impressive sites included in this programme is the church of Yereruyk, which is unusually beautiful and mysterious.

We will also see the great fortress of Dashtadem, where we will get into a historical atmosphere. The “final chord” of our tour will be a visit to a winery where we will enjoy nice views of vineyards, indeed also tasting wines and other drinks made according to the traditional recipes of local winemakers. All these visits will turn this trip into an unforgettable experience and will leave a lasting impression on you.

Echmiadzin Cathedral

As tradition has it, Gregory the Enlightener had a vision in which he saw Jesus Christ descending from heaven with a golden hammer in his hand and destroying a pagan temple. When Gregory told King Trdat III about his vision, the latter ordered him to destroy the pagan temple and build a church in its site. The church was named Echmiadzin, which is translated from Armenian as “the descent of the Only Begotten Son of God.” For more than 1,700 years, Holy Echmiadzin has been the religious centre of Apostolic Armenians.

Echmiadzin Cathedral / Photographer Hovik Charkhchyan

After the visit to Echmiadzin Cathedral, we will continue the tour in Machanents House to have an excursion and a pottery master class there. During this master class, you will learn a lot about pottery and will have an opportunity to make something of clay.

Yereruyk Church

The basilica of Yereruyk was founded in the early Christian period, between the 4^th and 5^th centuries. According to some records, it was built in the site of a ruined pagan temple. The composition and building peculiarities of the church truly make it a unique monument.

Yereruyk Church

In 1995 the basilica of Yereruyk was included in UNESCO World Heritage List.

Dashtadem Fortress

Next we will visit the fortress of Dashtadem, which played an important role in the defence of the eastern roads leading to the city of Ani.

Dashtadem Fortress

The “final chord” of our tour will be a visit to a winery where we will enjoy nice views of vineyards, indeed also tasting wines and other drinks. Enjoying an atmosphere of old cultural heritage, we will reveal a lot of interesting facts about viniculture and winemaking in Armenia.