UNESCO sites in Armenia
Echoes of faith, resilience and artistry - where ancient monasteries, cross-stones and mountain landscapes tell its timeless story
Side view of the St Gayane Church (2000) by Cathedral and Churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of ZvartnotsUNESCO World Heritage
The landlocked country of Armenia can be found at the north-western corner of the Asian continent, where it shares a border with Türkiye, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Iran. With an area of around 30,000 km2, this mountainous country is home to three Cultural World Heritage sites.
Original state (1996) by Monasteries of Haghpat and SanahinUNESCO World Heritage
Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin
The monastic complexes of Haghpat and Sanahin were built between the 10th and 13th centuries. Displaying a blend of elements from Byzantine church architecture and the traditional architecture of the Caucasian region, they represent Armenian religious architecture at its peak.
Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin (1996) by Monasteries of Haghpat and SanahinUNESCO World Heritage
The functional role, location and stylistic characteristics of each new building were taken into consideration during their construction. As a result, an asymmetrical but volumetrically balanced complex was built, one which is in harmony with the picturesque landscape.
khachkars (1996) by Monasteries of Haghpat and SanahinUNESCO World Heritage
The two sites, both important centres of learning, feature an astonishing array of khachkars (cross-stones), which date back to the 11th-13th centuries, and bell towers which were the first of their kind – three storeys high with intricate columns holding the belfry above.
Archaeological site of Zvartnots (2000) by Cathedral and Churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of ZvartnotsUNESCO World Heritage
Echmiatsin and Zvartnots
The Cathedral and Churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots testify to the evolution and development of Armenian church design and its profound influence on architectural and artistic development in the region.
A pilgrimage site (2000) by Cathedral and Churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of ZvartnotsUNESCO World Heritage
Built in the early 4th century following Armenia’s adoption of Christianity as a state religion, the cathedral at Echmiatsin is considered to be the world’s oldest. It is deemed by Armenian Christians to be their most sacred site, making it an important destination for pilgrims.
St Hripsime Church (2000) by Cathedral and Churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of ZvartnotsUNESCO World Heritage
Also located in the city of Echmiatsin are three churches which, like the other elements of this property, depict both the spirituality and the innovatory artistic achievement of the Armenian Church from its foundation.
Zvartnots from Above (2000) by Cathedral and Churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of ZvartnotsUNESCO World Heritage
Built in the middle of the 7th century, the temple of Zvartnots was considered to be a masterpiece of Armenian architecture. It remained standing until its collapse at the end of the 10th century, which is presumed to have been caused by an earthquake.
Carved into the rock (2000) by Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat ValleyUNESCO World Heritage
Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley
This is an exceptional example of a medieval monastic foundation in a remote area of great natural beauty. Surrounded by the majestic high cliffs of the Azat Valley, the Monastery of Geghard reflects the height of Armenian medieval architecture.
Monastery of Geghard (2000) by Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat ValleyUNESCO World Heritage
The monastery contains a number of churches and tombs dating from the 4th to the 13th century, most of them carved into the rock, and is exceptionally well preserved. It had many innovatory features which had a profound influence on subsequent developments in the region.
Monastery of the Spear (2000) by Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat ValleyUNESCO World Heritage
Of all the relics that were housed in the monastery, the most famous was the spear which is said to have wounded Christ on the Cross and was allegedly taken there by the Apostle Thaddeus. Also kept at Geghard were relics of the Apostles Andrew and John, and numerous manuscripts.
Read more on Google Arts and Culture about World Heritage in Armenia:
- Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin
- Cathedral and Churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots
- Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley
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