Armenia joined UNESCO in 1992.
The first site listed in Armenia was the Haghpat Monastery in 1996.
Azat River, Kotayk Province of Armenia by Zaven SargsyanYerevan Biennial Art Foundation
Two New addings in 2000s
In 2000, two further properties were added: the Cathedral and Churches of Etchmiadzin, the archaeological site of Zvartnots, the Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley.
A view on Ararat from Etchmiadzin, collection of the National Gallery of Armenia (1895) by Yeghishe Tadevossian (1870-1936)Yerevan Biennial Art Foundation
Etchmiadzin
Many scholars contend Etchmiadzin Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in Armenia, and it is widely believed that it is thus the oldest Christian cathedral in the world.
The inscribed property is divided into three separate areas; the first includes the Mother Cathedral of Etchmiadzin and St Gayane Church. The second area comprises St Hripsime Church and St Shoghakat Church.
The inscribed property is divided into three separate areas; the first includes the Mother Cathedral of Etchmiadzin and St Gayane Church. The second area comprises St Hripsime Church and St Shoghakat Church.
(learn more about these sites here)
Zvartnots Cathedral, Armavir province by Zaven SargsyanYerevan Biennial Art Foundation
Archeological Site of Zvartnots
Built in the middle of the 7th century, the temple of Zvartnots was considered a true gem in Armenian architecture.
This cathedral was later destroyed in the 10th century and rediscovered only during the excavations in the 20th century.
Model of the Cathedral Zvartnots according to T. Toramanyan, architect and historian by Zaven SargsyanYerevan Biennial Art Foundation
The new type of Armenian church
According to a renowned Armenian architectural historian, Toros Toramanian, this structure was a new type of Armenian church. It was three stories tall and with a central dome on a vertical axis.
The height of the church was unusually high, about 45, which is not typical for 7th-century construction techniques.
Eagleform capital of column, Zvartnots Cathedral, Armavir province by Zaven SargsyanYerevan Biennial Art Foundation
The key motifs of its relief sculpture depicted symbols that are closely tied to Armenian culture up to this day.
Zvartnots before excavations, collection of the National Gallery of Armenia (1895) by Yeghishe Tadevossian (1870-1936)Yerevan Biennial Art Foundation
The religious buildings of Echmiadzin and the archaeological remains at Zvartnots bear witness to the introduction of Christianity in Armenia.
Geghard monastery, Kotayk Province, Armenia by Zaven SargsyanYerevan Biennial Art Foundation
Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley
The monastery’s name comes from “Geghard,” meaning a “spearhead.”
According to tradition, the spear of the Roman legionary, used to pierce the body of Jesus Christ on the cross, rests in the Geghard monastery.
Southern Portal of Katoghike church, Geghard monastery, Kotayk Province, Armenia (1215) by Zaven SargsyanYerevan Biennial Art Foundation
The monastery was founded to replace a pagan shrine.
Southern Portal of Katoghike church, Geghard monastery, Kotayk Province, Armenia (1215) by Zaven SargsyanYerevan Biennial Art Foundation
It contains several churches and tombs dating back to the 4th and 13th centuries.
The main architectural complex was completed in the 13th century AD and consists of the cathedral, the narthex, Eastern and Western rock-cut churches, the family tomb of the Armenian princely dynasty Proshyan, a tomb-chapel, and various rock-cut cross-stones and cells for clergymen.
Carved out Khachkars, Geghard monastery, Kotayk Province, Armenia by Zaven SargsyanYerevan Biennial Art Foundation
Best example of Armenian medieval architecture
This monastery is surrounded by the majestic cliffs just next to the entrance of Azat Valley.
The first rock-cut church was built before 1250.
It was entirely dug into the rock, receiving a nickname of “Monastery in Cave.”
This rock cutting technique was often used in the ancient world, tracing back to many different cultures throughout different periods.
Churches in Lalibela, Ethiopia, from the 13th century are other famous rock-hewn churches, included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Monasteries like Geghard hosted schools, scriptoriums, libraries, numerous rock-cut dwelling cells for clergymen, and renowned cultural centers in medieval Armenia.
Ruins of Ancient City Dvin, Ararat Province, Armenia by Zaven SargsyanYerevan Biennial Art Foundation
List of Tentative Sites
Before being inscribed in the list of World heritage sites, the proposed areas or monuments must be included in the tentative list.
Tatev Monastery, Syunik Province, Armenia by Zaven SargsyanYerevan Biennial Art Foundation
Each member state has their tentative list for nomination
Each country that has signed the World Heritage Convention, can submit nomination proposals for properties on their territory to be considered for inclusion in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Noravank Monastery, Vayots Dzor Province, Armenia by Zaven SargsyanYerevan Biennial Art Foundation
Currently Armenia has 4 such sites
This list includes:
The archaeological site of the city of Dvin
The basilica and archaeological site of Yererouk
The monastery of Noravank and the upper Amaghou Valley
The monasteries of Tatev and Tatevi Anapat and the
adjacent areas of the Vorotan Valley
Yererouk, ancient Armenian church by Zaven SargsyanYerevan Biennial Art Foundation
UNESCO World Heritage List helps member states protect what's left of human heritage — our collective data, stories, and memories.
This virtual exhibition is an homage to photographer Zaven Sargsyan and all individuals that choose creation over destruction and stay devoted to the values of humanity.
Mostly known as the personal photographer of world-famous director Sergei Paradjanov and founder of his house-museum, Zaven`s life and entire activities were dedicated to preserve and spotlight cultural treasures of Armenia.
Created in collaboration with Yerevan Biennial Arts Foundation, Zaven Sargsyan family archives and the National Gallery of Armenia.
Content creators, editors and reviewers: Anastasiia Lebedenko (Ukraine), Anush Mirzoyan (Armenia), Diana Ghazaryan (Hungary), Sona Hovhannisyan (Armenia), Yeva Kurghinyan (Armenia)
Virtual exhibition was assembled and outlined by Ella Kanegarian Berberian (Armenia)
Photographs and Artworks used from: Z. Sargsyan family archives, and the collection of the National Gallery of Armenia.
For the production and execution of this exhibition YBAF would like to thank Mrs. Lucy Kinosian for her support.
