A Guide to Architecture in Armenia

This basilica, located near the village of Anipemza, is one of the earliest surviving Christian monuments in the country. It’s also considered to be one of the ancient examples of Armenian architecture referring to the Paleo-Christian period, around the fourth-sixth century.

Located in the city of Vagharshapat, this cathedral is a very important landmark of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The church was built in cruciform style and is considered to be one of the first and oldest cathedrals both in Armenia and the whole world. The original church was built in the early fourth century by the country’s patron Saint Gregory the Illuminator, who guided Armenia to adopt Christianity as its official religion. The core of the contemporary building was built near the end of the fifth century by Vahan Mamikonian. It was delayed due to severe damage during the Persian invasion. At first it was the seat of the catholicos, then it slowly lost its fame and became neglected over the centuries, but it never lost its significance. Additionally, the cathedral has been renovated a couple of times with belfries added in the seventeenth century, and a sacristy built in the nineteenth. Therefore, it combines styles of different periods of Armenian architecture.

This seventh century Armenian church in Vagharshapat town is within walking distance of the Etchmiadzin Cathedral. Built in 630, the design of it has not changed despite incomplete improvements of the ceilings and dome in 1652. Saint Gayane was the head of the abbey of nuns, who was persecuted with them by Tiridates III of Armenia. Later on, the Armenian Apostolic Church made her a saint. Since 2000, it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The town of Vagharshapat is home to another significant architectural monument of Armenia: St Hripsime Church, which is considered to be one of the oldest surviving churches in the country. Similar to St Gayane Church, this one is also dedicated to a saint who was persecuted for beliefs. The building is an example of Armenian-style architecture in the classical period. It has influenced many other Armenian churches. This is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Etchmaidzin Cathedral and St. Gayane Church.

Built in the seventh century, Zvarnots is a centrally framed, aisled, tetraconch cathedral. Today, all you can see are ruins located in Vagharshapat. The cathedral was built when the country was overrun by Muslim Arabs who ruled Sasanian Persia, of which Armenia was a part. The exterior, highlighting monuments, vine decorations and eagle capitals, reveal the impact of Mesopotamian and Syrian architecture.

Located in Gyumri, this museum was founded in 1984 in the Dzitoghtsyan family house, built in 1872. Here, you can enjoy exhibits showcasing the daily urban life of Gyumri, as well as local architecture and culture. The building was built with the famous red tuff stone of Shirak, which gives a charming look to the facade.

Located in the center of Yerevan, this building is an architectural masterpiece created by architect Alexander Tamanyan. In 1937 his project won the grand prize at an international exhibition in Paris. The Yerevan Opera House was constructed in the first half of the twentieth century, and today it is a cultural symbol of the country with its classical beauty, majestic stage, and imposing balconies and hallways.

A relatively new addition to the architectural scene of Yerevan, Cascade is the capital’s most modern structure. Designed by Jim Torosyan, Sargis Gurzadyan and Aslan Mkhitaryan, the construction started in 1971 and was partially finished within nine years. Underneath the exterior steps, there are seven escalators rising along the lengths of the complex. It features various exhibition halls, including the Cafesjian Museum of Art. The exterior highlights multiple levels of decorative fountains and contemporary sculptures from the Cafesjian collection. Feel free to walk up the stairs and enjoy beautiful views of Yerevan’s center.

Republic Square is another example of modern architecture in Armenia. The square consists of two sections: an elliptical roundabout and a trapezoid-shaped pool with musical fountains. The square is enclosed by five major buildings constructed with yellow and pink tuff stone in the neoclassical style with the extended use of Armenian motifs.