Recognised as Armenia’s spiritual capital, and the centre of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Vagharshapat (or Etchmiadzin) has many UNESCO listed religious buildings and is an easy day trip or half day trip from Yerevan. This guide will give you an idea of all the top spots to visit, where to eat, how to get there, and our accommodation recommendation if you fancied extending your visit to more than just a day trip from Yerevan.

Religious Spots to Visit in Vagharshapat

Etchmiadzin Cathedral – UNESCO listed

Etchmiadzin Cathedral is the world’s oldest cathedral, which is mind-blowing! The original church built at this site was from 300 AD, not long after Armenia declared itself a Christian country (the first country in the world to do so). 

Of course, when we visited, it was closed. But we could still see all the intricate detailing on the outside and around the door ways. Inside, however, are several relics that are vitally important to the Apostolic Armenian Church. Amongst the relics is the spear believed to have wounded Jesus at his crucifixion, which was housed at Geghard Monastery until the 1600s, giving the monastery its name (Geghard means ‘spear’ in Armenian.) 

The cathedral is situated in the middle of what is known as the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, a large complex with several religious buildings, new and really really old. The Mother See is the centre and headquarters of the Apostolic Armenian Church, much like the Holy See is the centre and headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. While you’re in this area, check out the other religious buildings and sculptures around the complex, such as Holy Archangels Church.

St. Hripsime – UNESCO listed

One of the oldest churches in Armenia, St. Hripsime Church is understood to date back to the early 7th century. It is believed that Saint Hripsime was a beautiful Christian nun who fled to Armenia to escape the advances of Roman Emperor Diocletian. The emperor sent informed the Pagan King of Armenia about her and her beauty. When she arrived in Armenia and rejected the King’s advances too, it was arranged for her to be killed.  The church is on the site of where she was killed and where her remains were later housed in a mausoleum.

Saint Gayane – UNESCO listed

Saint Gayane (or Kayane) fled to Armenia from Rome with Saint Hripsime. When Hripisime rejected his advances, he turned to Gayane which resulted in a similar rejection. She was killed at the site where the church now stands.

Shoghakat Church – UNESCO listed

Another nun fled with Gayane and Hripsime, however, her name remains unknown. Shoghakat literally means ‘ray of light’ and was built to remember others killed during the period of time of converting the country to Christianity.

Old Cemetery

Not a ‘site’ that you would see recommended when visiting Vagharshapat, but we thought it was fascinating. Within the religious complex as you walk towards St. Gayane Church, you can capture a photo of ancient gravestones in the foreground, with the top of St. Gayane Church, and Mount Ararat in the background.

Where to Eat in Vagharshapat

Agape Refectory

We ordered several dishes here and while they were nice, we have had better food elsewhere in the country. However, you don’t come here for the food; come here for the building and the history. It almost feels like you’re walking into a wine cellar. The décor is oldy woldy medieval and the high domed ceilings are fascinating.

Բուխարի – Food court

If you fancy a less pricey meal that is arguably better, head to the food court just out of the main part of town. There are loads of options for local food as well as things like pizzas. Again, nothing to write home about, but if you want something cheap and cheerful, this is the spot.

Ցորեն սրճարան – Cafe and pasta

This place is cute! It’s very small and there are only a few tables, but it’s bright and has lovely décor. We had a pesto spaghetti and bruschetta which were surprisingly good.

How to Get to Vagharshapat

Get to Kilikia bus station in Yerevan and jump on bus number 203. It leaves every 30 minutes and is a dead easy journey. It will take no more than 30 minutes to drive right to the centre of Vagharshapat, and it cost us 300 AMD in 2023.

To get back, just hang around at the same spot you were dropped off, and jump on the next 203.

For more info on taking public transport in Armenia, take a look at this post.

Where to Stay in Vagharshapat

If you want to make your visit longer than just a day trip from Yerevan, B&B Artson is a beautiful and affordable homestay just a short walk away from the main centre. It has comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, a communal area with cooking facilities, and outdoor shared seating overlooking a garden. There is also a shy dog called Mia who is lovely!

The best day trip from Yerevan is undoubtedly to visit Garni and Geghard, and the Symphony of Stones; a Greco-Roman temple, a UNESCO listed 4 th century church, and a bizarre rock formation. And it’s completely achievable independently, so there is no need to book on to a guided tour with loads of other people and limited time at each spot. We spent six weeks in Armenia making several trips from Yerevan, and the Garni and Geghard trip takes the top spot! This travel guide will give you all the info you need to make this day trip from Yerevan.

Looking for things to do in Yerevan? Read this post here.

Or maybe looking for the best vegetarian spots and cafes? Check out this post.

First Stop: Garni Temple

Travel Yerevan to Garni

The bus to Garni leaves from a small bus station a little out of town called Gai. It is in the wrong location on Google Maps, but someone has very helpfully added a marker for ‘the real Gai Bus Station’, so make sure you search for this one instead!

Take a GG Taxi (a local Armenian taxi app) to the real Gai Bus Station, which is close to a Mercedes Benz shop.

Get on bus no. 266, which leaves every hour on the hour. It costs about 500 AMD (prices may have increased, but it still gives you a rough idea), and will take about 45 minutes to reach Garni.

Pay for your ticket on the bus and ask the driver to let you know when to get out (or follow the journey along on Google Maps).

Also, I would recommend against sitting anywhere near the back. This is a very bumpy ride.

History of Garni Temple

As Armenia was the first country to declare itself Christian back in the 4th century, most historic religious structures around the country are also Christian. However, this temple actually predates Christianity in Armenia!

It is believed to have been built back in the 1st century when Paganism was practised. It survived the conversion to Christianity, and several occupations until an earthquake hit in the 17th century. The temple was rebuilt and completed by 1975. It has a Greco-Roman colonnaded style, which is unique in the country.

Exploring Garni Temple

The entrance fee for Garni Temple is 1500 AMD.

Garni temple sits overlooking the Garni Gorge, which means that you get beautiful panoramic views too. Wander round the temple, take in the views, but also make sure you step into the ruins of the Roman bath. It seemed that most people didn’t realise that this was here, but you’ll see what is left of mosaic decoration that lined the bottom of the baths. You won’t need much time to explore Garni Temple – 45 minutes should be plenty.

Second Stop: Geghard Monastery

Travel Garni Temple to Geghard Monastery

From Garni, you’ll have to find a taxi as it’s realistically too long to walk (unless you’re not doing this just as a day trip from Yerevan). We walked down the road a bit from the Garni Temple entrance to a small coffee place. While we were waiting for the coffee, we got chatting with the woman serving us. And she mentioned that her Dad would be able to take us!

So she called up Dad, and we arranged 3000 AMD for a drop off at Geghard, he would wait an hour for us, then take us for a quick look at the Symphony of Stones, and then drop us back at the bus stop.

Otherwise, you will be able to find a driver outside of the temple; just be aware that this is the prime spot to pick up a taxi so you might have to do a bit of bargaining to get the price down to a reasonable amount!

You could always try your hand at hitchhiking. Geghard Monastery is situated at the end of a road, not a through road, so anyone going that way will be going to see the monastery.

There is no bus to take you from Garni to Geghard, though it would make an absolute killing if there was a shuttle running this route!

History of Geghard Monastery

It is understood that the beginnings of this monastery date back to the 4th century, but the current building dates back to the 13th century. The monastery is UNESCO listed and sits on the site of a sacred spring in a cave that still flows to this day. 

Geghard means ‘spear’ in Armenian, and the monastery holds this name as it housed what is believed to be the spear that wounded Jesus. It became a pilgrimage site for this reason, but the spear is no longer kept in the monastery. Instead, you’ll find it in Echmiadzin Cathedral which is the oldest cathedral in the WORLD, and makes another great day trip from Yerevan!

Explore Geghard Monastery

There is no entrance fee.

The monastery is located at the end of a road in a valley, and like with Garni Temple, the views are outstanding. There are several rooms and stairs and passageways to explore, so make sure you take a look round everything! You’ll see impressive rock carvings, ancient inscriptions, the sacred spring, and khachkars (cross stone – an Armenian intangible cultural heritage artform recognised by UNESCO). 

Make sure you go up the steps round the left of the monastery as it will take you through a passage to a room above the main part of the monastery.

And also make sure you head through the archway to the right of the Monastery where you’ll see a picturesque arched bridge running over a stream.

Is it Armenia’s most impressive monastery? 

I honestly think so. I was absolutely blown away by its decoration, how well it has all been preserved, and its stunning location.

You’ll need about an hour to see everything here.

Third Stop: Symphony of Stones

Travel from Geghard Monastery to the Symphony of Stones

Get the taxi driver to take you back to Garni via the Symphony of Stones.

Explore the Symphony of Stones

There is a small entrance fee of 200 AMD.

From the ticket desk, walk down the path, but remember to look up! In the cliff face you will see hexagonal shaped tubes of rock that are entirely natural. It is similar to the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, just the other way round (so sticking out of the cliff as opposed to out of the ground).

You’ll need about 15 minutes here. It’s a quick one, but a really interesting rock formation to view!

Back to Yerevan

Tell your taxi driver you are heading back to Yerevan and he will drop you at the nearest bus stop (there are several in Garni). Wait until you see the 266 bus, and jump back on.

Arrive back at the real Gai Bus Station, and order yourself a GG Taxi back to your accommodation.

Take a look at our post on Armenian public transport for more tips!