Echmiadzin is a very holy place for Armenians, the site of their most important Orthodox Cathedral and the residence of the Church's leader, the Supreme Patriarch Catholicos of all Armenians. St Gregory the Illuminator is said to have founded the first church on this site in 303, the exact spot having been revealed to him by Jesus Christ in a vision. The best time to visit Echmiadzin is on a Sunday, when the churches are bursting with people attending the services and you will hear a very fine choir.

Other fine churches dating from the 7th century can also be found in Echmiadzin, including the shrines of St. Hripsime and St. Gayane , and an interesting story surrounds the martyrdom of these two Christian virgins. Nearby is the ruined church of Zvarnots dating from 641 which was reputedly one of the most beautiful churches of its day. You can visit Echmiadzin in a half-day excursion from Yerevan.