Vagharshapat is the 4th-largest city in Armenia and the most populous municipal community of Armavir Province, It is commonly known as Ejmiatsin (also spelled Echmiadzin or Etchmiadzin, Էջմիածին, which was its official name between 1945 and 1995. It is still commonly used colloquially and in official bureaucracy.
The city is best known as the location of Etchmiadzin Cathedral and Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the center of the Armenian Apostolic Church. It is thus unofficially known in Western sources as a “holy city” and in Armenia as the country’s “spiritual capital” It was one of the major cities and a capital of ancient Greater Armenia. Reduced to a small town by the early 20th century, it experienced large expansion during the Soviet period becoming, effectively, a suburb of Yerevan. Its population stands just over 37,000 based on 2016 estimates.
Plan your visit to Vagharshapat and a wealth of other attractions in Armenia, well-known and undiscovered, using our tour itinerary planning tool. We can design a complete itinerary for you including suggestions of our favourite places and things to see. We’ll book all your accommodation and transport, and of course we’ll drive you anywhere you like along the way.
Let's work together
Ready to build something special? Hire a trip designer now!
Utravel Adventures and Tours
Trips led by local experts—activities, meals, and stays included.
Explore attractions and more near Vagharshapat
