Zvartnots Temple

A splendid St. Gregory Church of Vagharshapat, otherwise called Zvartnots Temple was erected in Ararat valley, 12km West from Yerevan city, in Armavir town. This early medieval Armenian masterpiece built in the 7th century AD was an important example of Armenian architecture. Temple had a unique design and architecture techniques employed in its construction that has global influence on architecture. The overall bold design and construction represents architectural innovation at its finest. Unfortunately, like the majority of other ancient Armenian temples, Zvartnots has survived only in ruins since it was completely destroyed by a powerful earthquake in the 10th century. But even the ruins of this temple gives us an idea of its rare and majestic beauty. Dedicated to St. Gregory, it was located in the place where a meeting between King Trdat III and Gregory the Illuminator was supposed to have taken place. In 2000, the ruins of Zvartnots Temple are designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.