Zvartnots Cathedral

Zvartnots Cathedral is the ruined 7th-century cathedral and archaeological site near Vagharshapat (Etchmiadzin) in Armavir Province, Armenia. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing that includes the cathedral and other early medieval church sites in the area.

The site shows the remains of a monumental, centrally planned stone cathedral - notably its circular foundation and scattered column fragments - giving a clear impression of original scale and layout. Visitor facilities include an on-site archaeological area where the plan and carved capitals can be seen; interpretation panels explain the surviving architecture.

The cathedral was constructed in the mid-7th century and stood as a major ecclesiastical building until it collapsed and fell into ruin around the 10th century. Archaeological excavations in the 20th century exposed the foundations and recovered sculptural fragments that document its original decoration and construction.

Zvartnots sits a short distance outside the town of Vagharshapat (Etchmiadzin) in Armavir Province, to the west of Yerevan. The site lies on the Ararat plain area that hosts several early Armenian church sites.

• UNESCO status: Listed with the nearby Echmiadzin churches as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed for its 7th-century architecture and archaeological significance.
• Best viewing point: Best viewed from the site walkway where the circular plan and surviving column fragments are visible against the surrounding plain.