chmiadzin (in Armenian ech-mee-ah-DZEEN, est. pop. 40,000) is the most popular destination in Armenia. The cathedral dates back to 303 AD, and along with the 4th-7th cc. Guyaneh and Hrispimeh martyria and churches, it is the pre-eminent pilgrimage destination for 9 million Armenians worldwide. Echmiadzin is also the See of the Armenian Apostolic Church, and residence for it's head, the Catholicos.

Steeped in tradition that is literally carved onto the walls of the cathedral and the pagan crypt under the main altar, to witness High Service at Echmiadzin is one of the grandest events in Armenia. In addition Echmiadzin lies in the heart of Armenia's Cradle of Civilization, an area that gave birth to the first bronze and iron civilizations in the ancient world. Three excavations are within a fifteen minute drive of the city.

The city is surrounded by the fertile Ararat valley, teeming with natural springs, ponds and lakes that are home to birds which travel through Armenia (two-thirds of all species in Europe and Western Asia migrate through the Ararat Valley).

Add one of the most impressive Modern Art sculpture collections in the CIS, a museum featuring revolving exhibits, a collection of Soviet Armenia's "heroic Art" and a delightful home residence harking back to the elegance of the 19th century, and you'll find more to do than a day-tour will allow. Give yourself two days to explore this area properly, or three to add in nearby 7-5,000 BC excavations.

Add one of the most impressive Modern Art sculpture collections in the CIS, a museum featuring revolving exhibits and a collection of Soviet Armenia's "heroic Art" and a delightful home residence harking back to the elegance of the 19th century, and you'll find more to do than a day-tour allows. Give yourself two days to explore this area properly.