Since almost all of Echmiadzin's main sites are located within 500 meters of Komitas Square (Shoghakat and Hripsimeh are 1.5 and 2 kilometers east), a walking tour is the most enjoyable way to see sites. Though the tour can be done in one day if you race from place to place and eliminate museums, it is more advisable to break it up over a couple of days, taking time to assimilate what you aer seeing, take time to stroll through parks, stop at a café or bistro, and sample the local color. The tour is the most convenient route which avoids backtracking, and begins at Komitas H’raperak.

Use CENTRAL MAP (350 Kb) for this part of the tour. Note numbers inside "()" correspond to those in CENTRAL MAP).

Harutiun, the director of the Khoren Ter Harutian Sculpture Museum (tel 52038) has been closely acquainted with both the Cultural and Historic Scene for over 20 years. The result is a very personal guided tour of the city and historic sites. Harutiun can also arrange admission into the Katoghikos residence and treasury museum with advance notice. He knows guides who speak English, French and German. A full day guided tour is US$25 or US$10 per person for groups of 3 or more.

Khachik, the director of the Echmiadzin Shop (tel 52084 at the shop, 56459 at home) can arrange the same, and has cars, a van and bus available for day rentals (all include driver).

At the Echmiadzin Complex you can sometimes find a priest or deacon who will provide an informal tour. We were lucky enough to find a priest from Detroit, who not only showed us around the entire complex, but invited us to lunch at the seminary. The museum in the cathedral always provides English speaking guides. Staff are forbidden from taking direct donations, boxes are placed in the cathedral and museum.

SELF-
TOUR

GUIDED TOURS