Zvartnots (Armenia) Vacation Travel Video Guide
Travel video about destination Zvartnots in Armenia.
Close to Yerevan, capital of Armenia, and within sight of the Ararat Mountains, are the ruins of the unusual Zvartnots Palace Church, a sacred place dedicated to angels, which is said to have come to Holy Grigor in a dream. Master craftsmen created the huge circular church in the middle of the 7th century. On the ground are the remains of the construction’s external circular walls with arches, support blocks and grapevines carved in stone. In the southeast, there is a wine press with wine vats that were found buried in the cool and dry soil of the Ararat Valley. According to legend, the emperor of Byzantium attended the consecration of the church and was much impressed by its splendour. He therefore wanted a similar building in his capital city of Constantinople. The emperor took the master builder along with him, but unfortunately passed away during the journey. Scattered everywhere on the site are numerous treasures of Armenian stonemasonry art as well as mighty eagles with outstretched wings. During excavation it was discovered that the church was built on a man-made stepped platform with a cruciform footprint. Only a small number of circular columns with exceptional Voluten capitals, remain. Of its time, the palace church of Zvartnots was quite remarkable, perhaps even spectacular. However, in 930 A,D., it was destroyed by a devastating earthquake.
--------------
Watch more travel videos ►
Join us. Subscribe now! ►
Arcadia Television Live TV:
Be our fan on Facebook ►
Follow us on Twitter ►
--------------
Thanks for all your support, rating the video and leaving a comment is always appreciated!
Please: respect each other in the comments.
Expoza Travel is taking you on a journey to the earth's most beautiful and fascinating places. Get inspiration and essentials with our travel guide videos and documentaries for your next trip, holiday, vacation or simply enjoy and get tips about all the beauty in the world...
It is yours to discover!
Zvartnots Cathedral, Ejmiatsin, Armavir Province, Armenia, Eurasia
Zvartnots Cathedral is a 7th-century centrally planned aisled tetraconch type Armenian cathedral built by the order of Catholicos Nerses the Builder from 643-652. Now in ruins, it is located at the edge of the city of Etchmiadzinin Armavir Province of Armenia. Zvartnots was built at a time when much of Armenia was under Byzantine control or influence and during the early invasions of Armenia by the Muslim Arabs. Construction of the cathedral began in 643 under the guidance of Catholicos Nerses III (nicknamed Shinogh or the Builder). Dedicated to St. Gregory, it was located the place, where a meeting between King Trdat III and Gregory the Illuminator was supposed to have taken place. According to the medieval Armenian historian Movses Kaghankatvatsi, the cathedral was consecrated in 652. From 653 to 659, Nerses was in Tayk and the construction of the cathedral continued under Anastas Akoratsi. Following the Arab occupation of Dvin and the intensifying wars between the Byzantine and Arab armies on the former's eastern borders, Nerses transferred the patriarchal palace of the Catholicos from Dvin to Zvartnots. Zvartnots remained standing until the end of the 10th century, but historical sources are silent as to the cause of its collapse. A close copy of the cathedral was erected at Ani out by Trdat the Architect under the reign of Gagik I Bagratuni during the final decade of the 10th century. The contemporary Armenian historian Stepanos Taronetsi referred to Zvartnots when describing the church that Gagik I had inaugurated as a large structure at Valaršapat, dedicated to the same saint that had fallen into ruins. The ruins of Zvartnots remained buried until its remains were uncovered at the start of the 20th century. The site was excavated between 1901 and 1907 under the direction of vardapet Khachik Dadyan, uncovering the foundations of the cathedral as well as the remains of the Catholicos palace and a winery. The excavations furthermore revealed that Zvartnots stood on the remnants of structures that dated back to reign of the Urartian king Rusa II. Most scholars accept the 1905 reconstruction by Toros Toramanian, who worked on the original excavations, and proposed that the building had three floors. Some scholars, as Stepan Mnatsakanyan and most notably A. Kuzentsov, however, reject his reconstruction and have offered alternative plans. Kuzentsov, for example, contended that Toramanian's plan was constructionally illogical and insisted that the technical expertise at the time did not correspond to the bold design that the architect had conceived. The interior of the mosaic-decorated church had the shape of a Greek cross or tetraconch, with an aisle encircling this area, while the exterior was a 32-sided polygon which appeared circular from a distance. Some sources claim that the Zvartnots cathedral is depicted upon Mount Ararat in a relief in Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. However, this is not very likely as the fresco was painted more than 300 years after destruction of the church. Together with churches in Echmiadzin, Zvartnots was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2000. A drawing of the cathedral was depicted on the first issue of 100 AMD banknotes and its model can be seen in Yerevan History Museum. The Holy Trinity Armenian Church in the Malatia-Sebastia district of Yerevan is modeled by architect Baghdasar Arzoumanian after Zvartnots and was completed in 2003.
Armenia Tatev monastery 1
Etchmiadzin-Vagharschapat (Armenia) Vacation Travel Video Guide
Travel video about destination Etchmiadzin-Vagharschapat in Armenia.
The village of Etchmiadzin is the religious centre of Armenia. At the entrance to the village is Hripsime Church. Here the nun Hripsime died a martyrs‘ death. She fled with a group of nuns to Armenia from Roman Emperor, Diocletian. The Armenian king, Trdat saw the beautiful Hripsime, instantly fell in love with her, and wanted her as his wife. But the deeply religious young Christian woman rejected the pagan king and he therefore had thirty five nuns tortured and killed. Surrounded by an old cemetery is another domed basilica, that of Gajane Church that dates back to the seventh century. A small crypt was built for the tomb of Abbess Gajane who was executed together with the nun, Hripsime. In 630 A.D., Catholicos Jezr ordered the building of Gajane Church, the fine wall paintings and splendid religious stonemasonry of which make it a cultural treasure. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries the interiors were redesigned by the Hovnatanjan Family of artists. Thus was created one of the few coloured churches in Armenia. The sacristy became the church museum with the ‘holy lance head’ of Roman soldier, Longinus, crosses and the famous right hands of the Catholicoi. Magnificent liturgical robes recall the importance of Etchmiadzin as being the religious centre of Armenia.
--------------
Watch more travel videos ►
Join us. Subscribe now! ►
Arcadia Television Live TV:
Be our fan on Facebook ►
Follow us on Twitter ►
--------------
Thanks for all your support, rating the video and leaving a comment is always appreciated!
Please: respect each other in the comments.
Expoza Travel is taking you on a journey to the earth's most beautiful and fascinating places. Get inspiration and essentials with our travel guide videos and documentaries for your next trip, holiday, vacation or simply enjoy and get tips about all the beauty in the world...
It is yours to discover!
Armenia - one of the vocal ensembles that made me very excited - Zvartnots Cathedral Armenia
Zahi Shaked A tour guide in Israel and his camera zahigo25@walla.com +972-54-6905522 tel סיור עם מורה הדרך ומדריך הטיולים צחי שקד 0546905522
My name is Zahi Shaked
In 2000 I became a registered liscenced tourist guide.
My dedication in life is to pass on the ancient history of the Holy Land.
Following upon many years of travel around the world, which was highlighted by a very exciting emotional and soul-searching meeting with the Dalai Lama, I realized that I had a mission. To pass on the the history of the Holy Land, its religions, and in particular, the birth and development of Christianity.
In order to fulfill this calling in the best way possible, I studied in depth, visited, and personally experienced each and every important site of the ancient Christians. I studied for and received my first bachelors degree in the ancient history of the Holy Land, and am presently completing my studies for my second degree.(Masters)
Parralel to my studies, and in order to earn a living, I was employed for many years in advertising. What I learned there was how to attract the publics attention, generate and, increase interest, and assimilate information. All this I use as tools to describe, explain and deepen the interest in the sites that we visit. From my experience, I have learned that in this way, the Holy Land becomes more than just history, and that the large stones that we see scattered about in dissaray, join together one by one until they become - a Byzantine Church. This also happens when I lead a group of Pilgrims in the Steps of Jesus. We climb to the peak of Mount Precipice, glide over the land to the Sea of Galilee, land on the water and see the miracle which enfolds before us. This is a many faceted experience. Not only history which you will remember and cherish, but an experience which I hope will be inplanted in your hearts and minds, and will accompany you all the days of your life.
Armenia Travel Guide - Etchmiadzin, Garni, Geghard, Hripsime, Zvartnots
Armenia travel and tourism guide for Etchmiadzin (Vaghashapat), Temple of Garni, Geghard, Saint Hripsime Church, and Zvartnots Cathedral! I am a Harvard student who lived and interned in Armenia this past summer, and I thought it would be great to share this beautiful country's historic and cultural sites to more people.
Facebook:
Instagram:
Twitter:
Thank you to my friends at the Central Bank of Armenia who introduced me to the sites shown in the video!
Music:
Suonatore di Liuto Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
Savannah Sketch Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
Arid Foothills Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
Teller of the Tales Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
Sancho Panza gets a Latte Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
Dream Culture Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
Visiting Gyumri, Armenia
Top Tourist Attractions in Gyumri, Armenia
Find Hotel in Gyumri -
Car Rental -
Museum of the Aslamazyan Sisters
Museum of National Architecture and Urban Life of Gyumri
Marmashen
Shuka
Yot Verk
Amenaprkich (All Saviours) Church
City Hall
Surp Nishan
Armenia: Yerevan and Vagharshapat Historical & Spiritual Tour
Armenia: Yerevan & Vagharshapat, a short 50+Km roundtrip will visit the following destinations:
1. The Armenian Genocide memorial complex or Tsitsernakaberd is Armenia's official memorial dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide, built in 1967 on the hill of Tsitsernakaberd in Yerevan. Every year on April 24—the Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day—thousands of Armenians gather at the memorial to commemorate the victims of the genocide.
The people who gather in Tsiternakaberd lay fresh flowers out of respect for all the people who died in the Armenian genocide. Over the years, from around the world, a wide range of politicians, artists, musician, athletes, and religious figures have visited the memorial.
2. Saint Hripsime Church is a seventh century Armenian Apostolic church in the city of Vagharshapat (Etchmiadzin), Armenia. It is one of the oldest surviving churches in the country. The church was erected by Catholicos Komitas to replace the original mausoleum built by Catholicos Sahak the Great in 395 AD that contained the remains of the martyred Saint Hripsime to whom the church is dedicated.
The current structure was completed in 618 AD. It is known for its fine Armenian-style architecture of the classical period, which has influenced many other Armenian churches since. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other nearby churches, including Etchmiadzin Cathedral, Armenia's mother church, in 2000.
3. Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin is the governing body of the Armenian Apostolic Church. It is headquartered around Etchmiadzin Cathedral in Vagharshapat (Etchmiadzin), Armenia and is the seat of the Catholicos of All Armenians, the head of the church.
4. The Church of Saint Gayane is a 7th-century Armenian church in Vagharshapat (Etchmiadzin), the religious center of Armenia. It is located within walking distance from the Etchmiadzin Cathedral of 301. St. Gayane was built by Catholicos Ezra I in the year 630. Its design has remained unchanged despite partial renovations of the dome and some ceilings in 1652.
Gayane was the name of an abbess who was martyred with other nuns by Tiridates III of Armenia in the year 301, and subsequently made a saint of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
In 2000, Saint Gayane Church was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites along with historical churches of Vagharshapat.
5. Zvartnots Cathedral (literally 'celestial angels cathedral') is a 7th-century centrally planned aisled tetraconch type Armenian cathedral built by the order of Catholicos Nerses the Builder from 643-652. Now in ruins, it is located at the edge of the city of Vagharshapat (Etchmiadzin) in Armavir Province of Armenia.
Source: WIKI
Enjoy & have a safe trip!!!
Disclaimer is included in the video/
Soundtrack by PC III:
• A Piece Of Peace
• Stand Up
Episode 11 - Armenia - Alaverdi, Areni, Goris & Etchmiadzin / 365 days off - Travel around the world
ARMENIA: ALAVERDI, DILIJAN, ARENI, GORIS AND ETCHMIADZIN
Travelling on our own to all corners of Armenia was definitely a great experience.From a cultural point of view, we did stop 25 times to visit monasteries, churches and historical sites.
Our 3 favorites were:
Noravank, on a hill at the end of its canyon, it really had a Grand Canyon feel
Marmashen, at the bottom of a lushy green valley, a very peaceful atmosphere and a great site for a picnic.
The Noratus Cemetery, a field of Khachkars, close to Lake Sevan, strolling amongst the cross-stones and their unique carvings let us see one of Armenia’s identities.
From a human point of view, the last 10 days were absolutely fantastic! We met Olga, Irina & Stepan in Alaverdi, Davit and his sisters in Areni, Arthur, Sonna and their lovely children in Etchmiadzin. We had a great time with all of them including the best local and fresh meals we had so far.
If you are around instead of taking day tours from Yerevan, you really should rent a car to explore the country and spend time with people in the different provinces.
WE DID SPECIFICALLY ENJOY
The Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin, we had a guided tour by Anna & Anoush, 2 young adults from the Alaverdi English Club (see Best Kept Secret Tip section for details).
Goshavank, another Monastery, we were welcomed by a young priest who saw us looking for frescoes and carvings described in the Bradt guide. Unfortunately he could only speak a few words of english but one of his friend was there and helped with the translation calling another friend on his mobile! The visit took quite some time and we were moved by the priest trying to pass on his passion for his church.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Iris B&B in Alaverdi, the best homestay in the Lori region. We even got interviewed by the Armenian TV during our stay. They were filming a documentary about the B&B in the country.
Areni Wine Art in Areni, Davit and his family are doing huge efforts to drag tourists in the village. They organize hiking trips, organic meals including traditional Armenian barbeque in the “tonir“, dancing and cooking lessons or anything you would request from them.
Artson B&B in Etchmiadzin, Arthur and Sonna’s goal is to make you feel at home and they’re pretty good at it! All the family is eager to exchange with you about the country, travelling and Armenian history. You may be lucky enough to attend a private concert given by their 2nd daughter, Hasmik, who is studying vocal art in College.
RESTAURANTS
As stated before do not even bother looking for restaurants while in homestays. All of them will gladly prepare you fresh local food at unbeatable fares.
BEST KEPT SECRET TIP
The English Club in Alaverdi, is a NGO trying to improve the economic situation teaching english to anyone interested in the village. They are really doing a great job and we liked very much spending some time with its members. They are arranging day hikes and several guided tours to the historical sites of the province. We enjoyed the guided tours at Sanahin and Haghpat very much. The young guides gave us insights about the local history that a common guide book would never tell. Do not hesitate to contact them when in the region to get your private guided tour!
To all the English Club Members, thank you so much for your warm welcome during our visit to the Club, keep up the good work and hope to come back soon!
Etchmiadzin Cathedral, Vagharshapat, Armavir, Armenia, Eurasia
Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin originally known as the Holy Mother of God Church, is a 4th-century Armenian church in the town of Ejmiatsin, Armenia and is the oldest state-built church in the world. It is also the central cathedral of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Etchmiadzin Cathedral is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Etchmiadzin Cathedral is the oldest state-built church in the world. The original vaulted basilica was built in 301-303 by Saint Gregory the Illuminator when Armenia officially became the first Christian country in the world. Gregory had converted King Tiridates III and members of his court. According to the 5th-century Armenian annals, St. Gregory had a vision of Christ descending from heaven and striking the earth with a golden hammer to show where the cathedral should be built. Hence, the patriarch gave the church and the city the new name of Echmiadzin, which may be translated as the place where the Only Begotten descended. In 480, Vahan Mamikonian, the Sassanian governor (marzban) of Armenia, ordered the dilapidated basilica to be replaced with a new cruciform church. In 618, the wooden dome was replaced with a stone one, resting on four massive pillars linked to exterior walls by arcades. This was the church much as it is today. Murals in the interior and extravagant rotundas surmounting the apses appeared in the early 18th century. A three-tier belfry was constructed half a century earlier. The cathedral formerly boasted the largest collection of Armenian medieval manuscripts, but these were lately handed over to the Matenadaran in Yerevan. Immediately west of the cathedral is the Gate of St. Tiridates, leading to the imposing patriarchal palace. To the northeast, with buildings both within and outside the enclosure, is the Spiritual Academy. Several khachkars are north of the cathedral.