Cathedral of Avan Yerevan

The oldest church in Yerevan

Davit from Yerevan

"Built in the 6th century, the Cathedral of Avan is Yerevan’s oldest surviving church. If you want to see a piece of real, ancient Yerevan, this is the place."

Yerevan is an ancient city, but only a few places here are more than a couple of hundred years old. The Cathedral of Avan is one of those rare exceptions. Built in the 6th century, it’s the oldest surviving church structure in the Yerevan area — and one of the most overlooked.

The Cathedral of Avan was originally built as a Catholic church in opposition to the traditional Armenian Apostolic Church. It once had five domes and a very unique architectural design. Today, the roof is gone, but much of the structure remains. When you stand inside its walls, you can feel just how old this place is.

I love visiting the Cathedral of Avan because it reminds me of how deep Yerevan's history runs. But honestly, I also feel a bit sad. The site is poorly preserved, barely marked, and mostly unknown, even to many locals in Yerevan. Only the residents of Avan seem to visit it regularly. If you're lucky, they’ll share their own legends and stories passed down about the cathedral.

If you want to see a piece of real, ancient Yerevan — quiet, raw, and untouched — this is the place.

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Yerevan Spotter Davit

I have a mixed background in data science, event management, and sports analytics. But besides the mixed portfolio of professions, I have a passion for traveling abroad and within my country. After travelling to different countries, I've developed a stronger appreciation for my city, especially the small and overlooked details of it. Why Yerevan What I love about Yerevan the most is the contrasts. It's a big city with over 1 million residents, but it somehow feels like a small town where everybody knows each other. Walk down a single street and you will find all sorts&...

About this spot

Marshal Khudyakov Street 2nd Lane

AMD

free

Aug 11, 2025

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