Vagharshapat - Edchmiadzin

It is considered the oldest church in Armenian territory and is said to have been built on the spot where St. Gregory the Illuminator converted King Trdat to the Christian religion. The original form of the building, revealed by recent excavations (1955-59), is that of a three-aisled basilica entirely similar to that of Aparan, with the significant presence of the synthronon in the horseshoe apse. Subsequently the structure was transformed (5th and 7th c.) into the characteristic inscribed Greek-cross plan, with a central dome resting on piers and four apses projecting on the outside. The bell-tower porch is of the 17th century. The complex has been, and still is, the patriarchal see and residence of the Catholicos of All Armenians.