Etchmiadzin Cathedral: Oldest Cathedral in the World

In this installment of ‘Larger Than Life: Architecture Through the Ages,’ we explore an ancient Armenian church active since the 4th-century.

Etchmiadzin Cathedral was constructed in the center of a large courtyard from volcanic tuff, a substance formed when a volcano erupts and the ash is compacted to eventually form rock. Although the structure has been renovated and added to during its multi-century lifetime, the main floorplan remains the same. Currently, it measures 108 feet by 98 feet, with a height of 20 feet. Yet, its signature pointed dome is 112 feet tall. Tatevik Asatryan/Shutterstock

It makes sense that a cathedral more than 15 centuries old would be located in proximity to Yerevan, the largest city in Armenia and one of the oldest continuously populated cities in the world. Officially located in Vagharshapat, about 11 miles west of the capital, the Etchmiadzin Cathedral’s dome and one of its belfries are much younger, constructed in the 17th century, while the current sanctuary dates to the 16th century.

The cathedral’s architectural style is considered Armenian. Constructed of blocks made from the area’s abundant volcanic tuff stone, its distinct exterior design features include the conical-shaped and pointed dome—resembling a turret—and tall, narrow windows. Decorating the outside of the cathedral are countless reliefs; these are sculptures on the surface of the stone.