Echmiadzin
It is the first legal church of Christianity and Cathedral, seat of the Patriarch (Catholicos) of all Armenians. Echmiatsin is a realm of ancient architecture. Being erected on the spot where a pagan temple had previously stood, it had served as a residence of the Armenian patriarchs since the 15th century. Here are kept the treasures of Armenian churches, the most precious of which are the golden letters of the Armenian alphabet. For ages Armenian manuscripts had been collected and brought to Echmiatsin book Depository. A capella singing, a mysterious and enigmatic atmosphere always exists here.
Hripsime, Gayane temples: Catholicos Comitas erected the cathedrals Hripsime and Gayane in 7 c. These ancient monastic structures bear women's names. Is it not strange Ancient legend goes. when Roman Emperor made up his mind to marry he demanded the portraits of all the beautiful women in the country. He selected Hripsime. She was a Christian and declined the offer of pagan king and with a group of maidens (among them Gayane) fled to Armenia. Roman Emperor asked Armenian king to help him to find Hripsime. Soon, on the Armenian king's order, they were found and stoned to death. Chapels were built to commemorate the martyrs Hripsime and Gayane.
