At the beginning of the 20th century, archeological excavations took place not far away from the city Vagharshapat. The scientists were expecting to find an ancient settlement, but accidentally discovered ruins of a great cathedral that was buried under many-century layers of soil and sand up to its roof.
That find was a grand Zvartnots Cathedral, a fine example of early medieval Armenian architecture dating back to the second half o the 7th century. None of the other Armenian constructions can be comparable to this cathedral, it’s one of a kind. This religious complex used to be magnificent and huge. The cathedral of Vigilant Angels, this what the name of the place means in Armenian.
The Zvartnots Cathedral is a three-storied building of about 50 meters high. In its round basement, there was a cross made with the help of six huge columns. In the centre of the cathedral, there was a baptistery font where the sacrament of baptism was performed.
The building was through, so it felt like it was made of light and air. The delicate windows, thin stone ornamentation, decoration in shapes of fruit, and gracious human figures made all the place look weightless. The cathedral was always full of joy and festivity.
A magnificent palace and personal winery of Nerses III were situated not so far from the cathedral. There was also a castle of the Catholicos and accommodation for the monks.
Unfortunately, the complex had lived for only 300 years, not a long time in terms of world history. A hefty earthquake destroyed its columns, the roof fell down and all the building crumbled like a house of cards. The castle of the Catholicos and household structures crashed down during the earthquake too.
After the archaeologists had found the cathedral, they decided to restore it. Now the lower storey has been fully restored and houses a museum. The other non-restored parts of the cathedral are also available for tourists. You may walk around high stone columns and then visit the partly renovated king’s winery. The size of ancient jars for young wine is definitely going to surprise you.