Irekca de la T.
Google
St. Gregory the Illuminator Church is one of the largest and most striking churches in Yerevan. When driving past it, you can’t help but turn your head—it’s imposing, beautifully built, and a true landmark of the city.
The church is massive and well-preserved, with a simple yet strong architectural presence. Unlike the ornate churches you might see in Spain or Italy, this one has a minimalist beauty—both inside and out. The structure itself is solid and grand, and I imagine it looks even more breathtaking when surrounded by lush greenery in the spring or summer. When I visited in winter, the surroundings were bare and gray, but the church still stood out as a commanding presence in the city.
If you’re planning to visit, I highly recommend appreciating it mainly from the outside. When I went inside, there was an ongoing mass, and I personally don’t think tourists should disrupt churchgoers just for photos. The inside is vast and cavernous, yet peaceful. It’s not heavily decorated—no intricate frescoes or overwhelming details—but that’s what makes it unique. The simplicity of the interior adds to its beauty, creating a calm, almost meditative atmosphere.
This church is a must-see for its architecture and significance in Yerevan. Even if you don’t go inside, just admiring it from the outside is worth it. If you visit during spring or summer, the contrast of the church against greenery would likely make it even more picturesque. Definitely a landmark worth stopping by!