One of the largest and most popular churches in Isfahan which operates as Armenian Apostolic Church is Vank Cathedral which is also known as Holy Savior Cathedral and The Church of the Saintly Sisters. Historical paintings and decorations in this church attracts the people very well. The construction work of the church begins in 1606 and ends in 1664, under the supervision of Archbishop David. The Vank church is a great example for combination of Iranian and Armenian architecture (It’s an architectural works with an aesthetic or historical connection to the Armenian people).

The vank church structure includes lot of domes like in mosque and semi octagonal apse. The interior of the church was elaborately decorated with awe-inspiring tile work, gilded carvings and gold painted dome. It is also easy to spot Persian-style ornamentations with flowery patterns and bright colors on the ceilings. The armenians who built this cathedral are the forced resettlers of Shah Abbas I in his new capital.

Today Vank church is a great importance for Armenians, it also act as a center of communication between the Armenians of Isfahan and the southern provinces of Iran with the world. Pictures of Armenian martyrs being tortured by the Ottoman Empire featured at the lower band. The courtyard contains the graves of both Orthodox and Protestant Christians. Library and museum are opposite to the cathedral. The library contains more than 700 books which were written in European languages.

The museum contains artifacts related to the history of church and Armenian community in Isfahan. The Vank Church in the New Julfa district of Isfahan serves as a symbol for Armenians in Iran.

Website: http://www.vank.ir/fa/

Address: Isfahan Province, Isfahan, Vank Church Alley, Iran

Phone: +98 31 36243472

Opening Hours:

8.30am to 5.30pm daily