Sight guide · Yerevan · Armenia
Visiting Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral
Consecrated in 2001 for the 1,700th anniversary of Armenia's adoption of Christianity, this is the largest Armenian cathedral, with a bright, spacious interior and the relics of St Gregory.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Petar Milošević, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Quick answer
Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral is a religious site in Republic Square, Yerevan. Allow 30 minutes; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Religious site
- Area
- Republic Square
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free and architecture
- Best months
- April and October–November
About Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral
Consecrated in 2001 for the 1,700th anniversary of Armenia's adoption of Christianity, this is the largest Armenian cathedral, with a bright, spacious interior and the relics of St Gregory.
Tip: Visit during a Sunday morning liturgy to hear the choir.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 30 minutes.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Republic Square, the grand central square of pink tuff, museums and fountains.
Best time to visit Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:
- November: 11°C (52°F) highs, about 5 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- October: 21°C (70°F) highs, about 5 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- April: 19°C (66°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Yerevan has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen Cascade and Cafesjian Center for the Arts and Republic Square.
- No. 11 of the 17 sights in our Yerevan things-to-do list.
- Day 2 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 5 of the 5-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Yerevan.
Near Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral
Also in Republic Square, so you can walk between them:
- GUM Market — 1 hour, free
- Vernissage market — 1–2 hours, free
- Katoghike Church — 15 minutes, free
If you like Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral
- Blue Mosque — Mashtots Avenue, 30 minutes
- Opera House and Swan Lake — Northern Avenue and Opera, 30 minutes or an evening performance
Staying near Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral
Stay in Republic Square ($$$) to walk here: the grand central square of pink tuff, museums and fountains. All areas to stay in Yerevan.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral?
Plan 30 minutes. With GUM Market nearby, it fits a half-day in Republic Square.
+Is Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral?
April and October–November, the quietest of the good months. Visit during a Sunday morning liturgy to hear the choir.
+Do I need to book Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.