Vagharshapat

Vagharshapat — widely known by its former name Etchmiadzin — is home to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the spiritual and administrative centre of the Armenian Apostolic Church, and one of the oldest Christian sites in the world. The town in Armenia's Ararat plain holds a concentration of historic religious monuments, with UNESCO World Heritage recognition covering the cathedral complex. A compact centre with cafés and restaurants makes it a workable base for exploring the wider region.

• Population47,989
• Nearest water from center1.3 km
• Nearest mountain from center4.1 km
• UNESCO within 50 km4