Zvartnots cathedral ruins

Zvartnots was built at a time when much of Armenia was under Byzantine control or influence and during the early invasions of Armenia by the Muslim Arabs. Construction of the cathedral began in 642 under the guidance of Catholicos Nerses III (nicknamed Shinogh or the Builder). Dedicated to St Gregory, it was located the place where a meeting between king Tiridates III and Gregory the Illuminator was supposed to have taken place.
Zvartnots remained standing until the end of the 10th century but historical sources are silent as to the cause of its collapse.
The ruins of Zvartnots remained buried until its remains were uncovered at the start of the 20th century. The site was excavated between 1901 and 1907 under the direction of Khachik Dadyan, uncovering the foundations of the cathedral as well as the remains of the Catholicos palace and a winery.