The Armenian Monastic Ensembles of Iran are a treasure trove of architectural and cultural heritage, located in the north-west of Iran.

Overview

The Armenian Monastic Ensembles of Iran consist of three monastic ensembles of the Armenian Christian faith: St Thaddeus and St Stepanos and the Chapel of Dzordzor. These edifices are examples of outstanding universal value of the Armenian architectural and decorative traditions, bearing testimony to important interchanges with other regional cultures.

History

The oldest of these edifices, St Thaddeus, dates back to the 7th century. Unfortunately, no specific details about the history of the monastic ensembles beyond this point are available. They were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.

Architecture

The Armenian Monastic Ensembles of Iran showcase exceptional examples of Armenian architectural and decorative traditions. The edifices bear witness to interchanges with the Byzantine, Orthodox, and Persian cultures, reflecting the significant cultural exchange that occurred in the region.

Location

The monastic ensembles are situated on the south-eastern fringe of the main zone of the Armenian cultural space, in the دهستان Shjaa region of Iran. The coordinates are 38.9752777778, 45.5727777778.

Religious Significance

As places of pilgrimage, the monastic ensembles serve as living witnesses of Armenian religious traditions through the centuries. They bear significant spiritual and cultural importance for the Armenian Christian community.

Notable Artworks and Features

Unfortunately, no specific details about notable artworks or features are available.

Heritage Status

The Armenian Monastic Ensembles of Iran were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008 under criteria (ii)(iii)(vi).

Visiting Information

Unfortunately, no specific information is available about visiting hours, access restrictions, or guided tours.