Vank Cathedral

Architectural treasure of Isfahan – The Armenian Vank Cathedral

The Vank Cathedral (also known as The Holy Savior Cathedral) is the main Armenian apostolic church in Iran.

It is surprising that this church, built in the 17th century and located in an Islamic state, has seen wars and revolutions and remains open to visitors to this day. Constructed in the Armenian district New Julfa, it’s not only one of Isfahan's landmarks but also evidence of Iran's tolerance and respect for other nations and religions.

Architecture of Vank Cathedral

Despite the the simple and modest exterior of the building, the cathedral’s interior is ornately decorated with well-preserved frescoes of exceptional quality. These frescoes depict biblical scenes and figures, and are enhanced with intricate gilded carvings and floral patterns. The domed ceiling of the cathedral is is covered in floral motifs and painted in the traditional Persian style, incorporating gold and blue colours. The harmony between the intertwining Islamic and Christian styles is truly remarkable.

Museum of Vank Cathedral

The cathedral also has a museum that preserves the centuries-old history of the Armenian diaspora in Iran. The exhibits represent the cultural and artistic heritage of the indigenous Armenians of Julfa. Among the exhibits there are manuscripts and valuable handwritten books related to the live and history of the local Armenian people, sacramental artefacts, significant historical paintings, gifts from Russian tsars and patriarchs, ethnic artefacts, exquisite tiles, and ancient Armenian Gospels.

One of the exhibits is a historic printing press. It is possible that it was used by Khachatur Kesaratsi, the founder of the first printing press in Iran and a monk, whose statue is located at the entrance to the museum.

The first printing house in Iran was established by Armenian priests in New Julfa, Isfahan, under the leadership of Archbishop Khachatur Kesaratsi. For a year and a half, he and his adherents were carving their own letters and even making their own paper. The first printed book, Psalms of David, was printed in 1638.

Near the museum, in a corner of the courtyard, stands a memorial commemorating the victims of the tragic events that took place in 1915—the Armenian Genocide by the Ottomans.

The Library of Vank Cathedral

A little further from the museum, there is a library with an impressive collection of handwritten books, including ancient decrees of Shah Abbas I. The collection also contains historical publications and national costumes, as well as other artefacts that reflect the cultural and historical heritage of the Armenian diaspora in Isfahan.