Main entrance of Etchmiadzin Cathedral

The main entrance of Etchmiadzin Cathedral in Armenia.

The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin is a monastic complex and the spiritual and administrative centre of the Armenian Apostolic Church. It was the seat of the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians in 303–484 and again from 1441. The complex is located in the city of Vagharshapat in Armenia’s Armavir Province.

The arch and walls of the entrance are covered with carved patterns, with twisted columns and wall paintings on the sides. In the centre is a carved wooden double door, above which runs a band with an inscription. A lamp hangs from the arch.