Built in the seventh century by Catholicos Nerses III, Zvartnots was one of the grandest cathedrals in the Armenian world. It stood for only about three hundred years before a tenth-century earthquake brought it down, and it was never rebuilt. Today the site is a UNESCO World Heritage property.
The carved stones and pillars are impressive, and on a clear day Mount Ararat rises behind the ruins — one of the better views of the mountain from this part of Armenia. Entry costs 1,000 dram.
Zvartnots sits on the main road between Echmiadzin and Yerevan, so it's easy to combine with a visit to either city. Ask a bus or taxi driver to drop you at the site; onward transport is straightforward from the roadside.