The largest cathedral of the Armenian Apostolic Church, consecrated in 2001 to mark 1,700 years of Christianity in Armenia. The vast central dome rises 54 metres above a stripped-back, almost austere interior — there are no frescoes, no painted vaults, just pale stone walls and a single carved altar. The effect is calmer and more modern than the country's medieval monasteries, which gives it a different kind of presence.
The cathedral also houses relics of Saint Gregory the Illuminator, returned to Armenia in 2000 from the church of San Gregorio Armeno in Naples after centuries abroad. It sits on Tigran Mets Avenue, a short walk south of Republic Square.