Vank Cathedral

The Holy Savior Cathedral is the biggest cathedral, was built by Armenians, located in the New Julfa district of Isfahan, Iran which also known as Vank Cathedral. This church is from the historical churches of Armenians of Isfahan and was built at the time of Shah Abbas II. Vank means “monastery or covenant” in the Armenian language.

an armenian church


History

Like some of the Isfahan's attractions, this cathedral was built during the rule of Shah Abbas, who moved the capital of Qazvin to Isfahan in 1598. In 1606, it used to be only a prayer hall. Then, in 1655, it was renovated to Vank church with its high double layer dome. The numbers of these two years are inscribed on a tile work on top of church’s gate.

The Cathedral is situated in armenian district of Jolfa. Underwent major structural of Vank Cathedral changes from 1655 to 1664 under the supervision of Archbishop David. This cathedral consists of a domed sanctuary which resembles a typical Iranian mosque but there is one major difference.


Architecture

The interior of cathedral presents a sample of Armenian architecture and its exterior facade has been designed by use of Iranian architecture and it is a professional combination of these two architectural styles. The materials used in the building of cathedral were brick and adobe and all the interior angles of cathedral covered by plaster and decorated by oil paint and gold in Iranian style and some images from Jesus (peace be upon him) life affected by Italian painting.

The Holy Savior Cathedral is a masterpiece of architecture. Construction of this cathedral started at the time of Shah Abbas the second. The combination of ancient Islamic and Armenia art of structure made the most flawless and one of a kind cathedral in Iran and with the prepossessing artistic treasure of the inner part consisting of gilding oil paintings full of colors, it is incomparable to the other buildings alike. That is why when you first arrive at this old church, you will see that this cathedral is the only one to be built with indigenous materials like clay and brick. Certainly, it is a way to show the mixed culture and the symbiotic circle that stood for four more than 400 hundred years in Jolfa.

One of the most outstanding features of this church is its Heaven and Hell mural. The blue and gold painted central dome depicts the Biblical story of creation and man's expulsion from Eden. The exterior of the cathedral, unlike its interior, is made of brick and lacks any decorations.


Vank Cathedral's Paintings

The most themes of mural paintings of Vank churc are the Holy Bible, and the pictures from the birth to the ascension of Jesus Christ depicted on these walls. On the part of the walls of the church some events are depicted, such as the resurrection, the judgment in resurrection, Heaven and Hell. The cost of all decorations, paintings and illuminated manuscript of church has been paid by someone called Khaje, the “Avedik Stepanos”. The painters were all Armenian masters, including the Khalifa “Hvanes Merkutz” and “Priest Stepanos” and “Master Minas”.

 

Opening hours

The opening hours of  this cathedral are in every day for visitors from 9:00 AM till 6:00 PM with a break in 12:00 to 15:00 for praying.