Saint Gayane Church, located in the city of Vagharshapat, - part of the Echmiadzin Monastery. It was built in 630-641 years Catholicos Ezrom exactly on the spot where the Armenian king pagan Trdat III ordered subjected to torture and kill the abbess Gayane Christian virgins who had fled from Rome by the emperor Diocletian. The closest companion was Hripsime, Gayane. Beauty Hripsime refused to become the wife of Trdat III, as well as Gayane was killed. The grave Hripsime is in the crypt under the altar of the church, consecrated in honor of her and the nearby.

Temple St. Gayane relates to the unique Armenian churches VII centuries., Built on the type of domed basilicas. This is one of the earliest examples of Armenian architecture - Central Dome three-nave basilica, which at that time was very popular in Armenia. The central dome on four pillars, the church has a cruciform shape.

In 1652 the temple was a major overhaul in which the ceiling was changed and replaced by a dome. In 1683 the western facade of the church built a gallery. Since then, the arched portico is a necropolis, the burial higher Armenian clergy. Domes gallery crowned six belfries graceful columns. The appearance of the church is decorated with rich ornamental carving.

At the entrance on the west side of St. Gayane temple can be seen extant magnificent murals of the XVII century., Dedicated to the birth of Christ. Near the altar apse of the holy relics of Gayane.

Since 2000, the Church of St. Gayane on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site. For the local population Saint Gayane Church - a shrine that symbolizes devotion to the martyrs of the Christian faith.