The Church of St. Gayane, located in the city of Vagharshapat, is part of the Echmiadzin monastery. It was built in 630-641, Catholicos EZR exactly in the place where the Armenian the pagan king Trdat III was ordered to punish and kill the mother superior of the Christian virgins Gayane, who fled from Rome by the Emperor Diocletian. The nearest ally Gayane, Hripsime was. Beautiful Hripsime refused to become the wife of Tiridates III, as well as Gayane was put to death. Tomb Hripsime is in the crypt, under the altar of the Church, consecrated in honor of her and nearby.

The Church of Saint Gayane is unique to the Armenian churches of article VII, domed basilicas. This is one of the earliest examples of Armenian architecture - Central-domed three-aisled Basilica, which at the time was very popular in Armenia. The Central dome, located on four columns, the Church has a cruciform shape.

In 1652, the temple was repaired in the course of which has been modified ceiling and replace the dome. In 1683 to the Western facade of the Church added a gallery. Since that time, the arched portico of the necropolis, the burial place of the highest of the Armenian clergy. Dome gallery is surmounted by six graceful pillars of the belfries. The appearance of the Church is decorated with rich ornamental carvings.

At the entrance on the West side of the Church of St. Gayane, you can see extant magnificent murals of the XVII century, dedicated to the Birth of Christ. Next to the altar apse of the relics of the Saint Gayane.

Since 2000, the Church of Saint Gayane is listed in the world heritage list of UNESCO. For local people the Church of Saint Gayane is a Shrine that embodies the Martyr's devotion to the Christian faith.