Armenian Monastic Ensemble is an Iran UNESCO world heritage site. It is in the north-west of the country and consists of three church of Armenian Christian faith. Including St. Thaddeus, St. Stepanos and Dzordzor Armenian church. These constructions have great value as examples of Armenian architectural and decorative traditions. They also show influences of other cultures in that region. Specially Byzantine, Orthodox and Persian influences. Moreover this monastic ensemble is a living proof of Armenian religious traditions through centuries.

St. Thaddeus Church

Located in the west Azerbaijan province of Iran St. Thaddeus or Black Church (Qara Kilisa in local language) is the oldest monastery of this ensemble. In Armenian language it is called surb tadeosi vank. It means the church of holy Thaddeus. St. Thaddeus was one of Christ’s apostles who came to eastern parts of Armenia as a Christian missionary. In 66 AD king of Armenia killed St. Thaddeus and a group of new Christians. They buried St. Thaddeus in the current place of monastery. Some sources also call the church black church. As a result of black stones they used in building the eastern part of church. Armenians of Iran gather in this church at the last days of July and first week of August. This date coincide with the date of St. Thaddeus martyrdom.

St. Stepanos Church

St. Stepanos church is the second important church of Iran. It is located in the eastern Azerbaijan province of Iran. It was build in 9 century AD but due to a destructive earth quack they rebuild it in Safavid era. The church gets its name from St. Stepanos who was the first martyr of Christianity. Jews killed him in 36 AD in Jerusalem. Some say the building date of church goes back to early Christianity. The architectural style is also an evidence for this assumption. That the church was built during 10 to 12 AD like St. Thaddeus church. It’s architecture is a combination of ancient Urartu, Parthian and Roman elements.

Dzordzor Church

Dzordzor or Holy Maryam church is located in western Azerbaijan province of Iran. It is assumed that the church is build during 1315-1342 AD. The architectural plan of church is like a cross. It’s building material is stone like the other two churches. It has a simple yet authentic design of Armenian churches.

Armenian Monastic Ensemble was registered as an Iran UNESCO world heritage site in 8th July 2008.