In the early 17th century Shah Abbas I resettled thousands of Armenian families from Julfa on the Aras River to Isfahan, granting them their own quarter, New Julfa, on the south bank of the river. Skilled merchants and craftsmen, they brought wealth to the capital — and built more than a dozen churches. The Holy Saviour Cathedral, known as Vank (“monastery”), is the grandest.
From outside, its brick dome looks like that of a Persian mosque, and the tiled walls echo Isfahani craftsmanship. Step inside and the effect is overwhelming: every surface is covered with gilded and painted frescoes of Bible scenes — the Creation, the life of Christ and a vivid Last Judgement — mixed with Persian floral motifs.
Across the courtyard a museum tells the story of the Armenian community, with illuminated manuscripts, printed books from the first printing press in Iran, costumes and trade documents. A memorial in the courtyard commemorates the victims of the Armenian Genocide.
Highlights
- Gilded frescoes covering the whole interior
- The Last Judgement wall
- Museum of the Armenian community of New Julfa
- Cafés and lanes of the Armenian quarter
Gallery
