Etchmiadzin introduction: is the ancient capital of Armenia, west of Yerevan. Found in historical records in the 2nd century BC. Before 1945, it was called Vagar Shapat. It was once the seat of the Armenian Archbishop. There are the Etchmiadzin Cathedral built in 303 AD by Armenia's first Archbishop Enligtanner, and the Ripsi Cathedral built in 618 AD. May Church. Lipsime Church has a small dome and is an excellent example of early Armenian architectural art.