Armenian Monastic Ensembles of Iran

Complex of Armenian churches, some surrounding building and Dare Sham Village are evidence of exchanges between Orthodox Byzantine culture and Iran’s culture.

These churches were located at the southeast skirt of the Armenian cultural region, where became the centerpiece of cultural exchanges in Azarbaijan of Iran. The ensemble is preserved in good condition and any concerns regarding safety and originality are removed.

Qare Monastery (St. Thaddeus Monastery) is the second oldest church of the world. It is one of the most significant and most ornamented Armenian churches which has been constituted of 2 old parts in black color and a new part in white color.

This church was built on Saint Thaddeus mausoleum in 4th and 6th centuries and is invaluable to Christian community of Iran and also Armenian community of the world.

Saint Stephanos Monastery (Saint Stephanos Monastery), following Qareh Monastery, is the second respectable Armenian church of Iran. The Monastery dates back to10 to12 centuries AD. Regardless of its affiliation to Christianity, the entire area of the Monastery, which is located in the heart of mountains and among the green nature, is respectable among followers of all religions. In fact, the church belongs to Gregory Christians who are based in Armenia.

Chapel of Dzordzor (The Chapel of Holy Mother of God) is the third famous church of Iran and significant among Armenian churches.

The church is built in the Cross shape and dates back to 1298 AD.

Dare Sham Village has also been registered in the list of Iran's Armenian Monastery due to its Armenian inhabitants and their specific customs.

Dare Sham is home to 8 churches and holy places; namely: Holy upper Church next to Armenian cemetery in Dare Sham, Saint Sarkis Church in the heart of Dare Sham, Saint Georg Church in upper Dare Sham, and Shepherd Church on the direction of Jolfa-Dare Sham.