Vank Cathedra

Vank Cathedral, also known as the Church of the Holy Savior, is a church located in the Jolfa district of Isfahan. Its name “Vank” is derived from the Armenian church “Surp Amenaprkich Vank” in Jolfa, Iran. This church is one of the historical Armenian churches in Isfahan and was built during the reign of Shah Abbas II. “Vank” means “monastery” in Armenian. All the walls, arches, dome rings, interior of the dome, and all corners of the church are decorated and painted with oil colors. Most of the wall paintings depict the Last Judgment, the Day of Resurrection, Heaven, and Hell. The cost of all decorations, paintings, and engravings of the church was funded and provided by an individual named Khajeh Avdik Stephanos. The painters of these images were all Armenian masters, including Khachatur Hawanis, Father Stephanos, and Master Minas. This church is unique among Armenian churches in terms of goldsmithing and engraving. Khajeh Avdik played a significant role in decorating and painting the walls of the church.

Jean Chardin wrote about the philosophy behind the paintings of Vank Cathedral: A wealthy Armenian merchant from Jolfa named Avdik, who had traveled to Italy, believed that illustrating and decorating a church would earn great rewards from God, and a church adorned with images would receive favor and grace from the Lord. Upon returning to Jolfa, he persuaded the caliphs and priests to allow him to paint the church. Initially, the church, like other Armenian churches, was simple, and only the image of the Virgin Mary with her child was placed above the altar.

Among the other attractions of Isfahan are the Hasht Behesht Palace (dating back to the reign of Shah Suleiman), Si-o-se-pol Bridge, which was built by the order of Allahverdi Khan during the reign of Shah Abbas and is the longest bridge in Isfahan, Khaju Bridge, Shahrestan Bridge (the oldest bridge in Isfahan dating back to the Sassanid period, also known as Jey Bridge), Chahar Bagh Boulevard, and Menar Jonban. Another attraction of this province is the stepped village of Abyaneh located between Natanz and Kashan, which has a long history.