Minas Church

The Holy Minas Church stands in the heart of the historic quarter of Isfahan, in the New Julfa district, which is also known as the Tabrizi neighbourhood. This remarkable monument was built in 1659 CE (Safavid era) by Armenians who had been relocated from the Shamsabad district to New Julfa on the orders of Shah Abbas II. It was originally known as "Holy Mary", but after the relics of Saint Minas were transferred there, it was renamed to its present name. On 10 Khordad 1382 (Solar Hijri), the building was added to Iran's National Heritage list under registration number 9078.

The church is built in a distinguished Armenian basilica style. Its plan is rectangular (about 17 metres long and about 5.9 to 9.5 metres wide) and runs east to west. The main building materials are brick and adobe. The exterior is decorated with attractive brick panelling, and the interior walls are covered in plaster, with captivating paintings visible in the dome and the altar. The roof is supported by six columns (originally wooden). The church has entrances on the west and south sides, and a small bell tower rises above the southern entrance. Beside it, a chapel called "Holy Mary" was built in 1713 CE, and the old Armenian cemetery lay around it; today the site has become the Ararat Stadium.

The best way to reach the church is by public transport or taxi; the nearest bus stop is Sangtarashha (Stonecutters) Station, which makes access easy. The church is also close to Hakim Nezami and Sangtarashha streets, which makes it simple for tourists to find. The best time to visit is during the mild seasons such as spring and autumn, when Isfahan's weather is moderate and pleasant. Visitors who enjoy exploring the outdoors can respect the environment and the historic and religious setting, keep the site clean, and enjoy their visit, especially along the routes leading to New Julfa, where you can stroll at a leisurely pace and soak up the historic and cultural atmosphere.