Holy Hripsime Church

The Holy Hripsime Church, the only Armenian church in the city of Qazvin, stands in the Rafi neighborhood, close to Taleghani Street. It was built during the Pahlavi era and is regarded as one of the most distinctive examples of Armenian religious architecture in Iran. According to historical evidence, Armenians began migrating to Iran in the time of Shah Abbas the Great, and the church is said to have been founded in 1676 CE.

The Holy Hripsime Church is a brick building with a cruciform plan. Its main space is rectangular, with four tall columns inside connected by pointed arches. The church was built through the efforts of Father Harutyun Dermesropian on land endowed by Hovhannes Barseghian, and it includes a chapel, an assembly hall and a school.

To reach the Holy Hripsime Church, enter the Rafi neighborhood from Taleghani Street. The church is located near Taleghani Street, in a neighborhood with a historic fabric. Visits are usually possible on public holidays and on Armenian religious occasions. The best time to visit is during Armenian religious festivals such as Easter and Christmas, when special ceremonies are held at the church.