Saint Anthony Church

Saint Anthony Church is a historic religious building in Mazandaran Province, located in the coastal town of Haykashen, between the cities of Nur and Alamdeh. It was built by Iran's Armenian Catholic community, and construction was completed in 1974. Set close to the Caspian Sea in a quiet, green environment, the church has a distinctive character and has become one of the lesser-known attractions of Nur County. Beyond its religious value, Saint Anthony Church is also a notable work of architecture, an example of modern design combined with traditional elements of Armenian churches.

The church has an octagonal plan, and narrow skylights are set into some of its sides to bring natural light into the interior. The exterior walls are covered with cement, while the interior is designed with simple, light-colored plasterwork. The roof is built as a dome, and at its center stands a smaller dome on an octagonal drum, surrounded by eight skylights. The church stands on a raised platform, and steps at the entrance lead up to the interior. A bell tower has also been built in front of the main entrance, with a dome supported by six columns, which is one of the church's most distinctive architectural features.

To visit Saint Anthony Church, take the coastal road between Nur and Alamdeh in Mazandaran Province and then enter the town of Haykashen. The church is easy to reach, and the road is paved right up to the building. The best time to visit is spring and summer, when the mild weather and the lush greenery of the area make for a pleasant outing. Visitors should remember that this is a valuable religious and cultural site, so keeping quiet, keeping the surroundings clean and respecting the interior of the church are among the most important principles of responsible tourism here.