Experience a Tour of Christian Holy Sites of Iran with Darwan Tour


A short account of the sites included in the program

During a week program you will be visiting a few of most important Armenian churches of Iran. These sites with their unique history and architecture, speak of a world of religious tolerance and pluralism that have always existed in the Iranian society.

St. Thaddeus Church (Ghare Kelisa):

This is the site that most Christians from all over the world visit each year. According to a Christian tradition, the Church was built by St. Thaddeus, (also known as St. Jude) a disciple of Jesus Christ (P.B.U.H) the world's second Church about 66 A.D. St. Thaddeus among Armenians is also remembered as the apostle of the Christian Church in Persia and one of its first martyrs. Historians believe that when St. Thaddeus traveled to the area as a Missionary, he managed to convert the daughter of the then King to Christianity. Thaddeus, and Sandokht, the King's daughter, were both later martyred by the King.

The current cruciform building of the church, is said to be on the site of this early Church, stands on the hill within fortified walls and consists of two distinct parts; a domed sanctuary end built largely of dark stone, and the main body of the Church which built from light sandstone, under a second and larger tent dome whose twelve-sided drum is pierced by an equal number of windows. According to an inscription dating back to year 1329 this latter section was rebuilt after an earthquake in 1319.

St. Thaddeus Church (Ghare Kelisa)

Holy Virgin Church (Mart Maryam):


In the old Assyrian inscription, this Church is remembered as Holy Virgin. According to a Christian tradition, this Church is considered the third oldest Church after the Churches of Bethlehem in Palestine, and St. Thaddeus in Iran. The Church has a a beautiful architecture that catches every visitor's eye.

It is said that a Chinese princess who visited the Church in year 642 A.D. contributed to its reconstruction. Also, the famous Marcopolo is said to have visited the Church, and who has accounted the visit in his travel records.

The Church of Holy Virgin has also witnessed the ceremony for appointing Marpolos as the leader of the eastern Church. A number of prominent personalities including Assyrian seniors and scholars attended this ceremony in year 1918. Many Christian figures are buried at the side of the Church. These include: Maryoohanna, the late Archbishop of Gavilan district, of Oroomiyeh, who passed away in 1874.

Vank Church (Kelisay-e- Vank):

Vank Church located in the Armenian Jolfa district of Isfahan, is one of the most beautiful churches of Iran. The construction of the Church first began with the migration of Armenians to Isfahan in between the years 1664 and 1665. Under the supervision of Archbishop David, and with the encouragement of the Safavid rulers, construction went ahead and completed. The outlook of the exterior part of the Church is much different with the interior look. Prior to its completion, there was a small Church which served as the center of Gregorian Christianity in Persia.

Inside the main building, walls are decorated with oil paintings of people sacred to the Armenians, and the style is a mixture of Islamic, Persian, and European Christians. These features could be seen in most Churches of Iran. The soaring walls and splendid arches and domes of the buildings are intended to glorify the Creator.

The paintings on the Dome represents the story of Creation in 8 episodes from Adam to his expulsion from the Garden of Eden and the death of Abel. At the top row, from northeast wall, the paintings represent the Flood, Noah disembarking from the Ark, the Tower of Babel in construction, the destruction of the Tower, Hesse's blossomed rod, and the genealogy of the Jesus Christ (P.B.U.H), the apparition of Daniel, the stoning of St. Stephen and the Church symbolizing a ship of salvation.

Among other paintings include; Abraham entertaining the three Angels and the Annunciation; Joseph reading the moon and the stars, and the Angel appearing to the shepherds of Bethlehem.

Itinerary:

Recommended for late winter, Spring and Summer
In: March 5, 2009  Out: March 12 , 2009

Day 1/ March 5 TEHRAN- OROOMIYEH, Arrive at Tehran. Transfer to hotel for short rest. In the afternoon, flying to Oroomiyeh, arrive at Oroomiyeh, transfer to the hotel. Overnight at Oroomiyeh./ BLD

Day 2/ March 6 OROOMIYEH- MAKOO, After breakfast, driving to Makoo to camp near the St. Thaddeus Church, overnight camping./ BLD

Day 3/ March 7 , ST. THADDEUS, attending the prayers sessions in St. Thaddeus, overnight camping near St. Thaddeus./ BLD

Day 4/ March 8 ST. THADDEUS, attending the payers sessions in St. Thaddeus, overnight camping near St. Thaddeus./ BLD

Day 5/ March 9 ST. THADDEUS- OROOMIYEH, attending the prayers sessions in St. Thaddeus, overnight camping near St. Thaddeus. In the afternoon, return to Oroomiyeh. Overnight at hotel./ BLD

Day 6/ March 10 OROOMIYEH- TEHRAN- ISFAHAN, After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flying to Isfahan via Tehran, arrive at Isfahan, check in hotel, a visit to Vank Church. Should there be an spare time, a visit to shaking Tower. Overnight at hotel./ BLD

Day 7/ March 11  ISFAHAN- TEHRAN, After breakfast, a visit to Allah Verdi Khan & Khajoo, Bridges, Birds and Butterfly Parks, and lunch in a traditional Restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Bazaar. In the evening, flying to Tehran, transfer to the hotel for a short rest./ BLD
 

Day 8/ March 12 TEHRAN, Early morning, transfer to the airport for flying back home. The tour ends here.


(B) breakfast      (L) lunch       (D) dinner


Services included:

Tourist visas*, accommodation in three star hotels in a ** twin shared bedroom with private facilities, basic camping facilities, breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday, domestic flights, sightseeing visits and all entrance fees as per itinerary, English speaking tour guide throughout the tour, all land transport, transfers including all government taxes.

Services not included:

Return International Air ticket, all personal extras such as laundry, long distance calls, all optional excursions, tips, and travel insurance***.
 

*Granting visas is at the discretion, and subject to approval, by Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
** Single room available upon request.

***Available through Darwan Tour & Travel Co. Ltd.