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Vank Cathedral, Isfahan, also recognized as The Church of the Saintly Sisters, is mainly toured cathedral in Isfahan of Iran. Vank actually means "cathedral" in the Armenian language. Vank Cathedral, Isfahan was one of the first churches to be built in the Jolfa district of Isfahan by Armenian immigrants. This was settled by Shah Abbas I after the Ottoman War during the year1603 to1605. The changeable fortunes and sovereignty of this town across the Zayandeh River and its assorted blend of European mercenaries, missionaries and tourists can be described almost chronologically in the combination of architectural styles and contrasts in its outside and internal architectural excellence.

The constructional work of Vank Cathedral, Isfahan is thought to have started in the year1606 and finished with chief alterations to decor between the year1655 and 1664 under the control of Archbishop David. The Vank Cathedral, Isfahan comprises of a domed sanctuary such as a Persian mosque. However, with the important addition of a semi-octagonal apsis and raised chancel, Vank Cathedral, Isfahan acquires western styles too. The exteriors of Vank Cathedral, Isfahan are in comparatively contemporary brickwork and are outstanding. The exterior of this cathedral is compared equal to its richly festooned interior.

The interior of Vank Cathedral, Isfahan is embellished with some excellent paintings and gilded carvings. It comprises a wainscot of rich tile work. The precisely blue and gold engraved central dome portrays the Biblical story of origin of the world and expulsion of man from Eden. There are decorations with a markedly Armenian motif of a cherub chief enclosed by folded wings. The ceiling above the entrance is also designed with delicate floral carving in Persian miniature style.

The courtyard of Vank Cathedral, Isfahan comprises a huge agnostic belfry over the graves of both Protestant and Orthodox Christians. A tile work sign autographed in Armenian can be seen by the doorway to the cathedral. All the graves are placed along the exterior wall of the entrance including Armenian inscriptions. At the corner of the courtyard, you can see a raised area with a memorial of 1915 Armenian massacre in Turkey.

The library of Vank Cathedral, Isfahan comprises more than 700 handwritten books and lots of precious and exclusive resources for study in Armenian and medieval European languages and arts.

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