Registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List, St. Stepanos Church in Jolfa is a stunning pearl that originally dates back to 9th century. It is located in a deep canyon along Aras River on the Iranian part of the border. It is one of the most brilliant and famous Armenian churches in the world with many architectural and decorative features. The monastery is enclosed in a lush greenery area and the building is shaped like a cylinder with pink and red stones, covered with a cone-shaped dome and above the dome, portrays of bulls, sheep and fishes are visible. Inside the monastery, angels with four wings are carved. Moreover, some flowers similar to the sun are carved on both side of a rectangle with a cross in the middle and, above the rectangle some peacocks and pigeons are also visible. The wooden entrance with beautifully carved inscriptions dates back to Qajar dynasty. There is a spring near the gate with drinking water that streams from the heart of the mountain. Besides all the magnificent beauties of the church, the unique landscape surrounding the church gives it an extra potential and attracts many travelers.
