Work is underway to restore the southern and eastern parts of Vank Cathedral in Isfahan as part of preparations for the historical Armenian church's potential inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List, an official representative of the provincial heritage reported.
Hadi Allayari, head of the technical committee at the Isfahan Provincial Department of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Crafts, stated in an interview with IRNA on Monday that preservation projects are being implemented in cooperation with the Armenian Diocesan Council and the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Crafts to raise the standards of monument preservation.
The eastern part of the cathedral faced foundation subsidence and wall cracks, which prompted the installation of monitoring indicators in 2025 to track changes. Technical examinations also revealed that the roof and its covering do not meet weight and quality requirements, as the materials are approximately 30–40 years old. After the restoration plan was prepared and approved by the ministry, work began under the supervision of heritage protection authorities.
Over 1000 square meters of the cathedral's roof have been restored, and conservation work on the bishop's hall, ground floor, and adjacent premises is nearing completion. The project also includes modernizing the cathedral's outdated heating and cooling systems in accordance with international standards and technical plans.
Restoration of the southern part began in 2025 after many years of deterioration, partially caused by proximity to the city road and insufficient maintenance. Among the problems addressed were damaged plaster and clay coatings, faulty downspouts, and dilapidated facades. The work included window repair, removal of old paint, restoration of damaged surfaces, and conservation of the valuable southern entrance using original architectural samples. Traditional methods and materials were used to preserve the building's historical appearance.
He expressed hope that further interaction between the Armenian Diocesan Council and the Ministry of Cultural Heritage would help advance the cathedral's potential nomination to the World Heritage List.
Vank Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of the Savior, is a landmark in the Noy Jolfa Armenian quarter of Isfahan. This nearly 350-year-old church was built during the Safavid era by Shah Abbas II over nine years. The cathedral is known for its gilded ceilings, dome decorations, and historical religious paintings, and is considered one of the most significant examples of Armenian religious architecture in Iran. It served as a major center for the Armenian community in Isfahan, as well as a link in religious and cultural relations with the wider Armenian world.
