Holy Bethlehem Church

The Holy Bethlehem Church (Bedkhem Church) is located in the Jolfa district of Isfahan, on Jolfa Square and East Nazar Street. The church belongs to and is administered by the Armenian Apostolic Church, and its services are held according to Armenian Apostolic rites. It dates from the reign of the Safavid ruler Shah Abbas (1627/1628 CE) and was founded by Khajeh Petros Valijanian, a well-known Armenian merchant. The tomb of the founder and several members of his family lies in its courtyard. The monument was inscribed on Iran's National Heritage list on 17 Esfand 1381 (8 March 2003) under number 7643, and foreign art experts have also included it among the 23 most beautiful churches in the world.

In terms of architecture and decorative art, this church holds a prominent place among the churches of Isfahan, and its interior is a unique example of combined Iranian and Armenian architecture. Its plan is rectangular, with a domed hall, and the building is oriented east–west. The church's double-shelled dome, which has eight windows at its base, is considered the largest dome among the Jolfa churches of Isfahan. The exterior is plain and undecorated, but the interior is covered with stucco work and beautiful paintings of biblical themes, which are of great artistic value. Glazed blue and indigo tiles are used on the lower parts of the walls. On the western side of the church, the main entrance is adorned with a two-storey portico, above which stands a bell tower built in 1897 CE. The main building materials are mud brick, fired brick and gypsum plaster.

To get there, you can take the metro to Si-o-se-pol or Shariati station and then a taxi to East Nazar Street. The Hakim Nezami intersection bus stop is also about 500 metres from the church. A visit usually takes 1 to 2 hours. The best seasons to visit are spring and autumn, since Isfahan's summers are very hot and its winters cold, although the church's relatively high ceilings and interior offer a little coolness. During your visit, please behave respectfully, refrain from touching or writing on the walls and historic features, do not leave any litter, and take the opportunity to enjoy the silence and reflection to experience the church's spirituality and beauty.