Saint Sarkis Cathedral
A serene Armenian Apostolic church in London, renowned for its unique traditional architecture and peaceful ambiance.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Saint Sarkis Cathedral
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Armenian Apostolic church in London, renowned for its unique traditional architecture and peaceful ambiance.
"Beautiful like other churches in this city, traditional design and so simple and nice."
🤫 Be Quiet & Respectful
It's an active church. Avoid loud noises and flash photography, especially near worshippers.
📸 Photography Etiquette
Photography is allowed, but be discreet. Don't point cameras at people praying.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Traditional Armenian Architecture
Exterior
Admire the striking white limestone exterior, featuring a large dome and four smaller ones.
Intricate Interior Carvings & Paintings
Interior
Explore the impressive interior adorned with detailed carvings and paintings that tell stories.
Candle Lighting Room
Separated room
Experience the romantic and calm atmosphere of the dedicated candle lighting room with its unique roof vent.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visits
Discover Armenian Heritage
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Seen On saint Serkis cathedral in Tehran
🤫 Be Quiet & Respectful
It's an active church. Avoid loud noises and flash photography, especially near worshippers.
📸 Photography Etiquette
Photography is allowed, but be discreet. Don't point cameras at people praying.
St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church in Iverna Gardens, Kensington, London
Holy muron was celebrated at St. Sarkis Cathedral in Tehran, Iran (Photos)
🕯️ Romantic Candle Room
Don't miss the separate candle room; it's described as romantic and calm.
🇦🇲 Unique Armenian Style
Appreciate its traditional Armenian design, a rarity in England.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 Be Quiet & Respectful
It's an active church. Avoid loud noises and flash photography, especially near worshippers.
📸 Photography Etiquette
Photography is allowed, but be discreet. Don't point cameras at people praying.
🕯️ Romantic Candle Room
Don't miss the separate candle room; it's described as romantic and calm.
🇦🇲 Unique Armenian Style
Appreciate its traditional Armenian design, a rarity in England.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Saint Sarkis Cathedral for its beautiful, traditional Armenian architecture and the calm, special atmosphere within, particularly in the candle room. While photography is generally allowed, guests are reminded to be respectful of worshippers and avoid flash.
"Beautiful church, so the atmosphere is really calm and special.
But as it's clear, it's an active church, so respect the privacy and calmness of the people praying there, don't point the camera toward them, don't use loud cameras and don't use flash to take the photos, specifically in the praying chamber where they light the candles."
Mojtaba Sadafi
"Beautiful like other churches in this city, traditional design and so simple and nice, a room for candles separated from the main hall and has a vent on it’s roof, candles room is really romantic and calm, I liked it. Photography is ok here. I thing visiting churches for people of other religions is very interesting. Paints on the walls have great stories behind them."
Safa Daneshvar
"Saint Sargis Vicarial Church is a beautiful church which has a beautiful exterior design made of white limestone and features a large dome and four smaller domes. The interior of the church is equally impressive, with intricate carvings and paintings.
However, the atmosphere inside the church can be quite overwhelming for foreign visitors. The church is often crowded with locals who come to pray and light candles and the air can be thick with incense. Additionally, the church does not have any English-language signage, so it can be difficult for foreign visitors to know what is going on."
maziar moradi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Saint Sarkis Cathedral is located in Kensington, London. It's accessible via public transport. The nearest tube stations are High Street Kensington and Earl's Court. Several bus routes also serve the area. Check TfL for the most up-to-date travel information.
Street parking in Kensington can be challenging and expensive. It's advisable to use public transport or consider a taxi/rideshare service to reach the cathedral.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Saint Sarkis Cathedral is typically free as it is an active place of worship. Donations are always welcome to help maintain the church.
Opening hours can vary as it is an active church. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current visiting times, especially if you plan to attend a service.
Photography is generally permitted, but with strict guidelines. Avoid using flash and do not photograph worshippers. Be respectful of the sacred space.
🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience
The atmosphere is described as calm, special, and warm, despite its smaller size. Visitors often find the candle room particularly romantic and peaceful.
Absolutely. Visiting churches of different faiths can be very interesting. The traditional design and stories behind the paintings offer a unique cultural experience.
It's notable for being the only church in England built in the traditional Armenian style, funded by Galoust Gyulbekyan.
Some reviews suggest there might not be extensive English signage, which can make it difficult for foreign visitors to understand ongoing activities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Kensington offers a wide array of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants, catering to various tastes and budgets.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior with its white limestone and domes offers great photo opportunities. Inside, focus on the intricate carvings, paintings, and the unique candle room. Remember to be respectful.
Given the need for discretion and respect for worshippers, it's best to avoid tripods unless explicitly permitted. Handheld photography is generally preferred.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Significance
Inside, the cathedral continues to impress with its detailed carvings and paintings. These artistic elements often depict religious narratives and hold significant cultural and historical meaning. Visitors often remark on the beauty and intricacy of the artwork, which contributes to the overall spiritual and aesthetic experience. The presence of a separate room for lighting candles, noted for its romantic and calm ambiance, further enhances the visitor's perception of the church's unique design and purpose.
Visitor Etiquette and Experience
Many visitors find the atmosphere inside to be calm, special, and warm, even in its relatively small space. The dedicated candle lighting room is frequently highlighted as a particularly serene and romantic spot. However, some foreign visitors have noted a potential lack of extensive English signage, which might make it challenging to fully grasp the context of services or rituals. Despite this, the opportunity to experience a different religious and cultural tradition is widely appreciated.
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