Cantor Church

Cantor Church

Cantor Church, also known as “Kantur” Church, stands as a distinctive architectural marvel in Qazvin, setting it apart from the rest of the city.

History

Erected in the early 20th century, during World War II, Cantor Church occupies a small corner of a Russian graveyard. Originally, it served as an Orthodox church for Russian engineers who were working in Iran.

Description

Nestled within a park, Cantor Church boasts a charmingly modest size with a striking red-brick facade that distinguishes it from the surrounding buildings in Qazvin.

The church’s design features a cruciform layout with two graceful domes. As you approach, the church entrance grabs your attention with Russian crosses adorning the side walls. Adjacent to it, a three-story bell-house, crowned by a blue-brick belfry dome, gleams in the sunlight. The exterior is further enriched by the rich red hues of the bricks and several decorative brick pillars gracing the facade. Within the interior, Cantor Church reveals a large dome over the prayer hall and a smaller one over the altar.

The paved courtyard surrounding the church houses numerous tombstones, including the resting place of a Russian pilot who met his fate during World War II.

While it no longer serves as an active religious institution, Cantor Church has transformed into a charming souvenir shop. Notably, Qazvin is home to two active churches for Armenians and Christians, although they are not accessible to visitors.

Visiting Hours

Cantor Church in Qazvin welcomes visitors daily from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The best time to explore Qazvin and the Cantor Church is during the pleasant spring and summer seasons when the weather is most inviting.