Simon Ter-Hakobian designed the cathedral, an Armenian church whose plan imitates Etchmiadzin Cathedral. A small basilica is recorded on the site as early as 1722, and the freestanding bell tower dates to 1858. Construction of the church began in 1868 and finished in 1887, funded by parish donations, and it was consecrated on September 20, 1888.
It is a domed basilica of white limestone, 114 feet (34.7 m) long and 75 feet (23 m) wide, with a maximum height of 115 feet (35 m) and four apses. The article records closure in 1930, later use as a granary and an armory, and a restoration reconsecrated in 1998.
It was struck twice on October 8, 2020, causing a partial roof collapse, and the article reports competing claims about who fired. Azerbaijan's renovation from 2021 removed the conical dome, which officials said the original design lacked, though the article notes photographs showing a dome. It states no current access conditions.
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