Armenia is a state with an ancient history, located in a very picturesque area. There are many places left here that have retained their unique flavor.
This is the oldest word that best describes Armenia. Indeed, this country was the first to adopt Christianity, because there are many ancient temples here, and the great culture of the state of Urartu still remains a mystery and causes awe of scientists. A thousand-year observatory, mountain villages where houses were built a couple of hundred years ago, the ruins of fortresses - all this can be seen in Armenia.
And also very hospitable people live here, tourist tours are very cheap, accommodation - too. We advise travelers during their holidays in Armenia to completely switch to the local cuisine. Believe me, you have never eaten such a delicious barbecue anywhere! And there is also the freshest baked lavash, duduk, famous brandy, churchkhela and wine with you.
Visit Lake Sevan and Tatev Monastery, wander through the mountains, discover the incredibly ancient history of Armenia, and in search of modern entertainment go to Yerevan, a city that quite successfully combines innovation with ancient traditions.
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What to see in Armenia?
The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a short description.
Lake Sevan
The pearl of Armenia, located at an altitude of 1916 meters above sea level. With its clear water and green shores surrounded by mountain peaks, Sevan is called one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the world. The ancient Armenians believed that the Gods drink from Sevan, therefore they treated it with great trepidation. Now over 250 thousand people live on the shores of the lake, excellent conditions have been created for recreation here, and the area is simply created to admire nature.
Observatory Karahunj (Zorats-Karer)
At first glance, this is not an observatory at all, but blocks of stones that someone has placed in an incomprehensible to modern people, but well traced order. Scientists have recognized that Zorats-Karer is indeed an observatory. It is located on a mountain plateau near the city of Sisian. The complex includes many standing stones, some with holes. Archaeologists have found burials here, a corral for livestock, as well as a special arrangement of stones, allowing you to observe the Sun and Moon.
Mount Ararat
Ararat is the pride of Armenia, its most famous peak, which it shares with Turkey. They share Small and Big Ararat, but both peaks are considered sacred. Local residents believed that climbing Mount Ararat, where according to legend, stopped Noah's ark after the flood, is a godless business. Today, everyone who is confident in their strengths and preparation can climb Mount Ararat, they just need to buy the appropriate voucher and obtain permission from the authorities.
Tatev monastery
The most famous and ancient monastery complex in Armenia, located 20 kilometers from the city of Goris. Today it is a tourist complex that attracts thousands of travelers. Tatev is famous not only for its history (it was built in the 9th century), but also for the “Wings of Tatev” cable car, as well as for the natural Satani Kamurj bridge and the cave of the same name. In Tatev, you can see several ancient temples and many other sights at once.
Sanahin
This is another famous monastery complex built in the 10th century. Included in the UNESCO list. Sanahin is known for its original architecture and rich history. The harmoniously formed architectural ensemble of Sanahin includes the cathedral with the remains of murals, several groups of sculptural images, chapels, churches, a tomb, as well as an original arch bridge decorated with figures of wild cats.
Lesser Caucasus Mountains
They differ from their “brother” of the Greater Caucasus in the lower height of the peaks, but this does not at all make them less attractive for tourists and climbers. The highest peak of the Lesser Caucasus - Mount Aragats with a height of 4090 meters - is located in Armenia. The Lesser Caucasus includes seven ridges, between the peaks of which there are cozy green valleys and untouched forests. The nature here is amazingly beautiful, so it would be a big mistake not to visit this place.
Church of St. Hripsime
The church in the city of Vagharshapat, built in the 17th century, still attracts tourists with its unusual architecture. The Church of St. Hripsime looks both powerful and graceful, majestic and calm. A legend is connected with the construction of the church about Christian girls who fled from Rome to Armenia, but were killed here by the local king, who then repented, was baptized and erected this unusual church, named after one of the girls.
Matenadaran
There is a unique repository of ancient manuscripts in Yerevan - Matenadaran. To see this building and its exhibits, one should climb the mountain along Mashtots Avenue. Near the entrance, you will be greeted by sculptures depicting Mesrop Mashtots, the creator of the Armenian writing and his disciple. Today Matenadaran is the largest repository of ancient Armenian manuscripts on the planet, although earlier the collection was plundered several times.
Etchmiadzin Cathedral
The main temple of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The Etchmiadzin Cathedral is located in the city of Vagharshapat, included in the UNESCO list. This is one of the oldest Christian churches on the planet, built in the 4th century! The cathedral, of course, has undergone many reconstructions over the years, the last in the 20th century. The temple is distinguished by its magnificent decoration, strict lines and special architecture, complemented by pointed bell towers.
Temple of Mihra in Garni
This unusual temple is called the "Armenian Parthenon". The Mihr temple in Garni really looks antique, it seems that it was somehow miraculously transferred to Armenia from Ancient Greece. Slender columns, porticoes, luxurious mosaics - the Armenian kings gladly used the Mihr temple as a summer residence. It was carefully restored after the earthquake and now it regularly hosts historical performances.
Erebuni fortress
If you want to see what the capital of Armenia looked like as far back as 2.7 thousand years ago, be sure to take time to visit the Erebuni fortress, which became the first serious defensive structure in the country. Erebuni still keeps a lot of mysteries, archaeologists continue to find unique artifacts here. And the fortress itself, located in the valley of Ararat, looks very beautiful.
Yerevan cascade
The cascade occupies the status of the main attraction of Yerevan, therefore, to visit the capital of Armenia and not see this man-made miracle will be a big omission. The cascade represents artistically designed and ordered sculptures, stairs, fountains and flower beds, picturesquely located on the slopes of the Kanaker Hills. This is really the main decoration of the city, and from the top of the Yerevan Cascade a wonderful view of the whole city and the top of Ararat will open.
Khor Virap
Khor Virap is located at the foot of the most famous mountain in Armenia - Ararat, above the underground prison, which was used in the 4th century. The views from the monastery are really amazing, however, its buildings themselves are interesting for their history and interior decoration. We advise you to visit the cells of the underground prison, which have survived to this day, and the Church of Our Lady.
Republic Square in Yerevan
The architecture of the Republic Square was created until 1958, it is formed by five buildings located here: the Central Post Office, the National Historical Museum of Armenia, the Ministry of Energy of the country, the Government of Armenia and the “Marriott Armenia” hotel. It is noteworthy that all the buildings are made of pouf and represent a single architectural ensemble. We advise you to visit the square in the evening, when the singing fountain turns on here, changing the illumination.
Tsitsernakaberd
This is a memorial complex erected on the hill of the same name and dedicated to the Armenian genocide at the beginning of the 20th century. Tsitsernakaberd includes a 44-meter stele, a cone-shaped pedestal with a burning eternal flame, a wall of mourning and the Armenian Genocide Museum. The stele is split, which symbolizes the separation of the Armenian people, most of whom live in the diaspora precisely because of the genocide. The place is beautiful, memorable and a little sad.
Geghard monastery
Geghard is one of the most favorite tourist destinations in Armenia due to its ancient history, unique architecture and proximity to the capital of the country. Geghard is located 40 kilometers from Yerevan, in the picturesque gorge of the mountain river Goght. The monastery is built on rocks, many rooms are simply hollowed out inside the cliffs, and the stone walls are decorated with steles with crosses.
