Armenia at a Glance

Armenia– Cradle of Civilization

Armenia- a country of miracles, you are at a junction of East and West here, where customs and rites of old are still around, while European attitudes prevail.

Armenia has a wonderful nature: small waterfalls, green meadows, sky-scraping mountains and more than a hundred mountain lakes and the world’s highest fresh-water lake Sevan, which is at an attitude of 2000 meters above sea level.  The country will warm you with its true hospitality and open mindedness. In this small territory there are  more than 15000 historical monuments, the oldest of them being five thousand years old. All historical sites of Armenia with old churches and temples, stones of cave towns and mountainous contrasted nature have their legend to tell. 

KHOR VIRAP  

This location is one of the most important historic sites in Armenia’s history as it was where Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 14 years before he cured King Trdat III of his disease. The King then converted to Christianity, paving the way for Armenia’s religious future. As such, Khor Virap is a popular spot for Armenian weddings today, while the underground chamber in which Gregory the Illuminator was held can be visited during a trip to Khor Virap, which is among Armenia’s most visited pilgrimage sites as a result. 

Tatev Monastery 

Tatev Monastery is a 9th-century Armenian Apostolic monastery located on a large basalt plateau.  . The monastic ensemble stands on the edge of a deep gorge of the Vorotan River.. Wings of Tatev, is a cableway between Halidzor and the Tatev monastery in Armenia. It is the longest reversible aerial tramway built in only one section, and holds the record for Longest non-stop double track cable car.

 GARNI Temple 

Almost anyone who comes to Armenia visits Garni, and they think it is the 76 AD temple and Roman style baths. The temple is at the edge of a triangular cliff which overlooks the ravine of the Azat River and the Gegham mountains. 

 Geghard  

Geghard is a medieval monastery in the Kotayk province of Armenia, being partially carved out of the adjacent mountain, surrounded by cliffs. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Lake Sevan

Lake Sevan, found in the heart of Armenia, is the country’s largest lake and a beautiful place to visit during a break in the country. The lake is surrounded by some stunning monasteries – the most impressive of them being arguably the Sevanavank Monastery.  

Amberd Fortress  

Dating back to the seventh century, Amberd Fortress is one of the most stunning places to visit in Armenia. It is located 2,300 meters (7,500 ft) above sea level, on the slopes of Mount Aragats at the confluence of the Arkashen and Amberd rivers in the province of Aragatsotn. The view from the top of the fortress is truly breathtaking, while the building itself is also stunning.

Noravank

Noravank   is a 13th-century Armenian monastery, located 122 km from Yerevan in a narrow gorge made by the Amaghu River, near the town of Yeghegnadzor, Armenia. The gorge is known for its tall, sheer, brick-red cliffs, directly across from the monastery. The monastery is best known for its two-storey Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) church, which grants access to the second floor by way of a narrow stone-made staircase jutting out from the face of building. 

Etchmiadzin Cathedral 

One of the main attractions of the Echmiadzin is the Cathedral — the most ancient Christian temple of Armenia, one of the first in entire Christian world. .In 2001 when Armenia celebrated the 1700th anniversary of adoption of Christianity, Pope John Paul II brought the relics of the first Armenian Catholicos there. For five hundred years the relics of St. Gregory the Illuminator had been kept in Naples, and now are in a cathedral of Echmiadzin. 

Zvartnots Cathedral  

Located 5 km from Echmiadzin is one of the brightest landmarkst of medieval Armenian architecture –the magnificent Zvartnots Temple constructed in the 7^th century. Unfortunately, like the majority of other ancient Armenian temples, Zvartnots has survived only in ruins since it was completely destroyed by powerful earthquake in the 10^th century. But even the ruins of this temple give us the idea of its rare and majestic beauty. 

Dilijan National Park 

Armenia has four national parks and Dilijan national park may be the most beautiful of the lovely quartet. The park, which was only established in 2002, is famous for its medicinal mineral water springs, as well as its natural monuments. 

Haghartsin  

Hidden in a verdant valley 13km northeast of Dilijan, Haghartsin (‘Dance of the Eagles’) was built between the 10th and 13th centuries and has three churches. There are stunning, a sundial on the wall of St Gregory, a ruined gavit and a refectory with stunning arched ceiling. 

Tsaghkadzor 

Armenia’s mountainous scenery makes it ideal for winter sports and the country’s best ski resort can be found at Tsaghkadzor in the heart of the country. Ski lifts are paid for by the ride and are among the most affordable in Europe. Tsaghkadzor boasts some of the finest hotels in the country, while the resort also has one of the nation’s biggest entertainment centers in the form of the Senator Royale casino complex. 

Karahunj  

Often referred to internationally as Armenia’s version of Britain’s Stonehenge, Karahunj is one of the most fascinating places to visit during a break in Armenia. Located close to the city of Sisian in the Syunik province, Karahunj is made up of well over 200 massive stone tombs, while the main area sees 40 stones standing in a circular formation. 

Jermouk

Jermouk is a health resort situated at 2100 meters above sea level. It is connected to Yerevan with a highway. Jermouk’s famous mineral waters are used both for drinking and bathing and are highly recommended for curing many diseases.