Where to visit in Armenia. Armenia and its main attractions with descriptions and photos. Cave city Khndzoresk

Route 1. Day Trips from Yerevan

Have you arrived in Yerevan for 3-4 days, do you want to quickly see the city and its surroundings? Rent an apartment in Yerevan and travel around the sights of Armenia for one day, returning to the capital in the evening.

By taxi, car or excursion from Yerevan you will have time to see several places in one day.

On minibuses it’s also possible, it just takes longer. Monasteries and viewpoints are off the highway; minibuses do not reach them. You still have to take a taxi.

Day 1. look at Yerevan

Day 2. West: Zvartnots Temple (15 km), Holy Etchmiadzin (20 km)
East: Garni pagan temple (30 km), Symphony of stone, Geghard monastery (40 km)

Day 3. South: Khor Virap (40 km) and Noravank (120 km) monasteries

Day 4. Northeast: ski resort Tsakhkadzor (60 km) and Lake Sevan (70 km)

Route 2. TOP 10 of Armenia at gallop

You are by car/taxi and ready for a long journey - you will have time to see the center and south of Armenia. A route for hardy adult travelers. It's better to spread it out over a week. In 4 days it is possible, but too intense.

Day 1. We see Yerevan and spend the night

Day 2. 270 km, 5 hours driving. Early departure from Yerevan. Monasteries of Khor Virap and Noravank, wine in Areni. Karahunj (stone forest of Goris), overnight in the barrel hotel Harsnadzor

Day 3. 300 km, 7 hours driving. You’re unlikely to have time to do everything, look at your priorities. Ropeway “Wings of Tatev”, Tatev Monastery, Khndzoresk suspension bridge and cave city.

Further on the situation. Options:
a) we return to Yerevan and spend the night there. 250 km, 5 hours by car
b) we go to Jermuk to the “Hair of the Mermaid” waterfall and spend the night. 130 km, 3 hours by car along serpentines
c) for the hardy ones: through the mountains to Lake Sevan through the Selim Pass. 260-280 km, 5h+ driving. Detailed route below, only possible from April to October. We spend the night in Sevan or Dilijan.

Day 4. On the way from Lake Sevan we stop at the pagan temple of Garni, the Basalt stones and the Geghard temple in the rock. We return to Yerevan in the afternoon, return the car, and fly home.

If you are particularly interested in a day, click on it to view photos and find out more details.

Day 2 or 3. Outskirts of Yerevan

Yerevan-Zvartnots-Echmiadzin-Garni-Geghard-Overnight in Yerevan
Yerevan- Zvartnots Echmiadzin- Garni- Geghar d

▫ Zvartnots Temple, 15 km— “Temple of the Vigilant Angels”, the most unusual of the ancient temples of Armenia, on the UNESCO list. Entrance 1300 drams (2.7$/170rub)

Coordinates: 40.161230, 44.336346
Tue-Sat: 10.00-17.00, Sun: 10.00-15.00
Closed: Monday

▫ Holy Etchmiadzin, 20 km — main Cathedral in the Armenian Apostolic Church. One of the oldest spiritual centers in the country, the Armenian equivalent of the Vatican.

Located in the city of Vagharshapat. In 2-3 hours you can visit by minibus and return to Yerevan.

Coordinates: 40.161941, 44.291140
the main temple is open 7.00-21.00

▫ Garni (30 km)- pagan temple. Built in the 1st century AD, restored during the union. For a long time, the village of Garni was the summer residence of the kings. Entrance 1500 drams ($3 / 200 rubles), parking 200 d.

Near Garni, see the Stone Symphony (“Basalt Organ”).

Pagan temple of Garni

▫ Geghard (40 km)— the monastery seems to grow out of the rock, merging with the surrounding landscapes. There is a sacred spring with healing water in the temple. At the foot of the mountain they sell delicious pies with honey filling.

Plan on a minibus for 3-4 hours; you need to walk 6 km from the stop or take a taxi. It’s faster and more convenient by car from Yerevan Garni + Geghard (they are nearby).

Day 4. We go to the south of Armenia

Yerevan - Khor Virap - wine in Areni - Noravank - Jermuk
Yerevan- Khor Virap- Areni- Noravank- Jermuk

▫ Khor Virap Monastery (40 km) with a panorama of Mount Ararat - the most visited attraction in the vicinity of Yerevan. From the walls of the monastery you can see the border with Turkey.

Look for a bus to Pokr Vedi or Artashat. Then from the stop you need to walk 1 km to the monastery.

GPS: 39.878374, 44.576059

Khor Virap Monastery overlooking Ararat

🍷 Areni- a village 12 km from Yeghegnazdor. There are caves and a church here. Famous for local wine, there are a couple of wineries. They offer to taste or buy regular and fruit wine, cognac, and chacha.

▫ Noravank Monastery, 120 km from Yerevan and 80 km from Khor Virap. Noravank in the red canyon and the cave of swallows are one of the brightest places in Armenia, and not so much the monastery itself, but the road leading to it and the views.

Noravank is located off the main road, before reaching the town of Yeghegnadzor. We turn off the highway to the right and drive along good asphalt through the mountains for 8 km. Details

Jermuk- high mountain resort, was popular in Soviet time. They even built their own airport there (it doesn’t work).

There are several sanatoriums, a mineral water gallery, a park and a lake.

Jermuk is divided into two parts high canyon and in addition to mineral water, it is famous for its “Hair of the Mermaid” waterfall.

Overnight in Vayk, Yeghegnadzor or Jermuk - in the low season, the best 5* hotel in the city, Hyatt Place Jermuk, costs only $50.

Day 5-6. South-east of Armenia

Jermuk - Gndevank - Shaki - Karahunj - Ropeway - Tatev - Satan's Bridge - Goris - Khndzoresk
Jermuk - Gndevank - Shaki - Karahunj - Tatev - Devil's Bridge - Goris - Khndzoresk

Overnight in Goris, Halidzor or Tatev. Among the unusual accommodations is the Harsnadzor barrel hotel near Halidzor (it’s cold in barrels in winter!).

The attractions described below are best viewed from 2 days. In one day, only by car at a complete gallop, and in the summer, when the roads are dry. Or miss something

▫ Gndevank Monastery, one of the oldest in Armenia, stands at the bottom of the canyon in the Vayots gorge, and not at the top, like other churches. In Jermuk they offer bus excursions to the Gndevank monastery, gps: 39.759125, 45.610763

Gndevank Monastery

▫ Shaki Waterfall near Sisian is used to generate electricity. Turned on by prior arrangement only when there are tourists, gps: 39.552528, 45.993874

▫ Karahunj(Zorats-Karer), it is also called “ Stone forest Goris” or Armenian Stonehenge, gps: 39.552011, 46.028759

According to different versions, there was ancient observatory, cemetery, cattle pen. Place of power.

223 basalt stones stand in a certain order on a mountain plateau at an altitude of 1770m above the sea. The height of the stones is from one and a half to 2.8 meters.

Located 3 km north of Sisian. Drive on a dirt road. Story about

▫ Ropeway and Tatev Monastery, 250 km from Yerevan — the longest cable car in Europe, called “Wings of Tatev” in honor of the monastery to which it leads, gps: 39.417165, 46.297744

The start of the cable car is near the village of Halidzor. Price one way - 3000 AMD, two ways 5000 drams($10/670r), children (up to 110 cm) - 100 drams

The last departure from Halidzor is at 17.30, after 16.30 two-way tickets are not sold. Closed: Monday

We park the car in the parking lot in Halidzor, go to the Tatev Monastery by cable car, look around and return for the car.

You can also go to Satan's Bridge under the cable car. You need to make a circle and go down to Satan's Bridge by car or on foot (it takes 4 hours on foot). Take a swim in the mineral springs under the bridge.

▫ Goris(240 km from Yerevan) - relatively Big City in the south of Armenia. There are many guest houses here, there is a bank and several cafes.

In Goris, inspection of cave cities (huge holes in the rocks, where people lived 50-60 years ago). Now some caves are used as warehouses.

There are cave cities not only in Goris, but also in several villages east of the city.

The city of Goris is also pink

▫ Khndzoresk, aka Khndzoresk - see the cave city and the suspension bridge over the abyss at an altitude of 60 meters from the ground. Built a few years ago, gps: 39.500886, 46.432545

We're up to suspension bridge We didn’t get there because the road turned into a mess. They were afraid to interfere. There is no asphalt there. In summer, when the road is dry, it should be approx.

Suspension bridge in Khndzoresk

Day 7. Selim Pass and Lake Sevan

Selim - Caravanserai - Noratus - Hayravank - Sevanavank - Tsaghkadzor - Dilijan
Vardenyats Pass- Orbelian Caravansarai- Noratus- Hayravank- Sevanavank- Dilijan

If you leave Goris or Tatev in the morning, we have time to do the following:

▫ Selim Pass, also known as Vardenyats Pass, is a direct road to Lake Sevan from the south of Armenia. You need to get to Yeghegnadzor and go north along M10. The road is good, but mountains + height = snow from November to March.

At the end of March until the first hour everything was clear. At the pass we got stuck when we missed oncoming traffic. Then the mess began. When there is snow, it is better not to drive a car. The views are very beautiful, it must be cool in the summer.

Armenians save the car

▫ Selim caravanserai, on the Google map it is called Orbelian Caravansarai - caravans stopped here when they walked along the Silk Road from Persia to Asia and the Black Sea. GPS: 39.949811, 45.235895

The caravanserai was covered with snow, snowdrifts of 2 meters

▫ Noratus(Noratus) near the city of Gavar - khachkar cemetery near Lake Sevan, gps: 40.375512, 45.182528

▫ Hayravank Monastery above Sevan not far from Gavar - few people reach it, but the view of Lake Sevan from its walls is more picturesque. The monastery itself is rough and small. I like it. GPS: 40.433796, 45.108266

▫ Sevanavank. The Sevan peninsula and the Sevanavank monastery are the most tourist place on Lake Sevan. The church is located on a hill, you need to climb steep steps for a couple of minutes. GPS: 40.564105, 45.010679

Sevanavank Monastery on the Sevan Peninsula

▫ Sevan whitefish and crayfish. If you want to eat whitefish (local) or crayfish in Sevan, go to Restaurant Collette overlooking the lake. Tasty and inexpensive. Fish kebab - 1500 drams/portion. The Armenian also advised.

The restaurant is located on the highway if you drive from Sevanavank towards Dilijan along the M4. From the monastery you need to drive literally 3 km along the lake

Restaurant Collette - a two-story green building on the shore of Sevan

▫ Tsaghkadzor- ski resort 30 km from Lake Sevan. Season until mid-March

Overnight in Sevan, Tsakhkadzor or Dilijan (for example, in the forest on the mountain in a traditional Armenian house Ecokayan Dilijan Resort )

Day 8. Dilijan and surroundings

Dilijan - Goshavank - Haghartsin - Lermontovo (Fioletovo)

The north of Armenia is also beautiful, I even made a travel itinerary for that region, but it didn’t work out.

We went in March, the weather was cloudy, we had had enough of the monasteries, the bald mountains were no longer so amazing, so we left the surroundings of Dilijan and Alaverdi for next time. Better in summer there, or at least when the sun is shining.

Sights of northern Armenia:

• Dilijan— sightseeing of the city, you can walk in the mountains (there are eco-trails)
• Haghartsin Monastery in the forest
• Goshavank Monastery
• Russian Old Believers villages Fioletovo and Lermontovo
• Makaravank Monastery

Monument to the heroes of the film “Mimino” in sunny Dilijan

Day 9. Lori region

I took a minibus along that road 3 times. Indescribable beauty. The road is ok when compared with the highway to Tatev. Near Alaverdi you can see:

Haghpat Monastery and to the north of it - Akhtala(beautiful frescoes), to the south - Sanahin and church Odzun(go for the scenery and the world’s oldest relief image of Orthodox saints)

Haghpat Monastery

Day 10. Extinct volcano

Aragats - Amberd - Lake Kari - Artashavan (alphabet square)

Return to Yerevan

These attractions are available from June to early October. In winter and spring, visiting Aragats is difficult because of the snow. There is serpentine (holey asphalt).

• The extinct volcano Aragats- the most high mountain in Armenia (4094 m)
• Amberd Fortress- an ancient fortress built on the slope of Mount Aragats at an altitude of 2200 m. Near the fortress there is an ancient church
• Lake Kari- high mountain lake on Mount Aragats at an altitude of 3200 m
• Alphabet Square in the village of Artashavan, 30 km from Yerevan on the slope of Mount Aragats. I’m not sure if it’s worth a special trip by transport, but if it’s on the way, you can stop by

Lake Kari on Mount Aragats

Conclusion

In two weeks, all the attractions of Armenia listed above can only be visited by car. Day 5 And day 8 This route is very busy, you may not have time to see everything.

Traveling around Armenia can be different. You can travel around this wonderful country by public transport, hitchhiking, in your own car. At the same time, each method of travel has its pros and cons. However, it would be most comfortable to rent a car and drive around all the beautiful places and see the sights.

Armenia is a small country, so even in one day you can visit many places. Of course, to see everything famous places and attractions, you need to go to this country for 10 days.

Let's take a closer look at the most beautiful places in Armenia and with the main attractions.

The main attractions of Armenia: photos and descriptions with names

The most beautiful places in Armenia: description with photos

Entertainment and recreation in the Republic of Armenia

Coming to Armenia, any tourist can find entertainment for himself. Let's take a closer look, what to do in this country.

Sights of Armenia

Armenia is the most ancient state with fabulous nature and multi-faceted history.

By visiting monasteries and temples, you can completely immerse yourself in the past and feel the breath of time...

After all, it was here that Noah’s ark landed on the shore, it was here that early Christianity gained strength, in the country that was the first to adopt this religion. And from beauty surrounding nature you are filled with peace and admiration. Let's look at the most popular attractions in the country.

Lake Sevan is the most beautiful alpine lake in Armenia with pure water. However, not everyone will decide to plunge into it, because even in the heat of the day the water here is quite cold.

The lake is located at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level and is fed by mountain streams. The swimming season is not long, only two months a year, in July and August. And the weather here is very changeable; it can change several times a day.

There are local cafes along the lake where you can try national cuisine. Including deliciously cooked freshly caught trout.

Karahunj Observatory (Zorats-Karer)

The Karahunj or Zorats-Karer Observatory is located in the south, 200 kilometers from Yerevan. Sometimes it is compared to the English Stonehenge. But it is not so popular among tourists. However, in its antiquity and historical significance it is not inferior to the English observatory.

Scientists have not yet fully figured out what her actual age is. The name Zorats-Karer is translated from Armenian as “warrior stones,” since the rows of pointed stones, lined up in a certain order, resemble an army of warriors. However, historical expeditions, having examined the place, came to the conclusion that the place is in no way connected with defensive structures, and this ancient place stargazing and the sun god.

Location: Sisian.

Mount Ararat is the pride and symbol of the country of Armenia. According to Biblical legends, it was here that the famous ark of Noah landed on the shore during the Great Flood.

The mountain consists of two peaks: Small and Greater Ararat. And they are clearly visible from observation deck in the city of Yerevan. However, to visit the mountain itself, you will have to enter Turkey. The fact is that the territory on which the mountain is located came under its jurisdiction. However, Mount Ararat is still considered a holy symbol of the Armenian people.

On the site of a pagan sanctuary, on the edge of a gorge, along the bottom of which the mountain river Vorotan flows, is an ancient monastery of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Its name comes from the nearby village of Tatev.

The monastery stands surrounded by beautiful mountain landscapes, and from a certain angle, there is a feeling that he seems to be floating above the gorge.

The monastery was founded in the 1st century AD, and ancient frescoes are still preserved inside the temple.

The Tataev Monastery can be reached either by car or by cable car from Yerevan, which is the longest in the world, thanks to which it is included in the Guinness Book of Records.

This ancient monastic complex, founded in the 10th century, is a listed World Heritage UNESCO. Despite the earthquakes it experienced, the monastery was well preserved. Here you can consider Cathedral with preserved paintings. In the courtyard you can see the bell tower, tombs and a 13th century bridge with sculptures of cats.

At one time, the complex was not just a monastery, but an educational center. A very rich library was collected here and an academy was founded.

The so-called Lesser Caucasus Mountains pass through the territory of Armenia. It is a system of mountain ranges and plateaus. Their length is no more than 600 kilometers, and their height does not exceed 4000 meters.

Between the icy ridges you can see beautiful valleys and untouched forests. Tourists love to enjoy the beauty here, and climbers test their willpower and physical endurance by conquering peaks.

This is a fairly “young” building compared to all the other attractions encountered.

According to legend, a Christian girl who fled persecution from Rome was killed here by the local king. But then the king repented and built this majestic church in her honor. Here under the altar is her grave.

Since 2000, the church has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Location: Vagharshapat.

Matenadaran is the largest repository of ancient manuscripts in the world. Despite the fact that the repository has been looted more than once, more than 17 thousand manuscripts and more than 100 thousand ancient documents are stored within its walls. Of course, most of them are in ancient Armenian, but about 2000 chronicles are written in other languages ​​of the world.

You can find the building on the mountain at the end of Mashtots Avenue, whose sculpture greets the vault at the entrance to the building. And not by chance. It is Mesrop Mashtots who is the creator of Armenian writing.

Location: 53 Mashtots Avenue, Yerevan.

Etchmiadzin Cathedral is a church built in the 300s of our century. Many legends are associated with its origin and construction. One of them says that Christ himself chose the place, having dreamed of Gregory, the first patriarch of Etchmiadzin, and showing him the place of construction. Thus, the cathedral was built on the site of an ancient pagan temple.

In the annex you can find a museum where exhibits are presented in one way or another related to religious rites - church vestments, crosses, staves and much more. Important relics are also kept: part Noah's Ark and the spear that pierced Christ.

Location: Vagharshapat.

A defense complex was located in Garni, which once protected ancient city. Mihra Temple is one of the surviving structures of this fortress. In appearance, the building resembles the ancient Greek structure in Athens, the Parthenon. In pagan times, the sun god Mihra was worshiped here. Later the kings used it as a summer residence.

In the mid-17th century, after a strong earthquake, the building was severely destroyed. And only at the end of the twentieth century it was recreated literally brick by brick, which were collected throughout the gorge. The missing elements were restored using modern materials. But this made it possible to preserve the integrity of the temple.

Currently, historical performances are held in the restored temple.

This is one of the oldest fortresses not only in Armenia, but also in the world. Archaeologists are still unearthing interesting artifacts in this area. Once upon a time, the ancient city of Armenia was located here, and it is from here that the history of the entire state begins.

The fortress is located on a hill dotted with poppies. And when they bloom in the spring, it feels like the hill is flooded with blood. Hence the name of the Arin-Berd hill. Translated, this means “Bloody Fortress.”

This is a museum complex built on the site of an underground prison where early Christians were thrown. And this prison-well has still been preserved, into which you can go down and feel what it was like for the prisoners.

One of the famous prisoners was Gregory the Illuminator, who spent 15 years in a well. And then he cured the king of a clouded mind, thanks to which he saved himself, and changed the ruler’s attitude towards the Christian religion as a whole.

Tsitsernakaberd is a memorial complex built in the mid-20th century in memory of the genocide of the Armenian people by the Ottoman Republic, which began in 1915 and continued for 9 years. During this period, the Turkish military deported many Armenians from their lands, and some entire families were killed.

The complex includes a 44-meter stele, symbolizing the spiritual revival of Armenia, Eternal flame, in memory of the victims, a wall of mourning, with engraved names of the cities that were affected by this disaster, and the genocide museum itself.

Geghard Monastery is ancient temple, partially carved directly into the rock. A very atmospheric place. A holy spring gushes right out of the rock, and patterns are carved into the walls.

The monastery was founded in the 4th century, and the name comes from the word “spear”. It was here, according to legend, that the spear with which Jesus Christ was pierced was brought.

The famous mountain resort is lost in a gorge among forests and valleys, reminiscent of the nature of Switzerland. It is known for its healing mineral springs and equally healthy mountain air.

And the city of Dilijan itself resembles an ethnographic museum under open air its narrow streets and preserved ancient houses.

The village of Areni is famous for its wines. Here, in almost every home you can buy homemade wine made according to a special recipe.

At the Areni plant itself, you can listen to a tour about wine production, and also taste not only wine, but also apricot vodka. And every year after the harvest, wine festivals are held, where wine is poured in unlimited quantities.

And this is not the entire list of beauties of the country of Armenia. There are also many ancient monasteries and unprecedented pristine nature that you don’t want to leave. And the capital Yerevan itself is a tourist attraction. With its pink houses, man-made cascade with sculptures, stairs and fountains. Or Republic Square, where you can admire not only historical buildings, but also enjoy singing fountains with changing lighting in the evening.

This ancient state of Transcaucasia keeps many secrets!.. A glass of fragrant cognac, churchkhela and lavash, a poetic toast and the majestic Ararat covered with snowy gray hairs on the horizon, infectious dances and melodies, bright embroidered costumes and a burning southern temperament... Of course, you already guessed it, that we will talk about Armenia! Welcome to the Sacred Land of Noah!

This country bizarrely combines the seemingly incongruous: ancient mysterious temples with undeciphered writings of the forgotten civilization of Urartu, luxurious Muslim mosques and golden-domed Christian temples. One can endlessly list the sights of Armenia. This small country has a rich history, which attracts lovers of excursions. Historical places of Armenia are only part of the local attractions, albeit a very significant one. But in addition to historical monuments, this country also boasts numerous natural beauties. This will be discussed in this article. The sights of Armenia, photos and descriptions of which are given below, are included in the UNESCO list and are protected by law.

Although today Armenia is not one of the popular destinations for tourism, since it has no access to sea ​​coast, but in terms of excursion holiday this country can compete with almost all of Europe! conditionally divided into 2 separate large groups - natural and historical. The culture and traditions of Armenian statehood are based on the ancient customs of Christianity. That is why the country is especially rich in monuments from the era of early Christianity. There are also monuments of an earlier, pre-Christian era: the ruins of Urartian Erebuni Teishebaini, ancient Armenian capitals with their buildings, the pre-Christian temple of Garni and many, many others. Rich story a country that has replaced 12 capitals over the course of three thousand years, some of which remain in the modern Republic of Armenia, has left a unique imprint. Armenia is multifaceted and beautiful today! The attractions that we have compiled a guide to for you should definitely be visited by every guest of this fabulous country.

Etchmiadzin - the ancient religious capital of Armenia

Etchmiadzin is located 19 km west of Yerevan. It was founded in the 4th century. BC Etchmiadzin Cathedral is the oldest existing Christian cathedral in the world. It consists of a theological academy, a Synod built in the 17th-19th centuries, monastic cells and a library. Local churches contain fragments of the Life-Giving Tree and Sand of the Cross of Christ, Noah’s Ark found on the slopes of Ararat, as well as particles of the Savior’s crown of thorns. In addition, here you can venerate the relics of John the Baptist, St. Stephen the First Martyr, the Apostles Thaddeus, Bartholomew and Thomas, the great saints.

Temple of the Vigilant Forces of Heaven Zvartnots

The ruins of the Zvartnots Temple, located 15 km from Yerevan, are unique. The temple, founded in the 7th century during the difficult years of the struggle against the invaders, truly became a symbol of the unshakable faith of Armenian Christians. This architectural masterpiece and the prototype for local churches was destroyed by a violent earthquake three centuries after its creation. The ruins of Zvartnots are included in the UNESCO list.

Khor Virap Monastery

Ararat is the Holy Mountain, a place of salvation for humanity, where Christian pilgrims from all over the world regularly arrive. The history of the people of Armenia is closely connected with the history of this majestic mountain. According to legend, this mountain has enormous spiritual energy; for many years it inspired wandering poets, artists, and writers. Ararat is a true symbol of the people of Armenia, despite the fact that it is now located in Turkey. The most beautiful panorama of the mountain opens from Yerevan. Also, from the top of Ararat, almost the whole of Armenia is visible in full view. Beautiful places, photos of which can be found in any guidebook, are also decorated with bottles of local cognacs.

However best views biblical mountains open from Khor Virap. In ancient times, one of the former capitals of Aratashat stood here. Khor Virap is translated from Armenian as “deep pit”. The name is due to the fact that the monastery was built over a dungeon where St. Gregory the Illuminator languished for over 10 years by order of King Tiridates the Third, punished only for professing Christianity. The dungeon filled with poisonous snakes did not break his faith. A local woman, according to legend, brought him water and food. Meanwhile, King Tiridates went mad, Gregory cured him, and then Christianity was adopted as the state religion.

Noravank Monastery

Noravank was built in the 13th century along the Arpa River gorge on amazing steep red rocks. This is truly a treasure trove of religious art. Here are the most beautiful khachkars of one of the famous masters - Momik. The 2-story Astvatsatsin church with a chapel on the second floor is unique. It consists of the Church of St. John the Baptist and the Chapel of St. Gregory the Illuminator. At 13-14 Art. the monastery was used as the residence of the bishops of the province of Syunik and one of the religious, cultural and educational centers of the country.

Tatev Monastery

To get to Tatev, one of the centers of religious life, education and science in Armenia in the Middle Ages, they use the longest cable car in the world. The monastery, founded in the 1st century, today consists of churches. It is located on a rocky peak directly above the picturesque gorge of the rapid river. Vorotan.

Monastery and Lake Sevan

Sevan is a high-mountain lake, one of the largest in the world, located at an altitude of 2 thousand meters. The lake with a surface area of ​​1240 square meters is surrounded by mountain ranges. The charm of the local landscapes is as great as the cultural monuments located on its banks. One of them is the Sevan monastery, founded in 874 by Princess Maryam, daughter of Ashot I Bagratuni. It consists of a church Holy Mother of God and the Church of the Holy Apostles, as well as the theological seminary.

Famous mountain resort Dilijan

Among beautiful valleys, forests, and gorges hid Dilijan. Armenia, whose sights are known throughout the CIS, can boast of this famous mountain climatic resort. Dilijan, famous mineral waters, located in the very heart of the most beautiful national park in Transcaucasia. Dilijan is often compared to luxurious Switzerland: the local ideal climate effectively improves the well-being of people with lung diseases. Dilijan is famous for its craftsmen who work stone and wood - materials that the Lord generously provided for their homes. The city is an open-air ethnographic museum created in the spirit of national traditions, starting with the characteristic mansard roofs and balconies made of wood and stone. IN resort area There are many popular and comfortable sanatoriums and hotels with a good level of service.

Haghartsin and Goshavank monasteries

Garni

The ancient temple of Garni dates back to the 1st century and is an excellent example of Hellenistic architecture. The temple is surrounded by the ruins of baths and palaces built at the residence of the Armenian kings 3-4 centuries BC.

Geghard Monastery

Geghard is a stunning architectural monument of the Middle Ages. Part of it is carved out of rock. The monastery is included in the UNESCO List. Geghard is famous as the monastery of 7 Churches and 40 Altars. In general, the monastery is a real treasure of Armenian culture. The acoustics in the church are amazing (in some places the sound can be heard for up to 30-40 seconds). The secret of this unique acoustics has not yet been revealed.

Haghpat and Sanahin

In the north of the country there are two unique Armenian monasteries, Haghpat and Sanahin, included in the UNESCO List. Sanahin was founded in the 10th century. and was the largest center of education - the academy. Haghpat was also founded in the 10th century. and was also one of the most important cultural centers.

Yerevan - the pink capital

Armenia can boast of many natural and man-made attractions. Yerevan, whose sights have made it famous throughout the world, for example, has long been called the “pink” capital of the world. This is due to the fact that the city, founded back in 782 BC, was almost entirely built from pink tuff, a rock of volcanic origin. Only Armenia (Yerevan) can boast of this feature. The sights of the country in general and the capital in particular are unique architectural complex in the neoclassical style, the ancient ruins of Urartu, the charm of cozy cafes and luxurious fountains, friendly and hospitable local residents. So don't miss the opportunity to see everything with your own eyes!

One can endlessly list the numerous attractions of Armenia. The country's historical places are immortalized in history textbooks and film guides. They talk about the country's historical, cultural and natural tourist sites. In addition, there are a lot of documentaries and feature films that present the most beautiful places in Armenia.

Armenia is a beautiful mountainous country, one of the most ancient in the world. Already in the 6th century. the state of Urartu was located on its territory. Each era has left its mark in Armenia with ancient and beautiful historical and architectural monuments. All this is huge historical and cultural heritage framed beautiful natural places– picturesque mountains, crystal lakes, blooming alpine meadows, green valleys, dense forests.

Armenia is also the most ancient Christian country. Many monuments of religious significance have been preserved on its territory, and only a small part of them remains from the pagan period of the country. The total number of historical objects exceeds 4000, the place of their greatest concentration is Yerevan.

Yerevan

Yerevan is the capital of Armenia, a modern, comfortable city that has retained the charm of all its years. On its territory and surroundings there are many architectural religious monuments - the Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator, mosque, church of St. Katoghike, St. Astvatsatsin, mosque, ruins of St. Poghos-Petros, St. Grigora Lusavorch and many others.

The most ancient architectural landmark of Yerevan is the Erebuni fortress, built on the Arin-Berd hill by King Argishti, and it was around it that the city was formed.

Despite the rather arid climate, the city has grown many artificial forests, orchards, groves of plane trees, acacias, Nairian poplar, southern pine, natural beauty Yerevan is also emphasized by numerous fountains and ponds; one of the most beautiful places is the singing fountains, dancing to musical and light compositions.

Garni

In ancient times, a beautiful architectural complex was erected in the village of Garni - a monument to the history of Armenia of ancient times, the Garni fortress. It was located on a high rocky cliff, surrounded on three sides by deep gorges of almost vertical rocks. On the flat side, the builders erected a powerful wall 26 m high from large basalt blocks connected by iron brackets and filled with lead. For almost 7 centuries, the fortress served as the residence of the kings of Armenia.

On the territory of the fortress there was also one of the few pagan temples of the Hellenic era preserved in Armenia - the Temple of the Sun, dedicated to god Mithra (known in this region as Mihr), built in the 1st century AD. Greek slave builders. During the earthquake of the 17th century. the temple was seriously damaged, but in the middle of the 20th century. This historical place was completely restored. During the Christian era, Armenian kings used the Temple of the Sun as a summer residence or “House of Coolness.”

Geghard

Geghard Monastery is an ancient building of the 4th century. was originally the Ayrivank monastery. Its buildings have practically not survived, since the monastery was repeatedly attacked and looted. In subsequent centuries, new buildings dating from the 10th to 13th centuries were erected in its place.

The new name of the monastery Geghard is translated as “Spear” because according to legend, the spear of Longinus was kept in it, with which a Roman guard pierced Jesus Christ crucified on the cross. Most of the beautiful churches and monastic cells of Geghard are carved into the rocks of the Garni River gorge.

Ashtarak

Ashtarak is a beautiful town surrounded by gardens, which is considered one of the most ancient settlements in Armenia. The gorge is beautiful mountain river Kasakh divides the city into two parts, offering many cozy places to relax on its shores.

The most significant monuments of the city are the Marine, Tsiranavor (Orange) and Karmravor (Red) churches. You cannot ignore the unique three-arch bridge across the river, built in 1664, which can still be used. Next to it there are even remains of a bridge of an even more ancient building.

Lake Sevan

Lake Sevan is the largest in Armenia. It is located in the heart of the mountains at an altitude of almost 2000 m above sea level. The water in it is exceptionally clean and transparent; according to ancient legends, stars and gods quenched their thirst from it. Spread around the lake National Park Sevan.

Jermuk

The city of Jermuk is one of the most beautiful places in Armenia, its name comes from the designation hot water healing mineral springs. Flat plateaus and protruding different places picturesque rock formations, alpine meadows and dense green forests create a wonderful environment for recreation and treatment in Armenia.

At the mouth of the Arp River, which cuts the city into two halves, a beautiful 70-meter Jermuk waterfall arose, and in the river gorge rises the “Stairway to Heaven” - an isolated rock formation 100 m high with sheer walls and steep feet, which, according to legend, were carved by God Mithras (Mihr).

The healing properties of Jermuk mineral springs have been known to people since ancient times. There are even ruins in the city ancient fortress, erected in the 2nd century. BC, although the village itself was founded even earlier, several stone pools for taking mineral baths remain from it. In the Middle Ages, this place was the official hospital and resting place of the kings of Armenia.

Lake Parz Lich

Lake Parz Lich is a small lake high in the mountains of Armenia, it is closely surrounded by dense forests and is rightly considered the most beautiful place in the country. The maximum depth of the lake is only 5 meters, but the water is so clean that the lake was nicknamed Clear or Transparent.