Armenia is a fascinating country with an ancient history and culture. Armenia Travel is the best choice for adventure vacation. According to the ancient sources, the history of Armenia dates back to 4110 years. This ancient land has more than four thousand monuments: ancient temples and monasteries, unique architectural creations of the Middle Ages, castles and monuments of Christianity, caves and mountain castles, cross-stones, covered with the finest carving and unique frescoes found in an abandoned monasteries. It is not a coincidence that Armenia is called an open air museum!
The nature here is picturesque and diverse. Mountain ranges and hills, alpine lakes and rivers, gorges and canyons – all this gives to Armenia a unique feature of natural diversity.
Of course, the symbol of the country has always been and remains Mount Ararat. Despite the fact that it is not in Armenia now, the best view of this majestic mountain opens from here. According to the Bible, the Noah’s ark landed on this mountain, and from that moment the humanity got its second birth. That’s why Armenians have such reverent attitude to this place. Ararat is a blessed mountain for all Armenians. It is a symbol of the motherland and the source of inspiration for artists and poets.
The other natural symbol of the country is a huge freshwater lake Sevan situated at an altitude of 2000 m above the sea level. This unique picturesque lake is a pearl of Armenia. Its azure waters as well as stunning beautiful surroundings attract visitors from all over the world.
Armenia is the first country in the world that adopted Christianity. It happened in 301, when Armenian king Trdat III proclaimed Christianity as a state religion. Nowadays there are so many Christian monuments that can be met everywhere throughout the country. The most unique are “khachkars” (cross-stones), included in the list of UNESCO. These amazing architecture monuments are stone steles with a cross. Each of them has its own pattern and history. The creation of khachkars was trusted only to those masters who had a deep faith in God. Nowadays these majestic creations can be seen at the monastery territories; and not far from Sevan Lake the biggest khachkar cemetery in the world is located.
Speaking about Christianity we should separately note majestic Armenian temples and monasteries. More of them are already 1000 years old, and all of them are unique and have their own history. Among them, we can highlight Tatev, Geghard, Noravank, Sevan, Khor Virap Akhpat, Gandzasar, Echmiadzin Cathedral, Goshavank and others.
Geghard Monastery was built in the first years after the adoption of Christianity (4th century). It is situated on the slopes of the cliffs surrounded by beautiful nature. The monastery complex includes the tomb, monastic cells, temples with caves carved into the rock, as well as many cross-stones. This monastery is famous for its rocky architecture and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
For the best views of Mount Ararat you need to go to the monastery of Khor Virap – the sanctity of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Before the adoption of Christianity, there was a royal prison. It is here in this prison where Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years because of his belief.
The religious center of all Armenians is Echmiadzin city. It is here in the Echmiadzin Cathedral built immediately after the adoption of Christianity where the residence of the Catholicos, the Supreme Patriarch of the Armenian Apostolic Church is located. The cathedral keeps sacred Christian relics, and in the monastery courtyard, you can see the unique cross-stones.
Not far from Goris town the longest ropeway in the world was constructed. It leads to Tatev Monastery (IX век). This amazing monastery is located on the edge of a giant gorge and is considered a masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture.
Speaking about the sights of Armenia, it is impossible not to note its capital – the ancient city of Yerevan. The city was named after the Erebuni Fortress, the ruins of which were found on Arin-Berd hill. At the same territory, archeologists discovered the cuneiform inscription of Armenian king Argishti the First, which showed that the fortress was built in 782 BC.
Yerevan is often called “a pink city” because all the buildings here are made of pink tufa. The city is known for its friendly atmosphere, hospitable locals, cozy cafés, restaurants, and, of course, for its sights.
Each corner here is worth seeing, however, the most interesting and famous attractions are concentrated in the center: the Republic Square, Opera House, Matenadaran Museum, Victory Park, Cascade, Tsitsernakaberd, and others.
The majestic Republic Square is considered the heart of the capital. It was designed by the main architect Alexander Tamanyan and is surrounded by five famous buildings: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National History Museum of Armenia, the Government Building, the Hotel “Marriott”, and the central post office of RA. The history museum is the most important in the country; its collection includes 400.000 exhibits presenting the historical heritage. Just in front of the museum the famous singing fountains were constructed, which every day from May to October delight its guests with breathtaking colorful musical show. For many capital residents and tourists visiting the fountains is a favorite tradition.
Another favorite place for walking is the famous Cascade. This unique structure is a system of huge staircases connecting the center with the residential district, located in the upper part of the city. The top of the Cascade offers a stunning view of Yerevan and Mount Ararat.
Yerevan is also a city of museums and galleries which introduce everyone to the history of the country and the characteristic features of Armenian culture and traditions. The best known are: Matenadaran, Historical Museum of Armenia, Yerevan History Museum, House-Museum of Martiros Saryan, National Art Gallery, and some others.
We should separately note Matenadaran – the repository of ancient manuscripts. The museum has more than 16 thousand manuscripts presenting the history of Armenians, as well as single copies of world literature manuscripts.
It is impossible to describe all colorings of this amazing ancient country in words. Armenia is a unique country of contrasts. Travelers visiting Armenia will be able to see both the modernity and get in touch with past millennia. And all this on such a small territory!
Nowadays the country has all the necessary conditions for the development of tourism. The hotels are being built and restored in different parts of the country; the resorts in such famous towns as Cakhkadzor and Jermuk are being modernized and lots of tourist complexes are being constructed. Tourists visit Armenia to get in touch with an ancient civilization and unique culture, experience Caucasian hospitality, enjoy the beautiful nature and even to ski and snowboard.
Tours to Armenia are organized by Arara Tour Company. You can contact the company by phone +374 10 21 01 38 or e-mail info@araratour.com
For tour packages, visit the official website
