Top 16 Attractions in Armenia

Armenia is a state with an ancient history, located in a very picturesque area. There are a lot of places left here that have retained their unique flavor.

The oldest word best characterizes Armenia. Indeed, this country was the first to adopt Christianity, because there are many ancient temples, and the great culture of the state of Urartu still remains a mystery and awes scientists. A thousand-year-old 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 very hospitable people live here, tourist tours are very cheap, accommodation for the night is also. We advise travelers to completely switch to the local cuisine during their holidays in Armenia. Believe me, you have not eaten such a delicious barbecue anywhere else! And there is also the freshest lavash baked in front of you, duduk, the famous cognac, churchkhela and wine.

Visit Lake Sevan and Tatev Monastery, wander the mountains, get acquainted with the unimaginably ancient history of Armenia, and in search of modern entertainment, head to Yerevan, a city that successfully combines innovation with ancient traditions.

What to see in Armenia?

The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a brief 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 arranged in an incomprehensible to modern people, but well traceable 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 that allows 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. The locals believed that climbing Ararat, where, according to legend, Noah's ark stopped after the Flood, was an ungodly act. Today, everyone who is confident in their abilities and training can climb Ararat, they just need to buy the appropriate ticket and get 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 the Satani Kamurj natural 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 developed architectural ensemble of Sanahin includes a cathedral with the remains of paintings, several groups of sculptural images, chapels, churches, a tomb, as well as an original arched bridge decorated with figures of wild cats.

Mountains of the Lesser Caucasus

They differ from their “brother” 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 precisely in Armenia. The Lesser Caucasus includes seven ranges, 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 Saint Hripsime

Built in the 17th century, the church in the city of Vagharshapat still attracts tourists with its unusual architecture. The Church of St. Hripsime looks both powerful and elegant, majestic and calm. The construction of the church is associated with a legend about Christian girls who fled from Rome to Armenia, but were killed here by the local king, who later repented, was baptized and built this unusual church, named after one of the girls.

Matenadaran

In Yerevan there is a unique repository of ancient manuscripts - Matenadaran. To see this building and its exhibits, you should climb the mountain along Mashtots Avenue. Near the entrance you will be met by sculptures depicting Mesrop Mashtots, the creator of the Armenian alphabet and his student. Today, Matenadaran is the largest repository of ancient Armenian manuscripts on the planet, although earlier the collection was looted several times.

Etchmiadzin Cathedral

The main temple of the Armenian Apostolic Church. 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 one in the 20th century. The temple is distinguished by magnificent decoration, strict lines and special architecture, complemented by pointed bell towers.

Temple of Mihr in Garni

This unusual temple is called the "Armenian Parthenon". The Temple of Mihr in Garni really looks antique, it seems that by some miracle it was transferred to Armenia from Ancient Greece. Slender columns, porticos, luxurious mosaics - the Armenian kings gladly used the temple of Mihr as a summer residence. It was carefully restored after the earthquake and now historical performances are regularly held here.

Erebuni Fortress

If you want to see what the capital of Armenia looked like 2.7 thousand years ago, be sure to take the time to visit the Erebuni Fortress, which became the first major 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 Ararat valley, 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 consists of 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 peaks 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 as far back as 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 before 1958, it is formed by five buildings located here: the building of 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 laid out from a pouffe 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 pedestal in the form of a cone with a burning eternal flame, a wall of mourning and the Museum of the Armenian Genocide. 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 places in Armenia for tourists because of 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 the rocks, many rooms are simply hollowed out inside the rocks, and the stone walls are decorated with steles with crosses.