Armenia | Sights

Alphabet Monument

Armenian alphabet monument is located in the village of Artashavan, at the east side bottom of Mt. Aragats. It was erected in 2005 to the 1600 anniversary of creation of the Armenian alphabet by the design of the famous Armenian architect Jim Torosyan. The monument is an interesting demonstration of the stone carvings of 39 Armenian letters. The Armenian alphabet has been used to write the Armenian language since the year 405 or 406 and is still used to present Armenian language in written form. It was devised by Saint Mesrop Mashtots, an Armenian linguist and ecclesiastical leader, in order to make the Bible accessible to Armenians and spread Christianity. Originally it contained 36 letters and had been completed in the Middle Ages.

Show on map 35 km from Yerevan center
Region: Aragatsotn

Amberd Fortress

The principal architectural features of medieval fortress-building have found their reflection in this fortress. Having been built on a naturally well-defended cape, Amberd has for long time served as an important military fort. Next to this secular edifice there is a church built in 1026 by the duke Vahram Pahlavuni.

Show on map 60 km from Yerevan center
Region: Aragatsotn

Areni

The village of Areni is in Vayots Dzor region. This sunny village is famous for its best wine assortments. Due to its specific flavor and delicate taste “Areni” wine has its respectful place among the best Armenian wines. The visit to the wine factory of the village will serve a good testimony to the above mentioned. The St. Astvatsatsin church built by skillful architect and sculpture Momik is in Areni village, too.

Show on map 111 km from Yerevan center
Region: Vayotz Dzor

Cathedral of St. Echmiadzin

The center of Armenian Apostolic church- St. Echmiadzin is located 20 km far from Yerevan. The Cathedral of Echmiadzin was founded at the beginning of the forth century and is one of the oldest churches in the world. According to the legend the church was built in the place where apparition of Jesus Christ was seen to Grigory the Illuminator in the dream. The interior of the church is covered with frescoes created by Hovnatanyan family. The residence of the Catholicos and the Theological Academy are situated near the Cathedral.

Show on map 22 km from Yerevan center
Region: Armavir

Dilijan

Dilijan entices people with its unforgettable beauty and mild climate. The city stretches on the banks of Aghstev river, surrounded with mountains and forests. Dilijan has the fame of a health resort. The warm sun, fresh air and natural spas have great healing influence on people. Dilijan is also rich in interesting architectural monuments.

Show on map 100 km from Yerevan center
Region: Tavush

Dsegh

Dsegh is a town in the Lori Province which was renamed to “Tumanian” from 1938 to 1969 in honor of “All-Armenian poet” Hovhannes Tumanyan, a native of the town. The famous writer played a special role in spiritual life of Armenian nation. The house where the eminent writer lived and created is now a house-museum functioning since 1953. The founder and the first director was the poet’s daughter. The museum is situated in a beautiful, shadowy garden, where the writer’s sculpture welcomes visitors. Private objects, materials illustrating the life and activity of the writer, are displayed in the museum. In 1969, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the great writer, a new two-storey building was built. The museum also accommodates his private library of about 8000 volumes dedicated to studies on the Caucasus and Armenia, religion, culture, history and folklore of various nations.

Show on map 144 km from Yerevan center
Region: Lori

Erebuni Museum-fortress

The fortress of Erebuni is on Arin-Berd hill. It was built in 782 B.C. by the Urartian king Argishti the first. During the excavations started in the 20th century a cuneiform inscription was found, according to which the history of nowadays Yerevan starts from this place. On the top of the hill the ruins of the citadel and the frescoes on the wall reveal the high artistic achievements of those remote centuries. The museum down the hill displays the findings that have been excavated in the territory of the fortress.

Show on map 7 km from Yerevan center
Region: Yerevan

Yereruyk

Yereruyk is one of the most popular monuments of ancient architecture of Armenia. It has a very special place among the early Christian basilic churches, as it is one of their classical examples built in the 5th century. It is the highest achievement of early Armenian ecclesiastical architecture and contains the answers to various questions concerning the origination and formulation of Armenian architecture.

Show on map 105 km from Yerevan center
Region: Shirak

Garni temple

Garni temple which towers over a triangular cape, is the unique survived example of heathen culture in Armenia. It is a blend of Greco-Roman and Armenian styles. King Trdat the First ordered building the temple in the first century A.D. and dedicated it to the God of Sun. After adopting Christianity in 301 the pagan temple lost its significance and the fortress of Garni became the summer residence of the kings. Nowadays the ruins of the royal palace and the bathroom with a stunning mosaic work can be found near the temple.

Show on map 30 km from Yerevan center
Region: Kotayk

Geghard Monastery

Geghard monastery is the unsurpassable masterpiece of the 13th century Armenian architecture. Some of the churches of the complex are masterfully hewn in a huge rock. From the outset the complex was called Ayrivank (cave monastery), later it was renamed Geghard (lance), as the lance used by the roman soldier to sting Jesus Christ’s side, was kept in this monastery for many centuries. Due to its construction Geghardavank serves the best place for singing spiritual songs. The complex is rich in subtle sculptural embellishments and many striking khachkars (cross-stones).

Show on map 37 km from Yerevan center
Region: Kotayk

Goris

Goris is one of the main cities of Syunik region. This park-city, despite the natural cuts, has a well-organized ground plan. The city is surrounded with woody mountains and just next to the forests there are stunning pyramidical rocks which seem to scratch the clouds. Due to its exceptional nature Goris is considered the “beauty” of Zangezour.

Show on map 240 km from Yerevan center
Region: Syunik

Goshavank

Goshavank was founded by the famous medieval scientist, fabulist Mkhitar Gosh. The complex consists of several religious and secular buildings. The unrivalled khachkar put in front of the one-naved basilica was created by the skillful master Poghos in 1291.Goshavank used to be one of the most famous religious and cultural centers in medieval Armenia.

Show on map 120 km from Yerevan center
Region: Tavush

Haghartsin Monastery

Haghartsin monastery situated in the woodlands of Tavush region represents an indescribable example of blend of nature with architecture. It was founded in the 10-11th centuries, though new buildings were added in the 12-13th centuries. Now it consists of St. Grigor, St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God), St. Stepanos churches and some other buildings.The refectory due to its skillful architectural composition is of great interest. The huge oak tree, which is almost at the age of the monastery, completes the whole scene.

Show on map 110 km from Yerevan center
Region: Tavush

Haghpat Monastery

Situated not far from Sanahin Haghpat monastery has its significant place in the historical and cultural life of Armenia. It was built during the reign of king Ashot Bagratuni. Numerous valuable manuscripts and miniature paintings have been produced in the scriptorium of Haghpat for many centuries. In the 18th century the famous Armenian bard Sayat-Nova used to live and create in this monastery. The belfry with its unique architectural composition is of stunning interest.

Show on map 170 km from Yerevan center
Region: Lori

Harichavank Monastery

The monastery complex of Harichavank is situated on the western slope of Mount Aragats, on a roky cape. According to the architects’ studies the complex was founded in the 7th century. In the 13th century the main church was built. In the 19th century the complex became the summer residence of Catholicoses. Not far from the main buildings there is a small chapel which is of great interest. The chapel is built on a piece of rock, which as a result of an earthquake split from the cape and the chapel is now towering over the canyon.

Show on map 100 km from Yerevan center
Region: Shirak

Hayravank Monastery

The church of Hayravank is built on a high rock on the shore of Lake Sevan. There is no written testimony concerning the date of its foundation, but according to the constructional solutions it has gained its place among the 9th century architectural pillars. This cozy church is built of roughly hewn stone and looks rather modest.

Show on map 100 km from Yerevan center
Region: Gegharkunik

Hovhanavank

Hovhanavank monastery bears the name of John the Baptist. The oldest church here is the one-naved basilica built in the 5th century. In the 13th century under the patronage of Vachutian dukes new buildings were added. The portal of the main church, which is embellished with evangelical motifs, is of great interest.

Show on map 26 km from Yerevan center
Region: Aragatsotn

Jermuk

The famous health resort Jermuk is in the north-eastern part of Vayots Dzor. Jermuk mineral waters have been famous for their medicinal properties since early medieval. A special drinking gallery has been constructed for visitors, along which pump rooms with mineral water are lined up.The water temperature varies from 30 to 50 degrees C.

Show on map 170 km from Yerevan center
Region: Vayots Dzor

Zorats Karer ( Stonehenge of Armenia )

The scientific expeditions proved Karahunj to be one of the oldest observatories in the world. It is said to be about 7500 years old. Some of the precisingly arranged huge stones have holes bored into them, which were used for astrological observations. The petroglyphs found nearby Karahunj reveal that the early inhabitants in Armenia were well aware of astrology.

Show on map 210 km from Yerevan center
Region: Syunik

Red (Karmravor) Church

This exquisite church is considered to be the jewel of Ashtarak. It resembles a monolith pillar due to its small sizes and architectural solutions. It was built in the 7th century and has come to our days almost intact. It has a cross-shaped ground plan from inside and outside.

Show on map 22 km from Yerevan center
Region: Aragatsotn

Kecharis Monastery

Kecharis monastery is in the north-western part of Tsakhkadzor. It was built in 11-13th centuries. The monastery consists of four churches and a half-destroyed mausoleum of Grigorius Pahlavuni, who financed building the monastery.

Show on map 57 km from Yerevan center
Region: Kotayk

Khor Virap

Khor Virap is the most famous pilgrimage site in Armenia, as it is directly connected with the adoption of Christianity. As a state religion Christianity in Armenia was adopted in 301 due to endeavors of Saint Gregory the Illuminator, who before converting king Trdat the 3rd to Christianity, was imprisoned in the dungeon over which a church of Khor Virap monastery was built in the 17th century. From the monastery one can admire the stunning view of the Biblical Mount Ararat.

Show on map 45 km from Yerevan center
Region: Ararat

Lake Sevan

The fascination and the pearl of mountainous Armenia is Sevan Lake, which is one of the world’s greatest high altitude fresh-water lakes. It is about 1900 m above sea level. The lake is of volcanic origin and is surrounded with mountains of 3000 m and higer. The beautiful landscape and the crystal water serve nice preconditions for excellent rest.The lake is also famous for its peninsula and medieval church complex built in 874.

Show on map 68 km from Yerevan center
Region: Gegharkunik

Makaravank Monastery

Makaravank is situated in Tavush region (close to Ijevan) high on the top of a mountain. The complex consists of three churches. Here along with complicated architectural solutions the subtle bas-relieves and ornaments are of great artistic interest.

Show on map155 km from Yerevan center
Region: Tavush

Marmashen Monastery

On the picturesque bank of Akhuryan river there is the magnificent monastery Marmashen built by Duke Vahram Pahlavuni. It is a huge complex, the construction of which started in 986 and finished in 1029. The main church is a domed hall. The facades of the church are elaborated with triangular niches, which endow the edifice with special liveliness. The survived eastern and northern walls of the second church, which is adjacent to the main church, prove that both with its composition and architectural details it is the smaller duplication of the main church. This complex built with well-hewn red tufa on the background of the blue sky casts an enigmatic impression.

Show on map 140 km from Yerevan center
Region: Shirak

Matenadaran

On the northern part of Mashtots avenue there is Matenadaran (a book depository), one of the world’s most ancient libraries. Its collections comprise ancient Armenian books and miniature paintings that have gained world-wide fame. Among its unique treasures are the works of ancient classical authors and rare manuscripts that have come to our days only in the Armenian translation. Several monuments to the outstanding Armenian cultural figures are located in the courtyard of Matenadaran.

Show on map 3 km from Yerevan center
Region: Yerevan

Mount Aragats

The highest peak of the Republic of Armenia is the Mount Aragats (4095 m). This four-peaked giant is the most favourite mountain of climbers. On the way to the southern peak the best stop is at Kari Lich (Stone Lake), which is at the height of 3250m. On the top one opens the most attractive scene: the silhouette of green valleys from one side, the eternal snow and silver lakes from other sides and the Biblical Mount Ararat far in the fog of Ararat Valley.

Show on map 70 km from Yerevan center
Region: Aragatsotn

Noratus Crosstones

The art of khachkar (cross-stone) is the most original manifestation of Armenian medieval culture. Noratus which is truly considered to be a forest of khachkars and open-air museum, displays hundreds of khachkars, the most stunning of which are the so called “embroidered” ones typical to the 13th-14th centuries. This is a unique place, where one can reveal the development of khachkarial art in its historical process.

Show on map 95 km from Yerevan center
Region: Gegharkunik

Noravank Monastery

Passing a narrow road surrounded by rocks of hundred caves one discovers a scene of harmony of architecture with nature. The monastery enshrined with fine architectural solutions and luxurious embellishments is one of the brightest examples of Armenian architecture of the 13th century. Noravank consists of St. Karapet, St. Grigory the Illuminator churches and St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) two-storey church, which is notable for its ideal constructive and sculptural work.

Show on map 120 km from Yerevan center
Region: Vayots Dzor

Oshakan

Oshakan village has been a holy place since the 5th century, when in 440 due to the duke Vahan Amatuni’s efforts the creator of Armenian alphabet Mesrop Mashtots was buried there and a small church was built over his tomb. In the 19th century a bigger church bearing the name of St. Mesrop Mashtots was constructed in the place of the old one. Every year many first class schoolchildren learn the first letter of the alphabet in this church after an oath at the tomb of St. Mashtots.

Show on map 30 km from Yerevan center
Region: Aragatsotn

Saghmosavank Monastery

5 km far from Hovhanavank monastery on the edge of Kasakh river canyon, in the 13th century Vachutian dukes built Saghmosavank monastery. The main church is adjacent to the scriptorium, where many manuscripts have been produced during centuries. Saghmosavank underwent the devastating influence of the earthquake in 1988. The reconstruction comleted in 2000 returned the church its beauty and glory.

Show on map 35 km from Yerevan center
Region: Aragatsotn

Sanahin Monastery

The monastery of Sanahin is on the right bank of Debed River. This architectural complex consists of several churches, seminary, book depository. The building of the seminary, which connects St. Astvatsastin (Holy Mother of God) and Allsaviour churches was from the outset built to make the edifices more earthquake resistant.

Show on map 170 km from Yerevan center
Region: Lori

Sardarapat National Ethnographic Museum

This memorial sculptural complex is built in the sunny Ararat valley. By allegories it represents the Armenian-turkish battle in 1918 and glorifies the brilliant victory of Armenian people. Near the entrance of the complex there are two huge winged bulls symbolizing the persistence of Armenian nation and the alley fringed by five eagles leads to the Ethnography museum with a rich exhibition of Armenian culture, trades and crafts.

Show on map 55 km from Yerevan center
Region: Armavir

Orbelian's (Selim) Caravanserai

The Selim pass connecting Vayots Dzor and Gegharkunik districts, has been an important trade route from times immemorial. The long caravans with loaded camels were passing this way. Perceiving the necessity of having a place to stop after long and tiring journeys the Armenian duke Chesar Orbelian in 1332 ordered building a caravansary on this long serpentine road of Selim pass. This is a three nave building lightened only through the windows on the ceiling as out of security concern they foresaw no windows on the walls and even nowadays the mysterious darkness seems to keep some rumors from those far away days.

Show on map 150 km from Yerevan center
Region: Vayots Dzor

Sevanavank Monastery

A marvelous scene opens in the north-western part of Sevan Lake, where the peninsula towers over the transparent surface of the lake. Sevanavank monastery was built on the peninsula in 874 by the order of king Ashot Bagratuni’s daughter princess Mariam. The silhouette of the churches against the background of the turquoise lake and blue sky casts unexplainable impression on the visitors.

Show on map 68 km from Yerevan center
Region: Gegharkunik

Shaki waterfall

Shaki fall is in the southern part of Armenia, close to Sisian. The fall, being located in one of the cosiest and nicest corners of Syunik, gloriously opens its striking beauty to all admirers. The air here is full of inspiring melody of water and scent of mountains loading all their wafts.

Show on map 205 km from Yerevan center
Region: Syunik

St. Gayane church

Not far from the Echmiadzin Cathedral against the background of white peaks of Ararat one can see the silhouette of the cupola of St. Gayane church. The church was built in the 7th century and belongs to the domed-basilica style. According to the legend this church was constructed over the tomb of Virgin Gayane, who was martyred for preaching Christianity.

Show on map 22 km from Yerevan center
Region: Armavir

St. Hripsime church

St. Hripsime church is the one of the famous ecclesiastical buildings in the city of Echmiadzin. This is the developed and perfect example of cross-cupola churches in Armenia. The church is notable with its architectural simplicity and loftiness. The tomb of the Christian martyr Virgin Hripsime is in the sacristy of the church.

Show on map 20 km from Yerevan center
Region: Armavir

Tatev monastery

Among the architectural pillars of Zangezour the monastery of Tatev doesn’t have its rivals. This used to be wealthiest medieval monastery in Armenia. Besides being a religious center Tatev was also the important strategical center of Syunik kingdom. Being situated on a naturally defended place Tatev monastery has always been an impregnable fortress for alien. In non-stable political conditions the several secret ways in the territory of the fortress led the way to the canyon and served as a link between the monastery and external world.

Show on map 255 km from Yerevan center
Region: Syunik

Treasures of Echmiadzin Museum

The Museum “Treasures of Echmiadzin” is situated in the southeast section of the Cathedral. Unique holy relics and religious art are now housed in the museum. Among the many treasures are: the Holy Lance (Geghard) which pierced the side of Christ, housed in a silver reliquary; the relics of Noah’s Ark in a reliquary that was created in 1698 and other valuable pieces of art. According to the history, the relic of Noah’s Ark, was given to Patriarch St. Hakob (Jacob) of Mts’bna in the fourth century, as he desired to climb the peak of Mount Ararat to find Noah’s Ark. After ascending the mountain, he fell asleep through the influence of God, and the angel of the Lord placed the reliquary of the Ark under his head. In a dream, the angel instructs St. Hakob to awaken, take the relic, and descend from the mountain. In addition to the pieces displayed, during archaeological excavations which were conducted due to renovation work of the Holy Altar, remnants of the original Holy Altar, founded by St. Gregory the Illuminator, dating back to 301-303 AD, were discovered.

Show on map 22 km from Yerevan center
Region: Armavir

Tsaghkadzor

Tsaghkadzor city (“Valley of flowers”) is considered to be one of the most popular winter resorts of Armenia. It is one of the places of our mountainous country, where the beauty of the nature appears with its whole variety. Tsaghkadzor is situated in Kotayk region, 50 kilometers North from Yerevan, on the eastern slope of Teghenis Mountain and is surrounded with virginal woods and alpine meadows.

Show on map 60 km from Yerevan center
Region: Kotayk

Tsitsernakaberd

The memorial-complex to the victims of the Armenian genocide towers over Tsitsernakaberd hill. At the center of the monument there is the Memorial Sepulcher with eternal flame and twelve, tall basalt slabs leaning over the flame. As a part of the Monument the arrow-shaped 44 meters high granite stele symbolizes the spiritual rebirth and bold spirit of the Armenian people. The Genocide Museum is a special constituent part of the complex. The exhibit contains many large photos taken by the witnesses, archival documents, documentary films and the original documents issued by international organizations and parliaments of foreign countries condemning the Genocide.

Show on map 5 km from Yerevan center
Region: Yerevan

Zvartnots temple

This marvelous temple is a result of skillfulness and brave creativity of Armenian architects of the 7th century. Having been built on several columns it could survive only till the 10th century. When in the beginning of the 20th century this site was being excavated many specialists could hardly accept its reconstruction model designed by famous Armenian architect Toros Toramanyan as it was difficult to believe that such a huge and complicated construction could have been built those days, and amazingly at that time one of the bas-relieves of St. Chapelle church in Paris came to prove Toramanyan’s version; the bas-relief depicts Zvartnots temple with Noah’s Ark and it looks like the model represented by the architect.

Show on map 20 km from Yerevan center
Region: Armavir