If you are planning a trip to Armenia, you are most likely wondering where to go and how best to spend your time. This country holds amazing contrasts: ancient monasteries, delicious cuisine, mountain landscapes that usually need to cross continents to see. Armenia really unites everything. Here are the top 10 best places to visit in Armenia that will help you truly understand this amazing country — its culture, history and natural beauty.
Yerevan
Of course, you should start your journey from Yerevan— the heart of Armenia. There are too many interesting things in this city to do everything in one visit: Cascade, Republic Square,Opera House, cozy cafes, art galleries and charming streets of pink tuff.
! The Council: it is better to choose a hotel in the city center — all the main attractions are within walking distance: Cascade, Parajanov Museum, Opera House, Republic Square and Historical Museum of Armenia.
Etchmiadzin (Vagharshapat)
Photo author: @nataliya_sushkova.
The spiritual center of Armenia and one of the oldest Christian shrines in the world, included in the UNESCO Heritage List. There is a special sanctity and peace here. Etchmiadzin is not only a place of prayer, but also a center of culture, ancient arts and crafts.
! Advice: be sure to visit Etchmiadzin Cathedral — the first Christian church in the world, as well as temples Saint Hripsime and Saint Gayane, masterpieces of early Medieval architecture. And then go to Machanents Tun, a museum restaurant with national cuisine, art and a cozy atmosphere.
Garni Temple
The only surviving pagan temple of the Hellenistic period in Armenia and the entire region. Nearby there are ruins of ancient Roman baths with mosaic fragments. The temple was dedicated to the sun god Mitra and still impresses with its harmony and beauty.
!Tip: do not miss the Symphony of stones — amazing basalt rocks in the gorge of the Azat River, as well as monastics Geghard, carved right out of the rock. Together they create an ideal route for a day trip from Yerevan.
Geghard Monastery
Geghard is a monastery carved into the rock and one of the most impressive monuments of Armenia, included in the UNESCO list. Half of the complex is literally carved out of a monolith, while the other part seems to merge with the mountainous landscape. There is silence, coolness and a feeling of eternity.
!Tip: arrive in the morning, while there are fewer tourists, and combine the trip with the temple of Garni and the Symphony of Stones — all three places are nearby. Even in summer, bring a light jacket: it’s cool inside the monastery.
Lake Sevan
The heart of Armenia is the mountainous Lake Sevan, sparkling with all shades of blue. The air here is clear, mountainous, and filled with the scent of pine trees. Coastal cafes serve fresh Sevan whitefish fried with lemon and herbs.
! Tip: arrive at dawn or dusk — the lake turns intogold and pink tones. Be sure to go up to the Sevanavank Monastery on the peninsula — from there you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama. Combine the trip with a visit to Dilijan or Hayravank Monastery, and try the famous Sevan trout at the restaurant.Yasaman— the visit will be incomplete without her!
Dilijan National Park
Photo from the website mustseespots.com
If you need a rest of your soul, Dilijan — the perfect place. It is called “Armenian Switzerland” for its clean air, coniferous forests and mountain landscapes. Here you can walk along forest trails, listen to birdsong and just enjoy nature.
! Advice: visit the monasteries of Haghartsin and Goshavank, surrounded by greenery, and be sure to visit Lake Parz. Try the local food — it’s homemade, flavorful, and especially delicious in the mountains.
Tatev
For adventure lovers, there is the Tatev Monastery, located high above the Vorotan Gorge. It offers stunning views of the valley and mountains. The place is filled with spiritual power and history, as if the breath of centuries can be heard here.
! Tip: it’s better to get here by cable car “Wings of Tatev“ is the longest reversible cable car in the world (almost 6 km). The flight over the gorge takes about 12 minutes and provides unforgettable views. The best time to travel is from late spring to autumn.
Khor Virap Monastery
It is simply impossible to visit Armenia and not see Khor Virap. It offers the best view of the biblical Mount Ararat. According to legend, it was here that Saint Gregory the Illuminator spent 13 years in prison before he baptized Tsar Trdat III and made Armenia the first Christian country.
! Advice: come in the morning or at sunset — the light is especially beautiful at this time. Take photos against the background of Ararat and, if desired, combine the trip with the Arensky wine region or the Noravank Monastery.
Noravank Monastery
Noravank is one of the most picturesque places in Armenia. The monastery is located among the red rocks of the Vayots Dzor gorge and it seems as if it grows out of the very rock. Unique khachkars and the church Surb Astvatsatsin with its elegant facade are considered masterpieces of medieval art.
Photo from the website mustseespots.com .
! Tip: come after lunch, when the sun’s rays turn the rocks golden red. There is a village nearby Areni is the center of Armenian winemaking. Be sure to try the local wine and visit the cellars.
Gyumri
If you want to feel the soul of Armenia, go to Gyumri. This is a city with character — good humor, art and warmth. The streets here are full of life, old buildings and creative workshops.
Here and above photo: Anahit Minasyan and Gayane Ayvazyan. Source — 34travel.me .
! Tip: visit the Black Fortress, The Museum of Illusions, The Gallery of the Aslamazian Sisters and Museum of Urban Life and Architecture. And in the evening, take a look at the legendary cafe Ponchik Monchik — it serves delicious desserts and has a real Gyumri atmosphere.
