Actual topics of Armenia

Yerevan

ArmeniA ASD

Mount Ararat

Modern Art Museum

Sergei Parajanov Museum

Matenadaran

20 Reasons To Visit Armenia

History of Armenia dates back to ancient times since the formation of civilization. Tourists visiting Armenia will have an opportunity to not only feel its modernity but also touch its history of the past millennia.

You can find unique Christian architectural monuments everywhere. Armenian monasteries and convents do not have a splendid view like Catholic churches, instead they are so eminent that an inimitable emotion touches every visitor. Such monasteries are Holy Etchmiadzin Cathedral, Tatev Monastery, Karmravank, other basilica and domed churches of early Christian years. Armenia has preserved many bridge ruins with which traders crossed the famous Silk Road. It’s wort visiting Areni cave where the oldest wine-making place dating back to the 4th millennium was founded. It would also be spectacular to see 5500-year-old leather shoes, Karahounge which is one of the oldest observatories in the world, having a history of 7500 years. This country was the first to adopt Christianity as a state religion in 301.

      It’s worth visiting Armenia at least once to…

        Walk around Yerevan streets and feel safe

Yerevan - founded in 782 BC, being one of the oldest cities - was formerly called Erebuni. Visiting “Erebuni” archeological museum you will learn the 3000-year-old history of the city.

Today the city has a special loveliness. In summer evenings the main square is full. Tourists and locals come to admire the musical fountains. The Freedom Square next to Opera and Ballet Theatre building is also crowded. All the area next to Swan Lake and open air cafes are so lively till late night that tourists may think there is some kind of celebration there.

Yerevan is one of the fewest cities which is divided by a gorge of influential scales. You can find Hrazdan gorge right in the city and enjoy the natural beauty of Hrazdan River or have a cup of coffee in a café built on it.

Architectural and cultural complex “Cascade" is one of the symbols of Yerevan. It is attractive not only with its unique architectural solutions but also with a number of sculptures placed all over the area of the complex. Cascade is a lovely place both for the citizens and the city guests.

Republic Square by Alexander Tamanyan is the masterpiece of the Armenian architectural mind. The square includes the Government Building, “Marriott Armenia” Hotel, National Gallery, and History Museum of Armenia. One of the symbols of Yerevan is also the Statue of David Sassoon, the main character of the national epic, by Yervand Kochar.

       See Mount Ararat

Noah stopped on this Biblical mountain with his ark. Seeing Ararat and feeling the whole depth and mystery, it will become clear for everyone why all the Armenians from different corners of the world have a special treatment to Ararat. No matter that the mountain is not in the territory of Armenia, Ararat with all its glory can be seen only from this side. Khor Virap monastery facing the mountain makes the panorama more picturesque.

        Be in the Museum of Contemporary Art

The Museum of Contemporary Art - founded in 1972 - was the only one of a kind before the collapse of the USSR. Commonly, fine arts has strong traditions in Armenia. The variety of art movements here prove it. Currently about 2300 exhibits are calculated in the museum, including such prominent Armenian painters and sculptors as Minas Avetisian, Yervand Kochar, Rudolf Khachatrian, Garzu, Gayane Khachatrian and others. Exhibitions of young artists are regularly held here.

      Feel Parajanov in his House-Museum

The House-Museum of the renowned filmmaker Sergei Parajanov has its own place in cultural centers of the Armenian capital. He is more than just a talented artist for his art lovers. Challenging the Soviet totalitarian system with his films Parajanov left a rich cultural heritage. His films “The color of Pomegranates” and “Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors” have gone world famous.

    Choose a Gift from Vernissage

On weekend a part of the park next to Republic Square turns into a market, or as Yerevan inhabitants call - Vernissage. You may see an infinite diversity of works of art, including antique carpets, silverware, antiques of various costs, souvenirs, jewelry, handmade, wooden, stone or ceramic goods, national musical instruments, works of Armenian artists, etc. This list can endlessly go on citing.

      Listen to Jazz Music

It’s no necessary to fly overseas to listen to a quality jazz music. It is also possible to organize in Armenia which is famous with its jazz music since the Soviet era. Jazz has always been loved and played here. You may enjoy Armenian jazz music in “Malkhas” jazz club which was founded by the famous jazzman Levon Malkhasian. Music lovers can also visit Mezzo Classic House Club or listen to live concert at Cafesjian Center for Contemporary Art at the last tier of Cascade.

    Listen to Duduk

It’s impossible to imagine the Armenian national music without Duduk. This instrument sings about the mountain voices, old men mourning and children joy. At first sight, this modest instrument carved from apricot tree has an incredibly touching and sincere sound. It’s already thousands of years Duduk is an inseparable companion of the Armenian nation. It plays both during wedding parties, funerals, birthday parties and baptisms. Due to Jivan Gasparian’s brilliant performances Duduk has become world famous in the past 20 years. You can now listen the sound of this Armenian musical instrument in Hollywood movies and in music projects in different countries. Most recently, Duduk has been included in the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage. By the way, you can buy it as a souvenir at Vernissage.

     Outline the Ancient World with Centuries-old Manuscripts and Colors

Matenadaran after Mesrop Mashtots is the world's largest repository of ancient manuscripts where you can see works of Early and Late Middle Ages Armenian artists. A number of manuscripts are foreign-language, including Arabic, Iranian, Latin, Greek, Ethiopian, ancient Jewish, Syrian, Old Russian and other manuscripts. The number of manuscripts measures more than 17,000, and the number of medieval archived documents – 100,000. It is also a Scientific Research Center, where old manuscripts are continuously being examined. You can see works of artists from various eras. They are all distinguished with high level of skills, expressiveness of the characters and density of bright colors. Many miniature paintings are presented without recovery. Matenadaran was included in UNESCO list of Memory of the World as "Ancient Manuscripts Collection of Mashtots Matenadaran" in 1997.

       Pilgrim to Ancient Churches and Khachkars (Cross Stones)

Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world and the center of Armenian Apostolic church, including mother church, museum, theological seminary and the seat of the Catholicos of All Armenians. The construction place of the monastery was shown by Jesus Christ in Gregory the Illuminator’s dream. The mother cathedral can be considered as the first state Christian sanctuary as it was built in 303, two years after the adoption of Christianity. As you know, Armenia is the first country to adopt it with state level.

Geghard, built in the 4th century, has been a popular pilgrimage place for the Spear relic with which crucified Jesus Christ was wounded. Now the Spear is in Etchmiadzin museum. Geghard is also remarkable with its rocky walls. Part of the complex is caved and decorated with Khachkars carved on it.

Noravank was built in the 13th century among red rocks by the famous architect Momik. Legend says, Momik and the daughter of Prince of Syunik were in love with each other. The Prince agreed to marry his daughter only if Momik builds a monastery in 3 years. The monastery was almost done when the architect was thrown down the church dome by the Prince’s order.

Tatev Monastery, built in the 10th century, seems to grow up from an enormous cliff at the edge of a canyon. It’s 253km far from Yerevan. The road is long but is worth going as it goes through beautiful rocks and waterfalls. Moreover, to reach to Tatev Monastery you will also ride the longest cable car of the world, the length of which is 5752m.

Noratus Khachkar field, being unique of its kind in the world, consists of more than 1000 original khachkars. Khachkars are carved stones in the center of which a cross is carved with symbolic ornaments: grape leaves, pomegranates, icons, etc. Cross is the main and the most popular symbol of Christianity which is not represented in other iconographies as much as in Armenian one. Today Khachkars are included in UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

   Feel the Majesty of Mountain Panorama from the Longest Cable Car in the World

You can reach to Tatev Monastery by the longest cable car which has already been included in Guinness World Records. It has been built recently and is the world’s longest ropeway for passengers. Its length is more than 5.7km with which you’ll reach Tatev in 11 minutes (instead of 40-minute car ride) passing by deep gorges and Vorotan River.

     Witness the Existence of Hellenistic Structure in the Former SSRS

Garni Pagan Temple is the most popular monument with Hellenistic style in Armenia. Garni has served as a country house to Armenian kings for long years. It is the only Hellenistic temple preserved after the adoption of Christianity and the only example of Hellenistic architecture in post-Soviet territory. According to historical sources, Armenian king Trdat I built the temple in the 1st century after coming back from a visit to Roman Emperor Nero. Garni is also spectacular with its location at the edge of a gorge from where you can admire the view to mountain slopes and rocky Azat River.

     See the Relics of Zvartnots Circular Temple

One of the architectural treasures of Armenia is Zvartnots, temple for the happy or the angels. It has stood for about 300 years and was ruined because of a mass earthquake in 930. The construction of Zvartnots took place in 641-643 and continued for about 20 years. According to experts, Zvartnots was a risky attempt and the bravest centripetal composition in Armenian architecture. The outlines of Zvartnots remind of Babylonian ziggurats. It was a three-storied circular temple with 3 declining cylindrical volumes paced on one another and a spherical taper at the top. The temple appearance reflects the intense striving upwards.

    Look at the Sunset from Zorats Karer

The unique monument Karahounge, also known as Zorats Karer is an Armenian observatory of megalithic period built in 4-2th millennia BC. The Armenian observatory built from stones is older than British Stonehenge which was built 3500 years ago. Like the legendary British monument, the Armenian one was also built taking into consideration the stars to use as an observatory.

    Enjoy the blue Lake Sevan

Sevan is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. It is situated approximately 1900m above sea level. Due to its beauty, the lake is also called “Armenian Pearl”, and due to its big sizes – “Armenian Sea”. The area surrounding the lake is an amazing place for spending vacations. You can visit the beautiful Sevan Monastery on the Peninsula built in 874.

   Take Part in Adventure Tours

Adventure-tour lovers will surely like the various ways of entertainment to discover Armenian mountains. In summer and in autumn you can go to Jeep Tours, cross the slopes by roaders, visit old castles on the way and see cave paintings. You may also take part in Tent trips and Step tours up in the mountain peaks, rent a mountain bike and ride around the old villages. In winter you can plan your vacation in the most famous ski resort of Armenia, Tsakhkadzor which is 325km from Yerevan. You can also enjoy the ropeway which is 1966-2815m above sea level.

     Drink Water from the Tap, and Jermuk Mineral Water from Fountains

Water in Armenia comes from mountain rivers. This gives an opportunity to build water fountains everywhere and drink water in summer heat. The locals call them “Poulpoulak”. No other country on the earth has a holiday like Vardavar. No matter you are young or elder, that day everyone pours water on each other. Cautious people who do not want to get wet had better stay at home. That day no one gets offended of anyone.

Highland resort Jermuk is popular with its mineral water, mild climate, 68m waterfall, clear rivers, and Vardenyants mountain pass. You can ski, swim, drink healing mineral water in Jermuk and, of course, enjoy the natural and architectural beauties.

   Taste Dishes of National Cuisine

Armenian cuisine has a great reputation. Armenia is rich with a huge assortment of sujukh, fresh and dried fruits which you can buy from anywhere. The climate and the geography of the country contribute to the fruits here to be the tastiest ones in the world. You can find baskets full of apricots, almonds, and figs in every corner. Apricot is called an Armenian apple, and it is known that they are tasty if grown in Armenia. It’s nice to see how Armenian low-calorie bread Lavash is being made. It has been included in UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

No matter the party is in a luxurious restaurant, a small café or at friends’, the table is always rich with various dishes: cheese, basturma, kyufta, barbecue, tzhvzhik… You’d better come and taste by yourself.

Armenia is rich with its tasty assortment of wine and brandy. Winemaking traditions in Armenia have a history of thousands of years. You may have a Wine Tour in Armenia to taste various wines: Rose, White, Red and Pomegranate. Armenian brandy is so famous that we can even skip telling about it or reminding that it was Churchill’s favorite drink. Best traditions of brandy making are still ongoing. Tourists can take part in tours organized in "Ararat" Brandy Factory in Yerevan.

The classical Armenian breakfast consist of fresh Lavash, Chanakh cheese, fresh tomatoes and a cup of strong coffee, however in the morning you can taste Khash instead, a soup made of beef or lamb legs.

Armenians know how to make meet dishes. Kyufta, barbecue (khorovats), dolma made of grape leaves will make you feel new flavors. Greens lovers will appreciate Djengial bread made of 40 types of greens. This aromatic dish can be tasted either with wine or buttermilk. As a desert, you can have a flaky-baked Gata or dried apricot.

        Enjoy the Armenian Hospitality

No matter that Armenia is one of the most monoethnic countries, Armenians are tolerant and hospitable. If you treat Armenians with respect you’ll surely receive a mutual respect and a desire to be helpful in some way. If you need any help you can bravely approach to any passerby, they will be happy to help, those in the vicinity will also be pleased to assist.

      Feel Local

According to 2015 report by the prestigious "Gallup" research organization, Armenia is in the 9th place of Law and Order Index leaving behind the North American and the Western European countries. During the research many factors have been taken into account, like feeling of security among citizens, their confidence in their police, also security level during a night walk. Both the capital city and other corners of the country are quiet and peaceful.

     Despite all this, Save

Armenia is an accessible tourism destination which is yet not full of tourists. The most expensive hotels cost about $100, to have a meal in the most expensive restaurants costs $10-30, local fast food (Shawarma, Lahmajou) costs just $2-4. To ride on a bust or a metro, you’ll spend $0.20, same about 1km for a taxi ride. Costs are not high for residence as well. You can get enough of food twice more affordable in Armenia than in the USA or Europe.