One of the oldest states in Europe has a glorious history, and people were able to carry through the centuries the national flavor and preserve unique folk traditions.
The oldest architectural buildings have been preserved since the time of Urartu, and man-made monuments and magnificent buildings of the Middle Ages and the New Age harmoniously fit into the picturesque natural landscape of the country. So we’ll go to Transcaucasia and visit the most beautiful places in Armenia.
Lake Sevan
The starting point of our trip will be the visiting card of the natural resources of Armenia - a magnificent mountain lake, on the banks of which the ancestor of the Armenian people lived in antiquity.
The pearl of the country is located among the mountain ranges at an altitude of 1,916 meters. Around the beautiful natural complex, excellent conditions have been created for recreation and tourism, and nature is simply mesmerizing and energizing with positive energy.
Observatory Karahunge
The oldest megalithic complex in Armenian sounds Zorats-Karer, and translates as "stone army". Most likely, this is an ancient Neolithic sanctuary, which was also used to observe celestial objects.
It is located near the city of Sisian on a mountain plateau. Near the monument, archaeologists explored the settlement and the grave complex of the III millennium BC.
Mount Ararat
The real pride of the proud people, Mount Ararat, although located on the territory of Turkey, is visible from Armenia, and was once an integral part of the Armenian Empire.
Both peaks of the mountain, rising to a height of 5,165 meters, are considered sacred. After all, the Bible also indicates that it was here that Noah's ark stuck, who saved all life from the flood.
At one time, the sacred mountain was depicted both on Turkish lira and on the monetary unit of Armenia - drams.
Ararat is a sleeping volcano that was quite active in the third millennium BC. During the excavations, the remains of human bodies that died from ancient eruptions were found. Well, the last time Ararat erupted in 1840 AD.
Tatev Monastery
As you know, Armenia is one of the first countries that adopted Christianity, and therefore there are many Christian shrines here. One of them is a magnificent monastery complex located in the mountains near the city of Goris.
It was founded at the turn of the 9th-10th centuries, and for a long time was the spiritual center of the eastern highlands of Armenia.
An interesting story is the name. “Tatev” in translation from Armenian sounds like “it will give wings”. Tradition says that the architect, having completed the construction, stood on the edge of the gorge and flew away, because God gave him wings.
Sanahin
Another amazing monastery is located near the village of Sanahin in the north of the country.
The majestic monument of Armenian architecture was erected in the 10th century, and among the numerous brethren were the most famous scientists and thinkers of Armenia.
Today, the cathedral, arch bridge and churches of the monastery complex are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and are protected by the state.
Church of St. Hripsime
A magnificent architectural monument was erected in the city of Vagharshapat in the middle of the 17th century, where, according to giving, there was an ancient temple, and Saint Hripsime was killed.
Tourists come here to admire the majestic architecture that combines local traditions with traditional Christian elements of architecture.
All the grandeur and grace of the monument of Armenian architecture can be seen in the photo, both the external elements and the interior.
Matenadaran
Every Armenian can be proud that in Yerevan there is a research center in which the most ancient witnesses of the history of Armenia and not only are kept.
The manuscript repository is named after the outstanding scientist, creator of the Armenian alphabet of St. Mesrop Mashtots. The collection began in the 20s of the last century, and today the collections contain the rarest written sources.
This house in Armenia is a real temple of science and historical memory of a hospitable and good-natured people.
Echmiadzin Cathedral
This monumental cathedral was built in the IV century, and today it is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world. Today it is the main temple of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
The construction date is very conditional, because the building was erected and rebuilt for several centuries, and in the modern history of the country this is one of the main attractions and the pride of the people.
Like all early temples, he knows how to strict lines, excellent decoration, and spire-shaped domes complement the beauty.
Mihra Temple in Garni
From the architectural style of construction and beauty, this temple is rightly called the Armenian Parthenon. It’s fashionable to find a description in any country guide.
And, truly, the temple in the town of Garni can be mistaken for an ancient shrine, and yet it dates back its history from the 1st century. As a result of a powerful earthquake in 1679, it was completely destroyed, but restored to its original appearance.
From the steps of the temple, magnificent landscapes open up to the mountain peaks and green valleys of the Armenian Highlands.
Erebuni Fortress
Another ancient witness to the history of the country, the Erebuni fortress, was once the capital more than 2.5 thousand years ago.
This is the first surviving defensive structure of this type on the territory of Transcaucasia. As a result of archaeological research, a wealth of material was collected about the life and life of the population of Urartu.
Today it is a large museum complex, and all archaeological work is preserved.
Yerevan cascade
Do not forget to mention the sights of the recent past, which undoubtedly include the magnificent cascade in the capital city of Yerevan.
Artistically decorated stairs adorn sculptures, flower beds, and fountains. This miracle of architecture on the Kanaker hills is a real decoration of the city, and from the observation deck on the top of the hill you can enjoy magnificent views of Yerevan.
Tsitsernakaberd
We conclude the journey at the memorial complex, which recalls the tragic page in the history of the Armenian people, namely the genocide by the Turks at the beginning of the twentieth century.
A stela, 44 meters high, stands on the hill of the same name, and below it there is an eternal flame in memory of the victims.
There is also a historical museum nearby, which contains facts and materials about those events of the past. Annually, memorial events and rallies are held at the Sorrow Memorial.
And some more amazing photos of Armenia
In the photo: Tatev Monastery
In the photo: beautiful Yerevan
The man-made and natural sights of Armenia are rightfully the treasury of Mankind. Thousands of tourists annually visit this wonderful country to touch the ancient history and see the majestic mountain landscapes of Transcaucasia.
Article author: Valery Skiba