Armenia is one of the most ancient stateson Earth, this is the first Christian state in history. Back in the 9th-10th centuries BC, a strong state of Urartu existed on Armenian soil. And since then, all historical eras that have passed over the Armenian land have left their traces here. There is nothing strange in the fact that the sights of Armenia arouse genuine interest. The country has a huge number of historical and cultural monuments, by the number of which Armenia is one of the most remarkable in the Old World.
Sights of Yerevan
Main attractions of Armeniaare located in the capital of the state - Yerevan, which is one of the oldest cities on Earth. But many attractions are scattered throughout the Armenian land, and often in the most remote Armenian village you can find a monument that is the property of all mankind. The capital of the state is located in the middle reaches of the Hrazdan River, which is in the very center of the Ararat Valley. In the vicinity of Yerevan there are a large number of ancient and cultural monuments and, of course, first of all you should visit the magnificent Echmiadzin, which occupies a leading place in the cultural and historical heritage of the Armenian people. This is the center of the Armenian Gregorian Church, it is considered the "heart of Armenia" and the residence of the Catholicos. You should definitely visit the ancient monastery of Kecharis with the churches of the Illuminator (built in 1033), the church of Surb Nshan (built in the 11th century) and Katoghike (13th century), which are no less interesting than the center of the Armenian Gregorian church. In the 12th-13th centuries, this ancient monastery was the spiritual center of the country. After you have seen the sights of Yerevan, you need to go 15 km east of the capital - there lies the impregnable ancient fortress of Garni, which from the 3rd to the 4th centuries AD was the summer residence of the Armenian kings (at present, this fortress has not only the greatest historical and cultural significance, but also archaeological - intensive archaeological excavations are being carried out here. Not far from the fortress of Garni is one of the most ancient monuments of ancient times - the temple of the sun god Mithra, which was built in the 1st century AD.
What can you see outside of Yerevan?
If you drive 7 km northeast from Garni,then you can visit the famous rock monastery of Geghard (which means "spear"), which was built in the 13th century. Having visited this monastery, you can contemplate the magnificent decoration of the temples and cells, which are decorated with amazing art with bizarre bas-reliefs and ornaments. Here are the tombs of members of Armenian aristocratic families and many other masterpieces of underground architecture. All this deservedly brought the monastery of Geghard the glory of one of the most interesting monuments in the history of mankind. 30 km northwest of the capital of Armenia is the city of Ashtarak, which is rich in attractions. You should definitely visit the Karmravor church, which was built in the 7th century. And on the southern slope of Mount Aragats, which is nearby, stands the ancient fortress of Amberd (10-13th centuries). This fortress is the former family estate of Prince Pahlavuni - one of the most famous statesmen and political figures of the Armenian state. It is necessary to visit the ancient churches of Karmravor, Tsiranavor, the Church of St. Marina and St. Sarkis. Also worthy of attention is the Church of Surb Mesrop Mashtots, which is famous for the fact that the relics of the founder of the Armenian alphabet Mesrop Mashtots and Prince Vahan Amatuni rest in it. Of course, the extinct volcano Aragats, which is the highest point in Transcaucasia, is of great interest.
Ancient capitals of Armenia
The sights of Armenia cause great excitementinterest of a large number of tourists from different countries of the world. It is necessary to visit the ancient capital of Armenia Armavir, which is one of the most ancient cities of the country and is located on the banks of the Araks River. It was founded in the 8th century BC as a military fortress. And where the Metsamor River flows into the Araks River, the second ancient capital of the Armenian state Artashat, which is called the "Armenian Carthage", is located. It was founded in the 2nd century BC. Not so far away is the medieval capital of the country, the city of Dvin, which served as a state from the 9th to the 14th centuries. These cities were almost completely destroyed as a result of numerous wars, but thanks to the efforts of archaeologists, these ancient settlements are gradually revealing their secrets to us. Anyone can see the excavations of palaces, estates, citadels, which witnessed the birth of civilization. Tourists should definitely visit Gyumri, which was the capital of the Shirak ashkhar, this city is one of the most ancient in Armenia. At one time, it was almost completely destroyed by an earthquake, but its excavations are of genuine interest. In the vicinity of this ancient city there are still beautiful landscapes, many ancient temples and monasteries have been preserved very well. Few will remain indifferent after visiting the ruins of the ancient fortress of Gyumri, the monastery complex of Harichavank. Admiration is caused by the cathedral in the former capital of the Bagratuni dynasty of kings - Ani, which was built in the 11th century, the famous Harich monastery, which was the summer residence of the Armenian Catholicoses in the 7th century.
Sights of southeast Armenia
Tourists visiting Armenia must definitelyvisit the southeast of the country, namely Zangezur and Vayots Dzor, which amaze with their severe beauty and stunning mountain landscapes. The main attractions of this region are plateaus, mountain valleys, turbulent rivers, narrow mountain gorges, alpine pastures, small mountain lakes and original settlements that are literally stuck to the mountain slopes. The inhabitants of these mountains are proud, freedom-loving and very hospitable people who have successfully resisted foreign invaders for many centuries. Those with a sweet tooth will definitely be offered to taste amazing honey, since it is in this region that the best honey in the country is made, which is famous far beyond its borders. The most picturesque landscapes of Transcaucasia are located here. History buffs should visit the Shatinvkank Monastery, which was built in the 10th century, one of the oldest Zangezur churches Sisivan (7th century). Of undoubted interest is the ancient bridge in Vayodzor, the Noravank monastery complex, which houses the burial vault of one of the most noble families of Armenia, the Orbelians. You should also visit the ruins of the Gladzor University Museum, which was one of the largest centers of education in the Middle Ages, and is now almost destroyed. And what about the picturesque cave settlements of Bartsravane, Shinuhayre, Keres, and one cannot ignore the famous Armenian resort of Jermuk with its healing mineral warm waters. No one will remain indifferent to the protected plane tree grove, which is spread out in the gorge of the Tsav River.
Other attractions of the country
There are thousands in all regions of Armeniaunique historical monuments, many of which are many centuries old. Here we should mention the Hadavank-Khatravank monastery, the ancient church of Surb Stepanos, which is located in Togh. And it will also be very interesting to visit the Koshik desert, which is famous for its amazingly beautiful khachkars, which fully demonstrate the remarkable skill of ancient folk craftsmen and their inexhaustible imagination. Khachkrom is the name of the Armenian cross, which is one of the most important symbols of the country. Stone crosses are scattered throughout the country, which are eloquent evidence of how much suffering this small, proud and freedom-loving people had to endure over many centuries. It is noteworthy that each khachkar is made in its own artistic manner, so it is almost impossible to find completely identical crosses. In this regard, the Armenian khachkar is a self-sufficient monument in history, it is always associated with some event. If you are interested in the sights of this country, you cannot ignore the numerous ancient monuments of Nagorno-Karabakh. Since December 1991, it has been an independent republic under the patronage of Armenia, and visiting it does not cause any problems. It is best to go to Nagorno-Karabakh from Stepanakert, there is a regular bus service. In order to see all the sights of Nagorno-Karabakh, you need to take a taxi or use a car. They will not leave anyone indifferent.
