Explore Armenia
Being the first country to adopt Christianity in the early 4th century, Armenia is bordered by Turkey to the west, Georgia to the north, Azerbaijan to the east and Iran to the south.
Invaded by past empires such as the Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Persian, Ottoman and once belonging to the Soviet Union, Armenia sits on the arbitrary border between Central Asia and Europe clearly sharing elements of both cultures.
Its Christianity roots goes back 1707 centuries around the year 301AD and holds great significance to its people as the country sits in the highlands surrounding the Biblical mountains of Ararat (Mount Masis) upon which Noah’s Ark is said to have rested after the great flood.
Originally and historically a Mazdean Zoroastrian country by religion, Armenia is home to some of the oldest churches in the world with King Tiridates the Great making Christianity the state religion 10 years before the Rome Empire granted the religion an official tolerance and 36 years before Constantine was baptized.
With a rich culture, a language and alphabet created in 405AD, majority of its people speak Armenian, with minor groups speaking Russian. English is growing more in popularity each day.
A must is to experience Armenian heritage through their traditional folk dances with dancers adorned in costumes of deep red and intricate beading amalgamated with beautiful movements making it a cultural dance adored by the world over.
The country has Islamic and Christian neighbours and is one of the most homogeneous populations in the world. Armenia is very easy to experience, thanks to very hospitable people. Even though Armenia is dotted with churches and monasteries, its modern cities and exciting night life bring balance to this rich cultural country.
Regions
Central Armenia:
The political and spiritual capitals of Yerevan and Echmiadzin are located here.
Northern Armenia:
Home to the country’s lush green forests and the Debed river Canyon.
Southern Armenia:
Great for outdoor adventure filled with tall mountain ranges, valleys and gorges.
Lake Sevan Region:
A popular summer beach destination with many resorts to choose form.
Nagorno-Karabakh:
An unrecognized republic that is officially a part of Azerbaijan but has been under Armenian control since 1994.
Highlights
Yerevan:
The capital city and the largest in the country with rich neo-classical architecture with wide avenues resembling Paris and Vienna.
St Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral:
Construction began in 1997 and completed in 2001, this 3822 square meters complex houses 3 churches and the holy remains of St. Gregory brought from Naples, Italy.
Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin:
Built around 301-303 AD by Saint Gregory the Illuminator as a vaulted basilica, it is the oldest state church in the world.
Garni Temple:
Situated approximately 32 km southeast from Yerevan, in the Kotayk Province, is an ancient Roman/Greek temple dedicated to the Sun God Helios.
Geghard Monastery:
Perched above the canyon of the Azat River, the Church of the Virgin Mary called Astvatsatsin constructed in 1215 by the Zakarian family still stands erect among ruins.
The Ararat Cognac Factory:
Offering fine tours and tasting. Note than drinking is legal in Armenia however there is zero tolerance to drink-driving.
Haghpat and Sanahin Monasteries:
An UNESCO Heritage Site located in the Debed Canyon in the Lori-region of North Armenia.
Mt. Ararat:
With a summit of 5165 meters (16,946 feet) above sea level, Ararat is a dormant volcano with its last eruption in 1840.
Clubbing:
Yerevan is known for its night spots around town. Check them out for a fun filled evening with friends.
Climb the Cascades:
Constructed in the 1970s, this huge white stairwell built into a hillside offers breath-taking views of the city and the mountains afar.
Visit the Opera or the Chamber Music Orchestra:
Head over for a cultural or musical experience.
Tour the Getnatun wine Factory:
Located in the Vayots Dzor region, treat yourself to some local wine.
Skiing & Mountaineering:
Try adventure sports at Mt. Aragats, an extinct volcano with four peaks.
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