Cathedral of Echmiadzin The center of Armenian Apostolic church- St. Echmiadzin is located 20 km far from Yerevan. The Cathedral of Echmiadzin was founded at the beginning of the forth century and is one of the oldest churches in the world. According to the legend the church was built in the place where apparition of Jesus Christ was seen to Grigory the Illuminator in the dream. The interior of the church is covered with frescoes created by Hovnatanyan family. The residence of the Catholicos and the Theological Academy are situated near the Cathedral. The Museum "Treasures of Echmiadzin" The Museum "Treasures of Echmiadzin" is situated in the southeast section of the Cathedral. Unique holy relics and religious art are now housed in the museum. Among the many treasures are: the Holy Lance (Geghard) which pierced the side of Christ, housed in a silver reliquary; the relics of Noah's Ark in a reliquary that was created in 1698 and other valuable pieces of art. According to the history, the relic of Noah's Ark, was given to Patriarch St. Hakob (Jacob) of Mts'bna in the fourth century, as he desired to climb the peak of Mount Ararat to find Noah's Ark. Sardarapat This memorial sculptural complex is built in the sunny Ararat valley. By allegories it represents the Armenian-turkish battle in 1918 and glorifies the brilliant victory of Armenian people. Near the entrance of the complex there are two huge winged bulls symbolizing the persistence of Armenian nation and the alley fringed by five eagles leads to the Ethnography museum with a rich exhibition of Armenian culture, trades and crafts.
Zvartnots This marvelous temple is a result of skillfulness and brave creativity of Armenian architects of the 7th century. Having been built on several columns it could survive only till the 10th century. When in the beginning of the 20th century this site was being excavated many specialists could hardly accept its reconstruction model designed by famous Armenian architect Toros Toramanyan as it was difficult to believe that such a huge and complicated construction could have been built those days. Tsitsernakaberd The memorial-complex to the victims of the Armenian genocide towers over Tsitsernakaberd hill. At the center of the monument there is the Memorial Sepulcher with eternal flame and twelve, tall basalt slabs leaning over the flame. As a part of the Monument the arrow-shaped 44 meters high granite ste-le symbolizes the spiritual rebirth and bold spirit of the Armenian people. The Genocide Museum is a special constituent part of the complex. The exhibit contains many large photos taken by the witnesses, archival documents, documentary films and the original documents issued by international organizations. Pantheon Park after Komitas and Pantheon is located in Yerevan s Shengavit District, on the right side of the main Arshakunyats Avenue. Many outstanding figures of Armenia's artistic world are buried here, including Komitas (1869-1935), the founder of Armenian national music, after whom it is named.
Yerablur Yerablur is a military cemetery located on a hilltop in the outskirts of Yerevan, Armenia. Since 1988, Yerablur has become the burial place of Armenian soldiers who lost their lives during the Nagorno- Karabakh war. Many famous Armenian heroes are buried in this military cemetery. Amberd The principal architectural features of medieval fortress-building have found their reflection in this fortress. Having been built on a naturally welldefended cape, Amberd has for long time served as an important military fort. Next to this secular edifice there is a church built in 1026 by the duke VahramPahlavuni. "Armenian alphabet monument" "Armenian alphabet monument" is located in the village of Artashavan, at the east side bottom of Mt. Aragats. It was erected in 2005 to the 1600 anniversary of creation of the Armenian alphabet by the design of the famous Armenian architect Jim Torosyan. The monument is an interesting demonstration of the stone carvings of 39 Armenian letters. The Armenian alphabet has been used to write the Armenian language since the year 405 or 406 and is still used to present Armenian language in written form. It was devised by Saint Mesrop Mashtots, an Armenian linguist and ecclesiastical leader.
Haghpat Situated not far from SanahinHaghpat monastery has its significant place in the historical and cultural life of Armenia. It was built during the reign of king AshotBagratuni. Numerous valuable manuscripts and miniature paintings have been produced in the scriptorium of Haghpat for many centuries. In the 18th century the famous Armenian bard Sayat- Nova used to live and create in this monastery. The belfry with its unique architectural composition is of stunning interest. Sanahin The monastery of Sanahin is on the right bank of Debed River. This architectural complex consists of several churches, seminary, book depository. The building of the seminary, which connects St. Astvatsastin (Holy Mother of God) and Allsaviour churches was from the outset built to make the edifices more earthquake resistant. Tsaghkadzor Tsaghkadzor city ("Valley of flowers") is considered to be one of the most popular winter resorts of Armenia. It is one of the places of our mountainous country, where the beauty of the nature appears with its whole variety. Tsaghkadzor is situated in Kotayk region, 50 kilometers North from Yerevan, on the eastern slope of Teghenis Mountain and is surrounded with virginal woods and alpine meadows.
Noratus The art of khachkar (cross-stone) is the most original manifestation of Armenian medieval culture. Noratus which is truly considered to be a forest of khachkars and open-air museum, displays hundreds of khachkars, the most stunning of which are the so called "embroidered" ones typical to the 13th-14th centuries. This is a unique place, where one can reveal the development of khachkarial art in its historical process. Lake Sevan The fascination and the pearl of mountainous Armenia is Sevan Lake, which is one of the world's greatest high altitude fresh-water lakes. It is about 1900 m above sea level. The lake is of volcanic origin and is surrounded with mountains of 3000 m and higer. The beautiful landscape and the crystal water serve nice preconditions for excellent rest.the lake is also famous for its peninsula and medieval church complex built in 874. Sevanavank A marvelous scene opens in the north-western part of Sevan Lake, where the peninsula towers over the transparent surface of the lake. Sevanavank monastery was built on the peninsula in 874 by the order of king AshotBagratuni's daughter princess Mariam. The silhouette of the churches against the background of the turquoise lake and blue sky casts unexplainable impression on the visitors.
Dilijan Dilijan entices people with its unforgettable beauty and mild climate. The city stretches on the banks of Aghstev river, surrounded with mountains and forests. Dilijan has the fame of a health resort. The warm sun, fresh air and natural spas have great healing influence on people. Dilijan is also rich in interesting architectural monuments. Goshavank Goshavank was founded by the famous medieval scientist, fabulist Mkhitar Gosh. The complex consists of several religious and secular buildings. The unrivalled khachkar put in front of the onenaved basilica was created by the skillful master Poghos in 1291.Goshavank used to be one of the most famous religious and cultural centers in medieval Armenia. Haghartsin Haghartsin monastery situated in the woodlands of Tavush region represents an indescribable example of blend of nature with architecture. It was founded in the 10-11th centuries, though new buildings were added in the 12-13th centuries. Now it consists of St. Grigor, St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God), St. Stepanos churches and some other buildings.the refectory due to its skillful architectural composition is of great interest. The huge oak tree, which is almost at the age of the monastery, completes the whole scene.
Garni Garni temple which towers over a triangular cape, is the unique survived example of heathen culture in Armenia. It is a blend of Greco-Roman and Armenian styles. King Trdat the First ordered building the temple in the first century A.D. and dedicated it to the God of Sun. After adopting Christianity in 301 the pagan temple lost its significance and the fortress of Garni became the summer residence of the kings. Nowadays the ruins of the royal palace and the bathroom with a stunning mosaic work can be found near the temple. Geghard Geghard monastery is the unsurpassable masterpiece of the 13th century Armenian architecture. Some of the churches of the complex are masterfully hewn in a huge rock. From the outset the complex was called Ayrivank (cave monastery), later it was renamed Geghard (lance), as the lance used by the roman soldier to sting Jesus Christ's side, was kept in this monastery for many centuries. Due to its construction Geghardavank serves the best place for singing spiritual songs. The complex is rich in subtle sculptural embellishments and many striking khachkars (cross-stones). Khor Virap Khor Virap is the most famous pilgrimage site in Armenia, as it is directly connected with the adoption of Christianity. As a state religion Christianity in Armenia was adopted in 301 due to endeavors of Saint Gregory the Illuminator, who before converting king Trdat the 3rd to Christianity, was imprisoned in the dungeon over which a church of Khor Virap monastery was built in the 17th century. From the monastery one can admire the stunning view of the Biblical Mount Ararat.
Noravank Passing a narrow road surrounded by rocks of hundred caves one discovers a scene of harmony of architecture with nature. The monastery enshrined with fine architectural solutions and luxurious embellishments is one of the brightest examples of Armenian architecture of the 13th century. Noravank consists of St. Karapet, St. Grigory the Illuminator churches and St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) twostorey church, which is notable for its ideal constructive and sculptural work. Jermuk The famous health resort Jermuk is in the northeastern part of VayotsDzor. Jermuk mineral waters have been famous for their medicinal properties since early medieval. A special drinking gallery has been constructed for visitors, along which pump rooms with mineral water are lined up.the water temperature varies from 30 to 50 degrees C. Tatev monastery Among the architectural pillars of Zangezour the monastery of Tatev doesn't have its rivals. This used to be wealthiest medieval monastery in Armenia. Besides being a religious center Tatev was also the important strategical center of Syunik kingdom. Being situated on a naturally defended place Tatevmonastery has always been an impregnable fortress for alien. In non-stable political conditions the several secret ways in the territory of the fortress led the way to the canyon and served as a link between the monastery and external world.
Tatev Ropeway Church bells were ringing loud in Tatev on October 16 of 2010, heralding the launch of a program to revive a medieval monastic complex and the opening of an aerial tramway called Wings of Tatev. The 5.7-kilometer ropeway was built within 11 months, passes through a deep gorge of the River Vorotan and over hills covered with lush forests. The tramway is supported by three towers between its two terminals. One terminal is on a hill overlooking the village of Halidzor and the other is near Tatev Monastery, on the road to Tatev village. Two cabins operate at once, traveling in opposite directions. Goris Goris is one of the main cities of Syunik region. This park-city, despite the natural cuts, has a wellorganized ground plan. The city is surrounded with woody mountains and just next to the forests there are stunning pyramidical rocks which seem to scratch the clouds. Due to its exceptional nature Goris is considered the "beauty" of Zangezour. Khndzoresk Khndzoresk is located at a distance of 8 km from Goris. The village is famous for its natural stone carpets. Old Khndzoresk is situated on the two slopes of the mountainous valley. There were no flat areas on those slopes for building settlements and for this reason people used caves. During the national liberation movement of Syunik (1722-1730) due to its inaccessible geographical position Khndzo-resk served as a stronghold for Syunik.
Karahunj The scientific expeditions proved Karahunj to be one of the oldest observatories in the world. It is said to be about 7500 years old. Some of the precisingly arranged huge stones have holes bored into them, which were used for astrological observations. The petroglyphs found nearby Karahunj reveal that the early inhabitants in Armenia were well aware of astrology. Selim The Selim pass connecting Vayots Dzor and Gegharkunik districts, has been an important trade route from times immemorial. The long caravans with loaded camels were passing this way. Perceiving the necessity of having a place to stop after long and tiring journeys the Armenian duke Chesar Orbelian in 1332 ordered building a caravansary on this long serpentine road of Selim pass. This is a three nave building lightened only through the windows on the ceiling as out of security concern they foresaw no windows on the walls. Erebuni Museum The fortress of Erebuni is on Arin-Berd hill. It was built in 782 B.C. by the Urartian king Argishti the first. During the excavations started in the 20th century a cuneiform inscription was found, according to which the history of nowadays Yerevan starts from this place. On the top of the hill the ruins of the citadel and the frescoes on the wall reveal the high artistic achievements of those remote centuries. The museum down the hill displays the findings that have been excavated in the territory of the fortress.
Yerevan Zoo Yerevan Zoo was established in 1940. At present the zoo is home to about 2749 individuals representing 204 species. Species representing the South Caucasus and Armenia include brown bears, Bezoar goats, vipers, Armenian mouflon, and black vultures. Other species at the zoo from around the world include lions, tigers, hyenas, etc. Blue Mosque Blue Mosque is the only operating mosque in Armenia. During the Soviet era, because of secularist policy, the Mosque stopped its services and became the Museum of Yerevan. After the independence of Armenia, with the support from Iranian government, the premises again started acting as a Mosque. St. Grigor Lusavorich Church St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Yerevan was solemnly consecrated in 2001. It was built on the occasion of 1700 th anniversary of Christianity in Armenia and symbolically seats 1700 people. The church is in a large park next to one of the central streets of Yerevan.
Vardan Mamikonyan monument Vardan Mamikonian, also known as Saint Vardan, was an Armenian military leader, a martyr and a saint of the Armenian Church. Vardan Mamikonian, a member of the Mamikonian family, is revered as one of the greatest military and spiritual leaders of Christian Armenia in the 5 th century. Major Armenian churches are named after Saint Vardan. A major equestrian statue representing him is located in the Armenian capital Yerevan. Lovers Park Located on the nicely-paved and tree-lined Baghramyan Avenue, Lover s Park is a year-round open getaway. Japanese traditional landscaping has been a major source of inspiration for the park s design project. One of the highlights of the park is the stone compositions and sculptures, which feature decorative lighting at night. There are benches in the park, honoring the 60th anniversary of the UK Queen Elizabeth II s reign. Also, you can find a very unique bench of conciliation in the park. Circle Gardens This is one of the most favorite parks of the youth, visited by a large number of students, which is due to the park s location close to some of Yerevan s most popular universities, including the famous State University of Yerevan. It's the longest park of Yerevan, stretching along the territory called "Small Center". The park teems with nice cafes, gorgeous, kid-friendly attractions and rides. Of great interest is the park s majestic fountain and the artificial lake.
Sasuntsi Davit monument In the centre of the square, surrounded by the Railway Workers Cultural Centre, a cinema and residential blocks, stands the statue of Davit Sasuntsi, a mythological hero of the Armenian folk epic poem. The sculptor was Yervand Kochar. From generation to generation, from century to century, people have handed down tales of Davit's deeds, his gigantic strength. The episode of the crucial battle when Davit, unwilling to shed the blood of the enemy soldiers, challenged their leader Msyrmelik, ruler of the Arab caliphate of Msyr, to a duel and defeated him, is particularly enthralling.