Armenia lies at an intersection of Europe and Asia, at the foot of the mighty Caucasus Mountains. In ancient times, the country stretched from Iran to the Mediterranean. History has left Armenia much smaller but has bequeathed it a fascinating and diverse cultural heritage.
The first country to adopt Christianity as its state religion in 301BCE, Armenia is replete with world-famous historic churches and cathedrals. Khor Virap, the birthplace of Christianity in Armenia, is a popular tourist destination due to its historical importance and the breathtaking view of Mount Ararat behind it. The Echimiazin Armenian Apostolic Church in the city of Vagharshapat claims to be the oldest cathedral in the world.
For a further glimpse of Armenian antiquity, the city of Zvartnots is home to the ‘temple of ruins’, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Armenia’s capital city, Yerevan, is a great base for trips to other towns and cities. Take a trip to Goris to see the famous cave village of Old Khndzoresk and the beautiful Tatev Monastery. Tatev is reached by the world’s longest ropeway, offering stunning views over the Wings of Tatev mountains. If you’re interested in archaeology, the Areni-1 cave, the oldest wine cave in the world, is a must. Still under excavation, it is accessible to visitors, and many of its remarkable finds are displayed at the Armenian History Museum in Yerevan.
For a unique experience, visit the Letters Monument near Abaran in Aragatsotn Province, where the creation of the modern Armenian alphabet is commemorated in giant stone letters. Armenia offers a wide variety of stunning landscapes, from mountain ranges to deep river valleys to volcanic plateaus. Lake Sevan, which is under 40 miles from Yerevan, is land-locked Armenia’s largest body of water. Hike up to Sevanavank church to enjoy the views, walk along the beach, then end the day with a meal at one of the many lakeside restaurants.
Dilijan, often called the Switzerland of Armenia, also offers superb hiking routes, including the Transcaucasian Trail, Dilijan National Park and Parz Lake. Just over 60 miles from Yerevan, Dilijan’s lush mountain scenery is complemented by the wooden carved balconies of many buildings.
