What you can see in Armenia?

Contents:

• Attractions Yerevan
• What you can see outside of Yerevan?
• The ancient capital of Armenia
• Attractions southeastern Armenia
• Other attractions of the country

Armenia is one of the oldest states in the world, is the first in the history of the state of Christians. Even in the 9-10 centuries BC on the Armenian land there was a strong state of Urartu. And since all the historical era that swept over the Armenian land, have left their traces here. There is nothing strange in the fact that the sights of Armenia cause genuine interest. The country has a huge number of monuments of history and culture, among which Armenia is one of the most remarkable in the Old World.

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Attractions Yerevan

The main attractions are in the capital of Armenia states - Armenia, which is one of the oldest cities in the world.

But many attractions scattered across the Armenian land, and often in a remote Armenian village you can find the monument, which is the province of all mankind. The state capital is located in the middle reaches of the river Hrazdan, in the heart of the Ararat Valley. In the vicinity of Yerevan is a large number of ancient monuments and culture and, of course, should first visit the magnificent Echmiadzin, which is the cultural and historical heritage of the Armenian people occupies a dominant place. It is the center of the Armenian Gregorian Church, he is considered the "heart of Armenia" and the residence of the Catholicos.

It is necessary to visit an ancient monastery Kecharis with churches Illuminator (it was built in 1033), the church of Surb Nshan (was built in the 11th century) and Katoghike (13th century) that is no less interesting than the center of the Armenian Gregorian Church. In the 12-13 centuries, it is this ancient monastery was the spiritual center of the country.

After the sightseeing of Yerevan, you need to go to 15 kmna east of the capital - there is an impregnable ancient fortress of Garni, which is from the 3rd to the 4th century BC was the summer residence of Armenian kings (now the fortress is not only a major historical and cultural significance but archaeological - there are intensive archaeological excavations. Not far from the fortress of Garni is one of the most ancient monuments of ancient times - the temple of the sun god Mithras, which was built in the 1st century AD.

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What you can see outside of Yerevan?

If you drive 7 km north-east of Garni, you can visit the famous cave monastery Geghard (which means "spear"), which was erected in the 13th century. After visiting the monastery, you can contemplate the magnificent decoration of the temples and cells, which are decorated with striking art bizarre reliefs and ornaments. Here are the tombs of the members of the Armenian aristocratic families and many other masterpieces of underground architecture. All this is brought to the monastery Geghard deserved fame as one of the most interesting monuments in the history of mankind.

30 km north-west of the Armenian capital is Ashtarak city, which is rich in sights. Always worth a visit Karmravor church, which was built in the 7th century. And on the southern slope of Mount Aragats, which is nearby, is the ancient fortress Amberd (10-13 centuries). This castle is the former ancestral estate of Prince Pahlavuni - one of the most well-known public and political figures of the Armenian state.

Be sure to visit the ancient churches Karmravor, Tsiranavor, the church of Agia Marina and St. Sarkis. Also noteworthy is the church of Surb Mesrop Mashtots that the church is known for it relics of the founder of the Armenian alphabet Mesrop Mashtots and Prince Vahan Amatuni. Of course, of great interest is an extinct volcano Aragats which is the highest point on the South Caucasus.

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The ancient capital of Armenia

Sights of Armenia caused great interest among the large number of tourists from different countries of the world. Be sure to visit the ancient capital of Armenia's Armavir, which is one of the oldest cities in the country and is located on the bank of the Araks River. It was founded in the 8th century BC as a military fortress. And where the river flows into the Arax River Metsamor, spread over the ancient capital of the second Armenian state Artashat, which is called the "Armenian Carthage".

It was founded in the 2nd century BC. Not far is the medieval capital city of Dvin which 9 to the 14th century served as a state. These cities are almost totally destroyed as a result of numerous wars, but thanks to the efforts of archaeologists these ancient settlements gradually reveal their secrets. Everyone can see the excavations of the palaces, mansions, citadels, who witnessed the dawn of civilization.

Tourists must visit Gyumri, which is the capital of Shirak Ashkharh, this city is one of the oldest in the territory of Armenia.   At the time, he was almost totally destroyed by an earthquake, but the excavations cause genuine interest. In the vicinity of this ancient city still has beautiful landscapes, very well preserved many ancient temples and monasteries. Few people would be indifferent after visiting the ruins of the ancient fortress of Gyumri, the monastery complex Arichavank. Admiration is the cathedral in the former capital of the dynasty Bagratuni kings - Ani, which was built in the 11th century, the famous monastery Harich, which was the summer residence of Armenian Catholics in the 7th century.

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Attractions southeastern Armenia

Tourists visiting Armenia must visit the southeast of the country, namely Zangezur and Vayotsdzor that hit its rugged beauty and spectacular mountain landscapes. The main attractions of the area - the plateau, mountain valleys, wild rivers, narrow gorges, alpine pastures, small mountain lakes and original settlement that literally cling to the mountain slopes.

The inhabitants of these mountains - proud, freedom-loving and very hospitable people, who for centuries successfully resisted foreign invaders. Lovers of sweet taste necessarily offer stunning honey, because it is in this area is the best honey in the country, which is famous far beyond its borders. Here lie the most zhivopopisnye landscapes of the Caucasus.

History lovers should visit the monastery Shatinvkank, which was erected in the 10th century, one of the oldest churches Sisivan Zangezur (7th century). Unconditional interest is the oldest bridge in Vayodzore, Noravank monastery complex, which houses the tomb of one of the most noble families in Armenia Orbelian.

It is necessary to visit the ruins of the Museum of Gladzor University, which in the Middle Ages was one of the largest centers of education, and now it is almost destroyed. And what are the picturesque cave settlements Bartsravane, Shinuhayr, Keres, but also can not ignore the famous Armenian Jermuk resort with healing mineral warm waters. Nobody will be indifferent reserved plane-tree grove, which stretches to the river gorge Tzav.

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Other attractions of the country

In all regions of Armenia there are thousands of unique historical monuments, many of them for many centuries. Here we should mention the monastery Hadavank-Hatravank, the ancient Church of Surb Stephanos, which is in Togh. And it will be very interesting to visit the desert Kaushik, which is known for its amazing beauty of khachkars that at full strength demonstrates the remarkable skill of the ancient craftsmen and their inexhaustible imagination.

Hachkrom called Armenian cross, which is one of the most important symbols of the country. Across the country, scattered stone crosses, which are eloquent testimony to how much suffering for many centuries had to be moved to this small, proud and freedom-loving people.

It is noteworthy that each cross stone is made in only his inherent artistic style, so finding a completely identical crosses almost impossible. In this regard, the Armenian cross-stone monument is self-sufficient in the history, it is always associated with some event. If you are interested in sights of this country, then we can not ignore his attention numerous ancient monuments of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Since December 1991, he is an independent republic under the patronage of Armenia and his visit did not cause any problems. It is best to go to Nagorno Karabakh from Stepanakert, there is regular bus service operates. In order to see all the sights of Nagorno Karabakh, it is necessary to take a taxi or use the car. They will not leave anyone indifferent.