Armenia is one of the most ancient countries in the world. Its history dates back to the third millennium BCE, which makes it older than even the great civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt. Since that time, Armenia has been conquered, destroyed, restored and rebuilt again many times. This has resulted in a stunningly beautiful country with an amazing diversity of natural environments as well as historical landmarks. Armenia is a small but densely populated country situated between Europe and Asia. It shares its borders with Georgia to the north, Azerbaijan to the east, Iran to the south and Turkey (and a short stretch of sea) to the northwest. In addition to its size, another factor that makes Armenia stand out from other countries in this region is its abundance of medieval architectural sites and other noteworthy landmarks dating back to different eras.
Here is the list of places you must visit in Armenia when you are planning your next trip to Armenia:
Table of Contents
1. Yerevan | Places You Must Visit In Armenia
Undoubtedly the largest and best city to visit in Armenia, the capital Yerevan is a great place you must visit in Armenia to begin for anymore wishing to tour Armenia. The city is home to the grand Republic Square, while climbing the Cascadeto see the city’s monument to Soviet victory in the Second World War is a must. Yerevan is an enormously historic city and visiting the Armenian Genocide Memorial is a must to learn more about the nation’s problematic past.
Vernissage flea market is valuation visiting too – it is open at the weekend – it is open at the weekend – while a walk through the Hrazdan gorge is also completely suggested. Much of what Armenia has to give can be visited during day trips from Yerevan, which is known as the city of cafes. Yerevan is also home to Blue Mosque, which is the Mosque only in the complete of the country, as well as Levon’s stunning underground world, which is one of Europe’s most uncommon attractions.
2. Shikahogh State Reserve
This is second largest forest reserve in Aremenia, Shikahogh State Reserve is so unimpaired that huge parts of it sustain unexplored to this day. The forest is feel to be home to animals including leopards, bears, wild goats and vipers and it is also opinion that Shikahoga State Reserve has about 1,100 species of plants, although its fauna has not so far been completely explored. The reserve was menaced by a planned highway in 2005, but environments successfully persuaded for the forest’s future to be protected. The reserve also has a lots of very beautiful waterfalls to enjoy.
3. Lake Sevan | Places You Must Visit In Armenia
This is heart of Armenia, is the country’s largest lake and a beautiful place to visit during a break in the country. The lake is covered by some amazing monasteries – the most majestic of them being possibly the Sevanavank Monastery – offering a illustrious scenic backdrop to a relaxing visit. Windsurfing is among the recreation activities available at the lake, which also has a extensive choice of excellent seafood restaurants along its shore. Lake Seven has a lots of famous beaches and, as the country has no coastline, this is the place in Armenia to Sunbathe, with Seven Bay and its nearby spectacular scenery.
4. Dilijan national park
Armenia has four national parks and Dilijan national park may be the most stunning of the pretty quartet. The park, which was only built in 2002, is popular for its medicinal mineral water springs, as well as its natural monuments. Lots of Armenia’s more important cultural locations can be found within he grounds of the park, like Haghartsin Monastery, Goshavank Monastery nd Jukhtak Vank, as well as Matosavank Monastery and the Akhnabat church. The Aghestev and Getik river basins are also both within the boundaries of Dilijan national park.
5. Mount Aragats | Places You Must Visit In Armenia
Mount Aragats is one of Armenia’s most amazing natural views, with the dormant volcano situated in the north of the country. It is Armenia’s highest peak and there are many rock art’s to be enjoyed around its base, with paintings of animals and human- like figures dating back hundreds of years. Snow cover peaks almost all year-around but Mount Aragats can be climbed, with July, August and September the best times of the year to try hiking. The southernmost of the four peaks is the simplest to climb, while the northern peak, at around 4,000 meter’s, is the most challenging.
6. Lake Arpi | Places You Must Visit In Armenia
While Lake Sevan can be exceedingly crowded during the peak tourist season, Lake Arpi has a much more relaxed feel. Used for irrigation and hydropower production, lake Arpi is also the source of the Akhurian River. In 2009 a new park was established around the lake to safe the natural environment, with around 100 species of birds known to live in the area. Lake Arpi also hosts rich flora and fauna and is a Ramsar Convention protected site. Lake Arpi has one the largest colonies of Armenian Gull and its recreation activities include camping and walking tours.
7. Noravank | Places You Must Visit In Armenia
Monasteries are one of Armenia’s describing characteristics and the example at Noravank is one of the most beautiful in the complete country. Sheer brick-red cliffs shield the monastery, which was built in the 13th century. Noravank is popular for its Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) church, while the story goes that the monastery was saved by God.
8. Geghard Monastery
This beautiful monastery is located in a small village in the Vayots Dzor region of Armenia. It was founded in the 10th century by a king named Ashot Bagratuni and was later rebuilt in 1213. The monastery has been destroyed and rebuilt several times since then, but the most recent restoration was completed in 2004. The monastery is known for its collection of khachkars (Armenian stone crosses). Which are considered to be among the most beautiful place in Armenia in the world. A khachkar is a carved stone cross that became an unofficial symbol of the Armenian people and their culture. The most famous khachkar at Geghard is the Cross with the Inscription dedicated to the memory of the Bagratid dynasty that ruled over Eastern Armenia from the 9th to the 11th centuries.
9. Dendropark Nature Reserve
The Dendropark Nature Reserve is a protected, forested area of about 12 square kilometers located about 10 km southwest of the city of Gyumri. It was established in 1968, although it had been used as a logging area since the 1930s. The main purpose of the nature reserve at that time was to preserve the endangered Huybulagh river, a tributary of the Arpa river, which flows through the city of Gyumri. Since then, the area has also been used for research and education. In 1991, the Dendropark was recognized as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. At present, the Dendropark serves as a natural laboratory for local and international researchers interested in the study of forest ecosystems and their biodiversity, with particular focus on trees and fungi.
10. Etchmiadzin Cathedral
Etchmiadzin Cathedral is the mother church of all Armenians and the center of the Armenian Apostolic Church. It is located in the city of Vagharshapat, which was once the capital of Greater Armenia. The cathedral was built in the 4th century as a royal temple. But it was converted into a cathedral in the 6th century. Etchmiadzin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, since it is considered to be one of the oldest and most significant churches in the world. Etchmiadzin is also the most important tourist attraction in Armenia, as it is visited by thousands of Armenians and foreign tourists every year.
11. St. Thaddeus and St. Stephanos Armenian Church
The St. Thaddeus and St. Stepanos Armenian Church is a beautiful and unique architectural landmark located in the town of Aghtsk. The church was built in the 10th century and is one of the few churches in the world that is dedicated to St. Thaddeus and St. Stepanos. These two saints are considered to be the patrons of Armenian pilgrims. The church has a unique shape and style that unites elements of both Eastern and Western architecture. It is considered to be one of the best examples of Classical Armenian Architecture. And has been declared a national architectural monument of Armenia. The church is a popular tourist attraction in the area and is visited by thousands of tourists every year.
12. Ruins of Ani | Places You Must Visit In Armenia
Ani was once a thriving city located on the border between Asia and Europe. It was the capital of the Armenian kingdom from 961 to 1045, when it was conquered by the Seljuk Turks. Ani remained under Turkish rule until it was captured by the Russian army in 1829. The city was almost completely abandoned at that time. And the only remains of this once great city are the ruins. Ani was a major trade center in its time and was known for its architecture. Which combined eastern and western influences. The ruins are a popular tourist attraction and are often referred to as the “City of a Thousand Churches” in reference to the numerous churches that were built in the city throughout its history.
13. Yereruyk Fortress
Yereruyk Fortress is a 12th-century fortified Armenian castle located on a hill near the town of Oshakan in southern Armenia. The castle was built in 1185 by a local prince named Ivane Mkhargrdzeli. Yereruyk is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Armenia. It has been declared a national architectural monument of the country and is a popular tourist attraction. The castle is also known by the name of the Mkhargrdzeli Fortress or Oshakan Fortress.
14. Shushi Fortress | Places You Must Visit In Armenia
Shushi Fortress is a 14th-century Armenian fortress near the city of Shushi in the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh. It was built as a fortification against attacks by Turkic tribes. The fortress was later conquered by the Persians, and it was used as a prison until the 20th century. It was destroyed during the Nagorno-Karabakh War. But it has since been partially restored and is currently used as a public park.
15. Lori Castle | Places You Must Visit In Armenia
The Lori Castle is a 12th-century Armenian castle located in the southern Lori region of Armenia. It is also known as the Gugark Fortress or Gugark Van. The castle served as a major defensive structure for the local Armenians against frequent attacks by the neighboring Georgian kingdom. It was most active during the rule of King George III of Georgia. Who attempted to expand his territory into the Lori region.
Conclusion
As you can see, Armenia is a country with a lot of history and culture. If you are planning to travel to this country, you can start by reading this article. You can visit the Top 15 Places You Must Visit in Armenia. You can also visit the other places You Must Visit in Armenia as they are beautiful as well. To know more visit this site. This article will help you to plan your trip better. So, start planning your trip right now!