The only thing better than visiting Armenia is living here. Armenia is becoming an increasingly popular tourist attraction boasting a rich history and ancient historical landmarks and those who visit Armenia once, remember it for a long time and dream of visiting it once again. Every visitor discovers a rich cultural heritage where ancient sights and delicious food abound.
Armenia, which was the first country to declare Christianity as a state religion, boasts most stunning views, with the peak of Mount Ararat. Despite its peak lying now over the Turkish border Ararat is considered holy as it is mentioned in The Bible as a place where Noah’s Ark landed, later he settled in the Ararat Valley with his family. This awe-inspiring mountain is beautiful in any season and is the national symbol of Armenia. The very first church built in Armenia was the Echmiadzin Cathedral, which became the first Christian cathedral in the world. Armenia is home to countless beautiful monasteries and they are often found in areas of truly outstanding natural beauty. For a breathtaking view, drive out of Yerevan to the monastery of the Monastery of Khor Virap and Noravank.
When you visit Armenia, make sure to fly over the deep gorge to the Monastery of Tatev, a magnificent medieval Armenian architecture. You can get to the Monastry of Tatev by the shortest, most picturesque and impressive route called Wings of Tatev; the longest reversible cableway in the world (5752 m), recorded in the Guinness Book of Records.
Lake Sevan is a pearl in Armenia. This amazing lake is the largest and possibly the most beautiful in the Caucasus. You can also explore the monastic complex of Sevanavank, built in 874, located nearby.
Yerevan is home to the grand Republic Square and if you look from above you can admire a beautiful Armenian rug in the center of the square. The singing and dancing fountains in the Republic Square are very nice, especially at night.
Housed in a vast flight of stone steps known as the Cascade, this arts centre is one of the major cultural attractions built according to architect Alexander Tamanyan’s plan. Later Armenian-American philanthropist Gerard Cafesjian transformed it into a multi-level contemporary arts space.
Yerevan is a deeply historic city and visiting the Armenian Genocide Memorial is a must to learn more about the nation’s troubled past.
Yerevan has become a shopping center due to the malls which opened in recent years. There you can find cinemas which screen the best movies in original. Vernissage flea market is worth visiting too. There you will find handmade souvenirs, colorful traditional rugs and carpets, beautiful paintings and handicrafts. While in Yerevan it is a must for brandy lovers to visit Yerevan Brandy Company and have a guided tour there.
Yerevan is rich in parks and gardens, the most notable of which are Lovers’ Park, Yerevan Botanical Garden, English Park and Tumanyan Park nearby of which you may find Tumo Center for Creative Technologies which is a free of charge digital media learning center.
There are numerous museums and art galleries in Yerevan such as Matenadaran where ancient manuscripts are kept, National Gallery which houses famous Armenian and international painters’ works.
Armenian cuisine is one of the oldest in the whole world. The dishes here are diverse and delicious thanks to the use of lots of spices, herbs, and wild flowers. In Armenia, and especially in Yerevan, there are many traditional restaurants offering a great choice of local dishes. Here you can try matsun (Armenian yogurt), Armenian kyufta (meatballs) or tolma (grape leaves stuffed with minced meat), juicy barbecue or khorovats. As a snack, sample the white Armenian salty cheese and basturma (dried meat with spices). You can wrap this in lavash, Armenian national bread included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. For dessert, the best choice is the Armenian gata or pakhlava.
Due to the favorable climate and the warm rays of the sun, the Armenian land provides a huge amount of juicy fruits and healthy vegetables for its residents. Every year in the summer and autumn the shop shelves are full of a variety of fruits, berries, and vegetables. It is a must to try the famous golden Armenian apricot, which absorbs the bright rays of Armenian sun every year and is guaranteed to please due to its gentle taste and aroma. Duduk, the national instrument is made of apricot tree wood and is famous all over the world due to the sweet melodies it produces.
