Armenia is paradise on the Earth, it is the cleanest mountain air, tops of mountains, smooth surface of lakes, a considerable quantity of sacred temples where each stone stores memory of last years.
Armenia is rich with set of cultural and natural monuments, therefore it call «a museum open-air». In territory of Armenia is over 4 thousand unique monuments, among them: monuments of a pre-Christian epoch, monuments of Christian architecture and natural monuments. These are ruins of Urarts Erebuni, Tejshebaini, ancient Armenian capitals of Armavir, Artashata, a pagan temple of Garni, the Echmiadzinsky cathedral, monasteries of Noravank, Gegard, Hor Virap, Goshavank, Sevanavank, ruins of an ancient monastic complex of Zvartnots, a cemetery of hachkars in Noraduj, nature sanctuaries: unique fresh-water lake Sevan, Dzhermuksky falls, lakes ParzLich and Kari, Hndzoreska caves, and also the most beautiful and diverse mountain landscape of the country. Also it is all list of sights of Armenia.
Zvartnoc is a temple of early middle age time, being about Yerevan and Vagarshapat. It is a cathedral it is considered result of a wide experience of the Armenian architects of 7th century. In the beginning of 20th century here scientists-archeologists conducted excavation on which conclusions that the model of reconstruction developed by outstanding Armenian architect Torosom Toramanjanom has been made have been drawn. This model of reconstruction compare to one of bas-reliefs of a temple of Sent-Shapelja in Paris which represents a temple of Zvartnots with the Ark of Noy, and it looks accuracy as the model presented by the architect. The rests and territory of the temple are object of the World heritage of UNESCO.
The Echmiadzinsky monastery is considered the Echmiadzinsky monastery the main thing in the Echmiadzinsky cathedral. The throne of the Supreme Patriarch of the Catholicos of All Armenians Here settles down. The Echmiadzinsky monastery is the first-ever state Christian monastery constructed in 303 year A.C by order of the tsar of Armenia – Trdata III. Since 2000 the Echmiadzinsky monastery carry in the list of the World heritage of UNESCO.
Agarcin is a masterpiece of the Armenian architecture, harmony of the nature and architecture here is traced. The monastic ensemble is constructed in 10-13 centuries and consists of St. Grigory’s churches, the St. Virgin, St. Stepan and other auxiliary premises.
Temple of Sacred Gajane
The church of sacred Gajane is to the south of the Cathedral. The temple is constructed in 630, Catholicos Ezrom, in the form of dome basils. In 1652 has been reconstructed. Later, from the western facade the place of burial of hierarches of the Armenian church has been taken away. In a southern part of a temple hallows of St. Gajane are based. On a legend, martyr Gajane was the girlfriend and tutor Ripsime. Gajane, as well as Ripsipe, perishes for Christianity distribution. In 2000 the church is included in the list of the World heritage of UNESCO.
Church of Sacred Ripsime
The Armenian church, is considered a part of the Echmiadzinsky cathedral. Since 2000 is in the list of the World heritage of UNESCO.
Noravank – the monastery of fine beauty, is perfectly combined with surrounding landscape.
The chorus of Virap – a monastery of Armenia, is on one of the most beautiful places with a wonderful kind on mountain Ararat to which under the legend there has arrived an ark Aching.
Tatev – unusual construction the monastery arrests an eye of tourists. The monastery is considered on inclusion in the list of the World heritage of UNESCO.
Ahpat – the medieval monastery, is constructed in 10 century, is to the northeast from Sanaina. Tsar Ashota III of a dynasty Bagratidov At this time corrects. The monastery differs dextrality and compactness of construction. This monument in 1996 is included in the list of the World heritage of UNESCO.
Church of the St. Virgin
The church of a name of Sacred Nshan is built in 1025 Here there is a book-depository and other subsidiary premises. In the end of 18 centuries in this church of veins the national clown – Sajat-Nova.
Gegard – the monastic ensemble, is considered a unique architectural construction. The monastery is in river Azat gorge, in 40 km to the southeast from Yerevan. Gegard in 2000 it is entered in the list the World heritage of UNESCO. Garni – ancient armenian pagan temple of I century BC in Armenia.
The church ensemble Sanain Sanain – the Armenian architectural monument, concerns to X-XIII centuries Sanain enters into the list of the World heritage of UNESCO.
Ahtala Ahtala – a monastery being on a small surface of the earth in river Debed gorge.
Tatevi Anapat – the monastery settles down near to a monastery Tatev. The beautiful kind gives to a monastery wild wood which surrounds it. In 1995 the monastery joined on inclusion consideration in the list of the World heritage of UNESCO.
Goshavank – the Armenian monastic ensemble. Its main value – the most ancient Armenian hachkar, awarded ranks of the best Armenian hachkar all over the world.
Dzhermuk – a resort city popular among tourists. The main value of Dzhermuk is in the high-quality mineral water possessing curative properties. Here mineral water which is delivered in official bodies of Armenia and Russia, in particular to the Moscow Kremlin is made. In Dzhermuk boarding houses, health resorts, hotels function.
Tsahkadzor – a known mounting skiing resort and an ecological resort city. At the moment in Tsahkadzor come to train Russian national teams and other countries. In a city a considerable quantity of boarding houses, hotels, sports complexes works.
Dilijan – one of the most popular resort cities of Armenia. It is popular the mountain, wild woods, one of the most qualitative in the world potable water. In a city there is a set of boarding houses, hotels.
Zorats-Karer – an ancient necropolis. On this ancient necropolis Expedition of the Oxford university and the Royal geographical society of Great Britain which has assumed worked that the given object was used for the astronomical purposes.
goris – The city, is in a mountain foundation ditch and is surrounded by rocky ridges and caves.
Gndevank. The monastery of Gndevank is in river bank Arpa Sjunikena, near to village Gndevaz, in gorge which is surrounded by slopes syunik mountains. The monastery in beginning Х century, by order of the spouse of prince Smbata, Sofia is constructed. The inscription on this monastery says: «VajotsDzor was the Ring without a stone. I have constructed this monastery and have inserted a jewel into its frame».
The gorge Garni – gorge is in Armenia, about settlement Garni. The gorge represents high five six-coal basalt columns. Along gorge is situated on Garni plateau.
Stepanavansky dendropark – dendropark in Armenia, is about the city of Stepanavan. Dendropark has been constructed by the Polish biologist Edmonom Leonovich in 1933 which, having arrived to Armenia, has been admired by its nature and has decided to construct dendropark . Here the collection of exotic trees of the different countries is collected.
The lake Sevan is considered the high-mountainous lake second for water-supplies in the world, concedes Titikake. Sevan is lake with fresh water. Endemic sevan trout lives here.
The river Azat – the river in Armenia, is the left inflow of Araks. In upper courses forms a wonderful landscape on beauty. In 2000 the river has been entered in the list objects of the World heritage of UNESCO.
The mountain Aragats represents the highest mountain in territory of Armenia, its height is in 4094 metres. Round a crater there are four tops: northern – 4090 m., western – 4080 m., east – 3916 m., southern – 3879 m.
The mountain Aragats is known also for the lake – to Kari which are at height of 3250 m., 1150 Its m. having a circle name stone lake. At top of Aragats there is small and very cold lake – the lake of Kari. It is at height of 3200 m, the wonderful panorama on the Araratsky valley whence opens. There was this lake by glacial formations and enjoys wide popularity of climbers. The lake is a place for a camping before lifting uphill.
The mountain Azhdaak is in Armenia, its height makes 3597 metres.
The mountain Hustup settles down in Armenia, about the city of Kapan in height of 3206 metres.
Goshavank. Represents the monastic ensemble consisting of several churches, including St. Grigory enlightener’s churches, a book-depository and subsidiary premises. The known politician, the outstanding scientist, the author of the first Code of laws, the writer and the author of numerous parables and fables took part in building of a monastery of Goshavank – Mhitar Goshas. Hachkary Pavgosa are of great value, best of which is hachkar at entrance to church Gr 1291. The educator. The school adjoining a book-depository, has reached up to now in a kind of ruings. Scientists come to a conclusion that here were engaged not only pupils, but also manuscripts were created.
St. Grigory Prosvetitelja’s church. Building of church of St. Grigory enlightener on 1700th year of Christianity acceptance. The temple is built in 2001 and contains 1700 persons. The cathedral is located in the centre of Yerevan, in one of picturesque parks.
Gandzasar. It is considered one of the pivotal sobor complexes of Artsaha. A site near the city of Vank, in region Martakerta. The name «Gandzasar» is translated into Russian as «Mountain of treasures». Gandzasar is the pearl of the Armenian architecture constructed by one of powerful feudal lords of that time, prince Gasanom Dzhalalom in 13 century
Amberd. The Fortress-lock of Amberd is considered one of the vivid examples of medieval Armenian architecture. The Fortress-lock it is erected on cape which is limited by breakages of deep gorges. The basic part of a fortress makes the church built by order of prince Vagrama Pahlavuni in 1026
Karaunch. Karaunch is the most ancient observatory in the world which concerns the second millenium BC interesting that huge stones, having special apertures, were used for studying of stars. Petroglyphs found out near to Karauncha prove that the ancient person of Armenia had the first astronomical representations.
Dzhermuk. The resort of Dzhermuk occupies a northeast part of Vajots-Dzora. Is famous for the unique fresh and mineral sources. Dzhermuk differs the soft climate. Summer here cool, and winter snow. All it is perfectly combined with pure mountain air of Dzhermuk.
Matenadaran. Matenadaran from ancient armenian to English it is translated as «book-depository». It settles down in the north of Mashtotsa. It is scientific research institute of a name of Mesropa Mashtotsa, ancient manuscripts and manuscripts here are stored. This construction has been based in 1945-1957 Before a building statues of great figures of the Armenian culture, the literature, a science, as Movsesa Horenatsi, Ananija Shirakatsi, Mhitara Gosha, Torosa Roslina, the Freak, Grigora Tatevatsi, and hardly more low a statue of Mesropa Mashtotsa and its pupil Korjuna settle down. In Matenadaran there are stored and investigated more than 15 000 manuscripts.
Noravank. Noravank – the considerable cultural and religious centre of Armenia of medieval time. This centre is in region Vayots Dzor in a valley of gorge of the river Arpa and is surrounded by almost impassable rocks. The ensemble consists of church of St. Karapeta (1216-1221), in northern part – St. Grigory’s churches (1275) and separate in east part, church of the St. Virgin (1339) which western facade is evident the uniqueness: a narrow ladder, in the form of a pyramid conducting on the second floor.
Odzun. It is a monastery dome basils. The general design of church, its internal furniture, carry to 6 century
Oshakan, a tomb of St. Mesrop Mashtots. The burial ground of St. Mesropa Mashtotsa concerns V century, in 440 prince Vaan Amatuni has organised a burial place of remains of the founder of the Armenian alphabet – Mesropa Mashtots and has erected a chapel on which place in 19 century the church of St. Mesropa Mashtotsa has been constructed on its tomb. Annually, in September, first-graders of the country learn the first letter of the Armenian alphabet in this church at a tomb of St. Mesropa Mashtots.
Pantheon. Settles down about the prospectus of Arshakunyats. Here representatives of the Armenian culture, the literature, art are buried: great composer Komitas, musician-composer Romanos Melikjan, Aram Hachatrjan, Arno Babadzhanjan, writers of Avetik Isaakjan, Alexander Shirvanzade, Nairi Zarjan, William Sarojan, Oganes Shiraz, great Armenian actors of Grachja Nersisjan, Avet Avetjan, Vagram Papazjan, architects Alexander Tamanjan, Toros Toramanjan, historian Arakel Leo and many other things.
Sagmosavank. The monastery of Psalms settles down in Ashtarakansky area, to the north from Muhni. Vachutjanov is constructed in 12-13 centuries by a family, and consists of four buildings: the main church of St. Zion, vestibule, a book-depository and a small chapel of the St. Virgin. During earthquake in 1988 Sagmosavank has strongly suffered. In 1998 the reconstruction of the monastery has begun, which has ended in December, 2000.
Lake Sevan. Lake Sevan name «the Blue Pearl» Armenia. Sevan – the largest Caucasian lake and one of the greatest mountain fresh-water lakes in the world. The area of Sevan makes 1400 sq. km and settles down at height of 1900 m above sea level. 28 big and small rivers runs into Sevan, but one follows only – the river Is distributed. The lake is surrounded by mountains which Sevan popularly unusual beauty the nature and crystal-clear water reaches to 3000 m.
Tatev. A monument of Zangezursky architecture to which is not present equal on the greatness. It is constructed in IX century, on a place of an ancient sanctuary. The Tatevsky monastery was not only religious, but also the political centre of the Sjuniksky princedom. Because of adverse political situations, in the Tatevsky monastery secret storehouses and courses have been hidden to have communication with the world.
Sardaparat. It is the memorial ensemble constructed in 1968, is in 10 km. From the city of Armavir. The big area is occupied with belfries, the winged bulls standing from the left and right party, avenue of eagles, leaders to the Ethnographic museum. This complex in honour of a victory in May, 1918, in persistent struggle of the Armenian soldiers against a Turkish army is constructed, the victory has been gained. In memory of this victory in 1968. The memorial complex of Sardarapata has been constructed.
Talin. Ancient settlement of Aragatsotsky region, which richly church structures, monuments, hachkar, ruins of medieval structures. The most important monument considers church Katohike.
Uhtasar. Rock paintings of Uhtasara have played the big role in the Armenian primitive culture. Here by scientists are found out petroglyph in the form of humpbacked, as a camel, thoughts and a life of the primitive person. On stones of the image with representations of the primitive person about hunting, a cult and space. Rock paintings represent flora and fauna of Armenia. It is amazing that the primitive person it is masterful represented animals and their plasticity of movement. Petroglyphs relate to 5-2 millenia BC.
Chorus of Virap. The chorus of Virap settles down in Araratsky region, on a hill of nearby village Small Conduct. This one of holy sites Armenian the Apostolic temple. Under the legend, the deep hole in which Trdata on command III, has been thrown Grigory Prosvetitel, for Christianity preaching here settles down. Only after long years of an imprisonment when Grigory Prosvetitel by miracle cures Trdata III of a serious illness, the tsar proclaims Christianity the state religion.
Shaki. The falls of Shaki are in the south of Armenia, in some kilometres from Sisiana. Hidden in one of corners of Sjunika, the falls appear at tourists the beauty. This place of harmony of music of falling water and a panorama of the majestic mountain nature.
Ethnographic museum of Erebuni
The fortress of Erebuni is located on Arin Berda’s hill, based in 782 BC urart by the tsar – Argishti I. Fortress excavation has begun in 19 century On this place the cuneiform writing of tsar Argishti about the basis of this fortress has been found. The subjects which have been found out during excavation, are stored in a museum which is constructed at hill bottom.
Tsitsernakaberd
On a high hill of park Tsitsernakaberd the monument to victims of Armenians of a genocide in 1915 Annually, on April, 24th, thousand Armenians from Armenia, diasporas is put, and also foreign visitors are going to pay a tribute of respect to the victims who have fallen during a genocide in this park. Complex components are an obelisk in height in forty metres which symbolise revival of the Armenian people, and the mausoleum in which eternal fire burns.
Ani. Ani is the most esteemed and ancient capital of Armenia. The city reaches the apogee at the time of board Bagratidov. In X-XI century It becomes the largest and majestic city of the Near East where the trading ways going from China, India, Europe, the Near East were crossed. It made a city fortress, a city and suburbs. In a city there were internal and external fortifications, palaces, caravans-sheds. In Ani the whole quarter which called «an underground city which consisted of catacombs in some circles has been constructed, here there were premises, both shops, and churches. Thanks to a considerable quantity of monasteries and magnificent monuments the city has received the name« Thousand and one church ». Today the rests of Ani which can be seen from territory of Shiraksky region are kept only.
Fortress of Askeran. The fortress of Askeran settles down in the south of village Askeran, in 4 km. From Stepanakert. It is known as Majraberd – important strategic object of 18 centuries.
The fortress of Ahtal is in region Lori on high-mountainous district which reminds the peninsula surrounded from three parties deep gorge. In Х century when the fortress has been based, it has been strengthened by high fortifications. In fortress territory the monastic ensemble of Ahtaly including 3 churches settles down. Frescos of the main church are considered as art value.
Dadivank. On a legend, Dadivank has been constructed in 1 in AD and was called by name of St. Dadi who preached Christianity in the western part of Armenia. Dadivank is called as a pearl of the Armenian architecture. Its site in settlement Verin Hachen. The ensemble consists of the main church of the St. Virgin, a chapel and other subsidiary premises.
Kanachjam is literally translated as «a green chapel». Among monuments of Shushi church Oganesa Mkrticha (St.John) with the second name Karabahtsev, in honour of inhabitants of Shushi who were founders of the church is known. And also the name «Green chapel» has received because its roof has been painted green colour. The church settles down on a height, thanks to it the beautiful kind on a city from above opens. It is based in 1918, but after Artsahsky war 1988-1994 the church has been restored.
Musa Ler
It is the complex of six Armenian villages which is on the bank of Mediterranean sea, in the territory adjoining to a mountain Musa. Inhabitants of these villages, escaping from a sword Turkish yanichars in 1915, have gathered for a grief Musa and worthy resistance to a Turkish army which 40 days proceeded. About these events the Austrian writer Frants Verfelv the novel «writes 40 days Musa Daga». The survived defenders of Musa Ler in 1947 immigrated to East Armenia here again have constructed village «Musa Ler». In 1976 the monument, erected for the sake of a feat of brave defenders of Musa Daga has been opened.
Muhni, St. George’s church. A considerable quantity of temples, churches were called in honour of Armenian sacred. Among them St. George’s based in 1664-69 in village Muhni church. Architectural ornaments, stones of different shades and interesting frescos are considered as riches of church.
Noratus. The monument concerns the Armenian medieval culture. Noratus is a museum open-air, where hundreds unique hachkars are collected (stone plates with the cross image) among which 13-14 centuries are most allocated with Noratus hachkara delicate work is a nature protection zone in Armenia in area Ararat in the south of the Gegamsky ridge. Has been formed in 1958. 1 686 kinds of plants Here grow, 146 from which are brought in the Red book. It is a wild pear, an apple-tree, plum, a cherry, a mountain ash, a hawthorn, almonds, Vavilov’s rye, and also juniper and oak light forests, mountain xerophytes, it is mountain – steppe and wormwood semidesertic formations. Monasteries of Avuts Tar AhdzhotsVank and a fortress of Kakavaberd is also in reserve
Hosrovsky wood is the national reserve possessing historical value. 330-338 this amazing slice of the earth has been separated by tsar Hosrovom ІІІ under hunting areas. Remained hachkars, tombstones and in particular St. Stepan’s church are were esteemed from time immemorial. The Hosrovsky reserve has also the big natural value, florae and fauna are unique.
Karaunch. Karaunch- the most ancient observatory in the world. Date of the basis of an observatory the second millenium BC huge stones which have special apertures Here settle down, them used to study stars.