Armenia sits strategically between Turkey to the west, Iran to the south, and Azerbaijan to the east. It is also situated at the juncture of Western Asia and Eastern Europe making it a hotly-contested area in the region. It has seen many wars and invasions by many peoples including the Assyrians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Byzantines, Mongols, Persians, Ottoman Turks, and Russians. This country is rich in cultural and historical significance for the continent of Europe. Tourists will not encounter any difficulty looking for the excellent places to visit here. This list is a good recommendation for places to visit for first time tourists in the country.
1.) Mt. Ararat and Khor Virap Monastery-Mt. Ararat is famously known as the mountain where the biblical ark supposedly landed after the deluge. Besides this near-myth belief, this mountain has intrinsic beauty that attracts thousands of tourists each year. Together with Khor Virap Monastery, they comprise ones of the many top attractions in Armenia.
2.) Yerevan Republic Square-This famous square in Armenia has a stone pattern in the center to make it look like a traditional Armenian rug from above. There is a large fountain in front of the National Art Gallery and History Museum. A Marriot Hotel is located nearby ready to cater to visitors anytime of the year. Other establishments like the Foreign Ministry, and post office surround the square.
3.) Alaverdi Cathedral-This is one of the best churches still standing in the region dating to the medieval times. It was built around the 11th century and was destroyed several times. The first restoration was done in the 15th century, and the second in the 18th century after a strong earthquake. Surrounded by a fortress wall, this cathedral is a testament to the brilliance of medieval architecture.
4.) Echmiadzin Cathedral-Located inside a walled compound with gardens and various structures, this cathedral stands on the spot where Grigor Luysavorich (St. Gregory the Illuminator) dreamt Jesus instructed him to put up a church. This structure was constructed around 480 AD. The overall design is typical Armenian, with notable belfry and a number of rotundas. This huge church also houses the Manoogian Museum. Inside are numerous paintings, religious artifacts, souvenir items, and illuminated manuscripts. Other surprising features are waiting for tourists to find them such as the fire pit beneath the altar where the pagans worshipped fire before Christianity.
5.) Amberd Fortress and Church-Commonly called Amberd by the locals, this place is the name given to the 7th century fortress on the slopes of Mt. Aragats. The nearby 11th-century church consist the attraction in this place. The present site was believed to be a Stone Age settlement. Eventually, the indigenous Armenians fortified this militarily strategic location. The fortress changed hands during the subsequent centuries making it a rich source of history and artifacts.
As mentioned earlier, Armenia is a country of rich historical and cultural past. There are still many interesting places not mentioned in the list but has the same level of potential to give delight to tourists. The only problem visitors to this country will encounter is to find the best place to start their tour.
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on April 9th, 2011 at 6:28 pm
I found Armenia a developing country with impressive economic groth. I was surprised with their historical manuments, churches and landscape. I never knew much about Armenia, until I was invited lately to a conference. I am satisfied that I could find the best services available for the tourism industry.
The entire trip was great, thanks to the organizers that did all the best efforst to make us be in comfort. On the other hand, we have been disturbed a bit with the bed and breakfast hostel we stayed in Dilijan city. Dili Villa, located at Miasnikyan Str. Our stay was for one day, but its not usuall for us all to acomodate in a dirty non hygenic place with no foreign speaking staff. I urge the Armenian government to take further actions in order to forbiden that place being offered for tourists.