Mount Aragats
The mountain is famous not only because its northern peak is the highest point in Armenia, 4090 m above sea level. Its name translates as "Throne of Ara", possibly in honor of Ara The Beautiful, the legendary Armenian king who ruled in the 9th century BC.
The ancient historian Movses Khorenatsi (5th century AD) in his work "History of Armenia" states that Aragats is named after Aramanyak, a king from The Hayk dynasty, the son of the first Armenian patriarch Hayk.
According to an old legend, Ararat and Aragats were loving sisters until they argued with each other about which of them was taller and more beautiful. The argument flared up to such an extent that the sisters cursed each other: since then, according to legend, no one can set foot on the top of Ararat, and a lake of tears appeared on Aragats. According to another legend, Gregory The Illuminator prayed on the top of the mountain – and at night he was illuminated by a lamp that hung in the sky without a rope. They say that it can still be seen there, but only by "the one". The lamp is believed to protect the lives of the Armenian people.
Mount Aragats once used to be a volcano. At that time, according to researchers, its height was approaching 8000 m. After the eruption, it lost almost half of its height and split into four peaks, between which there is a huge crater 400 m in diameter and 3 km deep. According to historians, people have lived here since prehistoric times. On its slopes, protective megalithic fortresses, remains of an ancient irrigation system, numerous petroglyphs, vishapakars, as well as traces of settlements have been preserved.Interesting info: On May 28, 2005, about 250.000 Armenians took part in the "Dance of Unity", encircling Mount Aragats with a ring 168 km long.
At present, Aragats attracts researchers with its gravitational anomaly. There are streams here where the water flows up and not down, thrown stones violate the laws of gravity and also roll up, and even a car in neutral slowly climbs the mountain. There are a number of versions of why this happens – according to the most likely one, there is a powerful magnetic plate underground, the action of which causes the anomaly. Although a number of physicists believe that this is nothing more than an optical illusion. To their mind, the hill here has a slope that creates the described visual effect of climbing up the mountain, this is the so-called false flatness.
"Hyur Service" invites you to tours around Mount Aragats. Go on a trip within the scope of a group or else contact us, and we will create an individual route for you. Together, we will definitely observe the gravitational anomaly in action and visit other attractions.
Mount Aragats
Amberd Fortress
Tour to Aragats usually begins right from here.Amberd fortress, which translated from Armenian means "fortress in the clouds", is located at an altitude of 2300 m above sea level. It was built in the 7th century by the Kamsarakan princes as a defensive point.
In the 10th century, it passed into the possession of the Pahlavuni princes, who significantly strengthened it, turning it into an impregnable citadel. In 1026, Prince Vahram Pahlavuni built nearby Vahramashen church, which has survived to the present day. In 1196, Armenian-Georgian troops under the command of Zakare Zakaryan liberated the fortress from the Seljuks, after which it became the administrative center of Vachutyan kingdom. However in 1236, Amberd was destroyed by the Mongols and lost its strategic importance.The fortress is built from massive basalt blocks, the thickness of its walls used to reach 4 m, which provided reliable protection from siege weapons.
A unique water supply system allowed residents to withstand long sieges: water came through clay pipes from mountain springs and melted snow, also a secret passage to Arkashen river was provided.
The ruins of a bathhouse from the 10th-11th centuries have survived to this day: the "hypocaust" technology was used – a system of heating the floor and walls, borrowed from Ancient Rome.To the present day, only ruins from the fortress have remained, but the opportunity to touch the ancient stones, dive into the connection of times, as well as admire the breathtaking panorama of the mountains that opens from this place is worth visiting.
Amberd Fortress
Kari Lake
It is a high-mountain lake located at an altitude of 3200 m above sea level.Here it feels as if the sky can be reached with a hand, and the clean air seems to ring.
All the unresolved issues and important matters remain far below, while one looks at the transparent water, in which the mountain peak and the sky are reflected. A unique adventure awaits those who will take the road to the lake along a winding serpentine among picturesque views.One cannot swim in Lake Kari, since the water here is usually too cool. On the shore there is a scientific station founded in 1943 by Alikhanyan brothers – famous Soviet physicists. Here, for the first time in the USSR, the largest magnetic spectrometer with a permanent magnet appeared.
Kari Lake
Byurakan Observatory
If you want to feel closer to the mysteries of the Universe, head to the Byurakan Observatory – one of Armenia’s most fascinating places. Located on the slopes of Mount Aragats, it is ideal for an excursion that combines nature, history, and science.Founded in 1946 by the legendary astrophysicist Viktor Ambartsumian, the observatory quickly became a world center of research. It was here that scientists made discoveries that changed our understanding of stars and galaxies.
Today, Byurakan is not only a scientific hub but also a unique attraction for visitors to Armenia. Walking among telescopes and domes, you find yourself in a real "city of stars". In the evening, you can observe the endless sky filled with millions of lights – an unforgettable impression for a lifetime.
Why visit Byurakan Observatory:
- Picturesque location on Mount Aragats;
- Chance to learn about discoveries of global importance;
- Encounter with the legacy of Viktor Ambartsumian;
- Romantic and inspiring stargazing experience.
A trip to Byurakan will be a special highlight of your journey through Armenia, giving you inspiration and a sense of connection to the eternal mystery of the cosmos.
Byurakan Observatory
Saghmosavank monastery
Saghmosavank monastery is an outstanding monument of medieval Armenian architecture. The impressive complex, built of dark tuff, rises on the edge of the picturesque gorge of Kasakh river, ~15 km south of Amberd fortress.According to legend, in the 4th century, the first Armenian Catholicos Gregory The Illuminator, having noticed this place from the top of Aragats, came here to build a church. Afterwards, he gathered the priests in the same place and taught them psalms. Hence the name: Saghmosavank – "monastery of psalms".
Historically the main temple of Saghmosavank – St. Zion – was built in 1215 by Prince Vache Vachutyan. Later, the following structures were added to it:- St. Astvatsatsin church (1235);
- narthex (1250);
- book depository (1255).
The main temple of the complex is a cross-domed church with a massive dome on a cylindrical drum. We recommend visiting the book depository (matenadaran), its facade is as strict and ascetic as the other buildings of the complex, however the interiors are richly decorated with carvings and colored stones.
Saghmosavank monastery
Karmravor Church
Not far from Saghmosavank lies a small gem of medieval architecture – the Church of Karmravor (7th century). Despite its modest size, it impresses with harmony and elegance, and most importantly, it is surrounded by a beautiful legend.According to tradition, three sisters fell in love with the same young man. To preserve their family bonds and not hurt each other, each decided to end her life. The eldest dressed in white and drowned – the church of Spitakavor ("white") was built in her memory. The middle sister wore an apricot-colored dress and followed the same fate – the church of Tsiranavor ("apricot") was dedicated to her. The youngest, in red, also could not overcome her feelings, and thus the church of Karmravor ("red") was erected.
Today, these three churches, standing on neighboring hills, symbolize the strength of sisterly love and sacrifice, with Karmravor being especially revered for its beauty and touching story.
Karmravor Church
This trip will not only give one an opportunity to take beautiful photos, but also touch the thousand-year history of Armenia. Get to know the most interesting corners of the country with "Hyur Service".
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