Armenia is an ancient land, rich in cultural heritage, historical monuments and natural beauty. In this article we will speak about what the must-see places are in Yerevan and its surroundings in case you have only a few days.
Erebuni Fortress
Working hours: Tue-Sun – from 10:30 to 16:30, Mon – non-working dayLong before our era, the Kingdom of Urartu thrived in the territory of the Armenian Highlands.
Erebuni is a fortress city, a visit to which allows one to immerse in history and get acquainted with the ancient civilization.
The first mention of Erebuni dates back to 780 BC. At that time, it was a prosperous city with palaces, temples, as well as good infrastructure. However, as a result of a military invasion in 590 BC, it was destroyed and abandoned by the inhabitants.Today, one can observe the ruins of Erebuni, as well as get acquainted with its history by visiting the museum, in which archaeological finds are exhibited.
Erebuni is located on the outskirts of Yerevan. One can get to the fortress by buses №37, №76, №86, as well as trolleybus №2. It is also possible to take a taxi, the drive from the city center will take only 20 minutes.
Cascade Complex
The Cascade Complex is a famous landmark of Yerevan, consisting of five terraces connecting the upper and lower parts of the city. It is decorated with flower beds, fountains, and also there is a special observation deck at the top.
Inside the complex there are restaurants, cafes, as well as an exhibition center, where one can observe the works of modern artists.
Matenadaran – The Museum of Ancient Manuscripts
Working hours: Tue-Sat – from 10:00 to 17:00, Sun-Mon – non-working daysThe museum boasts one of the largest collections of manuscripts in the world.
It is based on the collection that belonged to Echmiadzin Cathedral and was nationalized about a hundred years ago.
Tsitsernakaberd Memorial and Armenian Genocide Museum
Working hours: Tue-Sun – from 10:00 to 16:30, Mon – non-working dayTsitsernakaberd Memorial and Armenian Genocide Museum are two key cultural and historical sites located in Yerevan.
Tsitsernakaberd Memorial was built in memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman Empire in 1915-1923.
Armenian Genocide Museum was opened in 1995 and is the only museum in the world dedicated to this tragic page in the history of Armenia. The museum showcases exhibits, documents, and photographs that recount the events of the Armenian Genocide, as well as the life and struggle of the Armenian people.
Tsitsernakaberd
Singing-dancing fountains of Yerevan
Working hours: May to September – from Wed to Mon – from 21:00 to 22:00The singing-dancing fountains of Yerevan are located in the Republic Square. They were opened in 1953 and are considered the first singing fountains in the USSR. After the reconstruction of 2011, the complex became even brighter and more spectacular.
Jets of water rise up to the sounds of classical, popular and national music. The show program changes over several days in a row.
Night Show of the Singing Fountains on Republic Square
St. Gregory The Illuminator Cathedral
Working hours: every day – from 08:30 to 18:30The cathedral is located in Yerevan city-centre, on a hill, from where a gorgeous view of the city opens up.
It is dedicated to Gregory The Illuminator – the Saint who brought Christianity to the Armenian people.
The structure was built in the style of traditional Armenian architecture and is decorated with many ornaments, such as arches, columns and carved details. Inside the cathedral there are beautiful mosaics, frescoes, as well as stained glass windows, creating an atmosphere of peace and harmony.One of the main features of the cathedral is its bell tower, which is considered the highest point in Yerevan.
Khor Virap Monastery
Working hours: daily – from 08:00 to 18:00, in summer – till 20:00Khor Virap is a particularly revered place among Armenians and pilgrims. The thing is that the baptizer of Armenia, Gregory The Illuminator, had been imprisoned here for 13 years. One can observe the place of imprisonment on their own. Also on the territory of the monastery there are:
- a chapel, which Nerses III ordered to build in honor of the Saint;
- the church of the Holy Mother of God, built in 1662;
- monastic walls, erected in the 17th century.
Besides, on the territory of Khor Virap there is an observation deck, which offers the best view of Mount Ararat. It is better to plan a visit here in clear sunny weather.
The monastery is situated 44 km from Yerevan. One can get there by taxi, car or else by bus №467, which departs from the station located near "Sasuntsi David" metro station.
Ararat
Mount Ararat is not just a natural monument, but a national symbol of Armenia. It is depicted on the country's coat of arms, and is featured on numerous souvenirs, postage stamps, postcards, as well as product packaging.
The mountain range is ~11 km long, and its two peaks, Little and Big Ararat, rise to a height of 3896 and 5165 m, respectively. It is thought that this is the location where Noah's Ark is believed to have come to rest. Therefore, the mountain peaks are revered as sacred.The mountain is located on the territory of modern Turkey. However, the most impressive views of it open up from Armenian lands. Some of the best are those that can be seen from the observation deck of Khor Virap Monastery. We have already described earlier how to get there.
Khor Virap and Mount Ararat
Angels' Canyon
Working hours: every day / 24 hoursAngels' Canyon is one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Armenia, located 55 km from the capital city. A trail winds along the base of the canyon.
Walking among the towering boulders feels like stepping onto another planet; many people compare the local landscapes to those on Mars.
The most convenient way to reach the canyon is by car. If traveling by public transport, it is necessary to take bus №480 at the Southern Bus Station and get off at "Dashtakar" stop. From there it's a 3.5 km walk to the main destination, ~40-50 minutes at a leisurely pace.
Angels' Canyon
Areni-1 (Birds-Cave)
Working hours: in summer – every day – from 10:00 to 19:00, in winter – every day – from 10:00 to 17:00The Birds-Cave is known as a picturesque natural monument, as well as a place where traces of human activity were found, that lived here more than 5000 years ago. Archaeologists found ancient shoes, clothes, household items, as well as tools.
Today, inside the halls of the rock one can observe the oldest winery in the world, more than 6000 years old, an oven (tonir), dating to the 15th century, and also burial sites.
The attraction is situated 110 km from Yerevan. To get there by public transport, one needs to take minibus №607 from the Southern Bus Station and go to the village of Areni. Afterwards it will be needed to take a taxi.
Noravank Monastery
Working hours: every day – from 09:00 to 20:00Noravank is one of the most impressive medieval monasteries in Armenia, located in the picturesque valley of the Gnishik River. It was founded in the 13th century and at presents includes:
- the church of the Holy Mother of God;
- the church of John the Baptist;
- the chapel of St. Gregory.
The monastery has been destroyed several times, and at the end of the 20th century it was restored.
Today, Noravank continues to captivate visitors with its perfect blend of architectural elegance and the rugged majesty of the surrounding mountains.
The distance from the capital of Armenia to Noravank is just ~110 km. The most convenient way to get there is by car, another option is to take a minibus that passes through Yeghegnadzor city, for instance, №555 or №607. From there it is needed to walk to the monastery or else take a taxi.
Noravank
Garni Temple
Working hours: every day – from 09:00 to 21:00Garni is the only temple in Armenia, related to paganism. It was built in the 1st century by the order of King Trdat and is dedicated to the God of the Sun. After the Armenians adopted Christianity, the temple began to serve as a royal summer residence.
The first building of Garni Temple withstood many eras, however it didn't survive the strong earthquake of 1679. The complex was restored only 300 years later – in 1966-1976.Be sure to visit the ancient baths, dating back to the 3rd century. Fragments of the mosaic floor have been preserved unchanged in their place.
Garni is situated 30 km from the capital of Armenia. One can get to the temple by buses №266 and №284. The ride takes ~40 minutes.
Garni Canyon Symphony of stones
Working hours: every day / 24 hours"Symphony of Stones" is a natural monument that one can admire during the visit to Garni Temple. It is located in the gorge of the same name, located next to the temple.
The walls of the gorge are strikingly unusual, shaped by numerous slender columns that rise up to 100 m in height.
The columns hang over the river like organ pipes. Therefore, the second name of the attraction is "Basalt Organ".
Symphony of stones
Geghard Monastery
Working hours: every day – from 09:00 to 20:00Geghard is a monastic complex located 40 km southeast of Yerevan. In 2000 this unique architectural monument was included in UNESCO Cultural World Heritage List. On December 7, 2018 UNESCO granted the status of "objects of enhanced protection" to the Armenian monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley.
It is one of the most important spiritual centers of the country. People come here from all over Armenia to get married or baptize their children.
The monastery's most remarkable feature is that much of its structure is hewn directly from the rock.
The monastic complex consists of several churches, cells, galleries, as well as outbuildings, organically integrated into the natural landscape. The central church dates back to the year of 1215, and the complex itself was founded in the 4th century by Gregory The Illuminator.There is no direct transport to Geghard. So as to get to the monastery, it is needed to take any bus or minibus going to Garni. From there a walk of 3 km is foreseen, or else the distance can be carried by a taxi. Another way is to visit the historical monument within the scope of a tour.
Geghard Monastery
Zvartnots
Working hours: Tue-Sat – from 10:00 to 17:30, Sun – from 10:00 to 15:30, Mon – non-working dayAccording to legend, Zvartnots is located on the site of the meeting of Gregory The Illuminator and King Trdat III. The Saint, just released from prison, healed the seriously ill ruler, for which the latter agreed to make Christianity the state religion of Armenians.
The construction of the temple began in the year of 643. The Byzantine Emperor Constans II attended the consecration ceremony, which took place 9 years later.In the 10th century, the structure was destroyed. Historians are still arguing regarding the reasons for the above. Some believe that a major earthquake was the reason. Others are sure that this was a consequence of the attack of the Arab conquerors.
For many years, the remains of this unique structure lay hidden beneath the ground until archaeologists uncovered them between 1901 and 1907.
Thanks to this, today one can observe the remains of the patriarchal palace, residential buildings, as well as a winery. Next to the complex there is a museum that exhibits artifacts found during the excavations.To get to Zvartnots, it is necessary to take bus №202 or №203 and get off in Vagharshapat city. From the central station of this city minibuses go to the attraction.
Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral
Working hours: every day – from 07:00 to 19:00Echmiadzin is the spiritual capital of Armenia. The residence of the Catholicos, the head of the Armenian Church, is located here.
The cathedral was erected by Gregory The Illuminator in the 4th century. It was built on the site of a pagan temple, as a symbol of the change of religion.
Legend has it that Jesus appeared to the Saint in a dream and revealed the location for the construction.
In addition to the cathedral, the complex includes:- museum of medieval art, where one can observe the element of Noah's Ark, a part of the tip of the spear that pierced Jesus Christ's body;
- printing house, founded in 1772;
- the palace of the Catholicos;
- the Theological Academy of St. Echmiadzin.
The monastery is situated 20 km away from the capital of Armenia. From the Central Bus Station, bus №202 and minibus №203 run there. The drive takes ~40 minutes.
Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral
Amberd Fortress
Working hours: every day – from 09:00 to 18:00Amberd Fortress is a historical monument of Armenia, located at an altitude of 2300 m above sea level in the gorge of the Amberd River. The construction of this majestic architectural complex began in the 7th century, later it served as the residence of the powerful Pahlavuni princes – one of the most influential clans of medieval Armenia.
The main tower of the fortress rises 25 m. Powerful walls up to 2 m thick used to protect the inhabitants from enemies. Inside the fortress, there are remains of living quarters, outbuildings, as well as a bathhouse built according to the Roman principle of hypocaust – with underfloor heating.
St. Hakob church, built in 1025, deserves a special mention. It is one of the best examples of Armenian medieval architecture. A breathtaking view of the gorge and snow-capped mountain peaks opens up from the temple platform.Due to the mountainous location of the attraction, its transport accessibility is limited. From the Central Bus Station of Yerevan, one can get to Antarut by bus №519, and the remaining 13 km will have to be covered by taxi. During winter period, the road is closed.
Saghmosavank Monastery
Working hours: every day – from 09:00 to 18:00Saghmosavank is located 30 km northwest of Yerevan. This majestic monastic complex was founded in 1215-1235 by Vache Vachutyan.
The main cathedral of the complex, St. Sion, built in 1215, is the heart of the monastery. The Seljuk portal, a skillfully executed entrance to the monastery's narthex that welcomes guests, deserves a special mention.
The monastery is placed above the canyon of the Kasakh River, the depth of which exceeds 100 m. This place amazes with its natural beauty – steep cliffs, green spaces, as well as majestic mountain landscapes create a unique atmosphere.
To get to Saghmosavank, first one needs to get to Ashtarak city. From the Central Station, buses №505 and №546 go there. The remaining 10 km is best to be covered by taxi.
Saghmosavank
Hovhannavank Monastery
Working hours: every day – from 09:00 to 18:00Hovhannavank Monastery is a unique religious complex located in a picturesque place on the rocky bank of the Kasakh River. It was built in honor of John the Baptist.
The main attraction of the complex is St. Karapet Basilica, built in the 13th century. Despite its venerable age, the basilica has preserved many original elements.
Be sure to observe the fortress walls of the 12th-13th centuries with towers that served as reliable protection from external threats, as well as admire the skill of the ancient builders.
To get to the monastery, it is necessary to take minibuses №502 or №503 heading to Ashtarak, make a stop at the place closest to the desired destination, and afterwards walk 1 km.
Kasakh Gorge
Kasakh Gorge is a picturesque place in Armenia. It is located in the gorge of the Kasakh River and amazes tourists with the majesty of the mountain landscapes. The length of the gorge makes 90 km, and the depth is up to 100 m.Along the gorge there rise Saghmosavank and Hovhannavank monasteries. Therefore, one can see all three sights within the scope of one trip. The distance between the monasteries is ~5 km.
It is not very convenient to get to those places by public transport. First, it is needed to get to Ashtarak city (№546 from the Central Bus Station), and then order a taxi.
Kasakh Gorge
Master Levon's Divine Underground
Working hours: every day – from 10:00 to 17:00A tourist attraction that was created by builder Levon Arakelyan. At first he decided to build a simple cellar, but got so involved that in 23 years he dug an entire underground labyrinth with a number of passages, arches and decorations.
The cave is located in the immediate vicinity of Yerevan, just 9 km away from the capital. One can get there by bus №47. It is needed to get off in Arinj city, on 19th street, then walk or take a taxi to 5th street, house 9.
Tsaghkadzor
Tsaghkadzor is the most famous mountain resort in Armenia, located 50 km from Yerevan. In winter, people come here to enjoy alpine and cross-country skiing. And in summer, one can admire the natural scenery or else ride a zipline.At any time of the year, tourists have the opportunity to climb to the top of the mountains by cable car. Besides, in Tsaghkadzor one can observe Kecharis Monastery of the 11th century, as well as visit Orbeli Brothers House-Museum.
It is quite easy to get to the resort: minibus №273 regularly runs here from Yerevan.
Lake Sevan
Sevan is a lake located at an altitude of 1900 m above sea level. The lake shore attracts visitors year round. In summer, it is a popular beach resort, and in winter, there opens a ski resort.
What awaits tourists in summer:
- Well-equipped beaches. The beaches of Lake Sevan are sandy and small-pebbled. There are areas equipped with umbrellas and sun loungers.
- Water activities. There are sports equipment rental points on the coast, also there is a sailing club.
- Entertainment. There is a water park near the lake, besides, restaurants, cafes and bars operate on the beaches.
It is possible to combine vacation with sightseeing: the 9th century Sevanavank Monastery, Vazgenyan Theological Academy, and Hayravank Monastery are located nearby.
So as to get to the lake, it is first needed to get to Sevan city, and then take a taxi to the final destination. Buses on the required route run from the "Yeritasardakan" metro station.
Lake Sevan
Sevanavank Monastery
Working hours: every day – from 08:00 to 18:00, in summer – till 20:00Sevanavank is located next to Lake Sevan, on the top of a cliff. The monks, who were fond of this place, settled here at the end of the 8th century, and the monastery was founded later – in the 9th century.
During the Soviet period, it remained inactive, and was revived only in the 90s of the 20th century. The complex includes the churches of St. Arakelots and St. Astvatsatsin, as well as a theological seminary.
To get to the attraction, it is necessary to take a minibus to Sevan city. Minibuses run from the "Yeritasardakan" metro station. Afterwards it will be needed to walk or else take a taxi.
Dilijan
Dilijan is considered one of the finest mountain and climate resorts in Armenia. However, here one can not only breathe fresh air, but also do sightseeing:- the monument to the heroes of "Mimino" film;
- the historical quarter of the city, stylized as old;
- Jukhtak monastery of the 12th-13th centuries, 3 km away from the city.
Bus №651 runs from Yerevan to Dilijan. It departs from the Northern Bus Station. The journey takes ~1.5-2 hours.
Haghartsin Monastery
Working hours: every day – from 09:00 to 19:00The monastery is located in a picturesque place: on the slope of the Ijevan ridge. It is surrounded by mountains from all sides and is beautiful year round.
Haghartsin was built in the 9th-11th centuries and was used as a royal summer residence. The heyday of the complex came in the 12th-13th centuries, when the abbot of the temple was Khachatur Taronatsi, an Armenian church figure, poet and musician. Thanks to him, on the territory of the monastery the first conservatory in the country was opened.
On the territory of the complex there are:
- St. Gregory church, built in the 9th-10th centuries;
- St. Astvatsatsin church, dating back to 1281;
- St. Stepanos church, built in 1244.
One can also observe the refectory, the burial vault of the Bagratuni dynasty, as well as cross-stones (khachkars).
To get to Haghartsin, it is needed to take any minibus or bus heading to Dilijan, then change to minibus №20 and reach Teghut village. For the remaining 6 km there will be a need to walk or take a taxi. Another option is visiting the monastery with the scope of a tour.
Haghartsin
Gyumri
Gyumri is the second largest city in Armenia, which is considered the cultural capital due to the great number of attractions. It is also called the black city. This name was given due to the houses built from volcanic tuff of the same color.
What to see in Gyumri:
- Vardanants Square;
- Holy Mother of God church;
- Holy Savior church;
- Museum of National Architecture and Urban Life;
- Black Fortress;
- Sculpture of Mother Armenia.
The transport connection between Yerevan and Gyumri is good. One can get to the city by train or bus departing from Khachatur Abovyan Square.
Pedestrian Street in the Center of Gyumri
Black Fortress
Working hours: every day – from 09:00 to 16:00Black Fortress is located in Gyumri, it is a historical monument and the symbol of the city. The fortress was built in the 19th century by Russian military engineers to protect the city from attacks. It was founded due to the threat of a military conflict with Turkey.
The dark color of the fortress gives it a somber and mysterious appearance, adding to its enigmatic charm. It is surrounded by high walls and towers.
In the 2000s, the fortress was bought by a major Armenian businessman. The latter restored it and today tourists have the opportunity to visit it. A stage was constructed inside, where concerts and other events are held.
Haghpat and Sanahin Monasteries
Working hours: every day – from 09:00 to 18:00, in summer – till 20:00Haghpat and Sanahin Monasteries are located in Lori province, not far from each other.
Both monasteries are included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List and are striking examples of Armenian architecture and art.
Haghpat Monastery is famous for its architecture, frescoes, as well as a library containing over 3000 manuscripts. The complex includes St. Nshan church, a refectory, a library and living quarters.Sanahin Monastery includes over 20 structures, among which the most revered are the church of St. Astvatsatsin or the Mother of God, and the chapel of St. Gregory.
There is a walking route between the monasteries, just around 6 km long. It is a popular pilgrimage site.
The road to the monasteries by public transport will take ~5 hours, so it is better to cover it as part of a tour.
Gallery of the Sanahin Monastery
Tbilisi
Tbilisi is the capital and the largest city of Georgia. This is a city where antiquity meets modernity, and the oriental exoticism intertwines with European charm. It is a real open-air museum where one can view many sights and get acquainted with the local culture.
From Yerevan to Tbilisi it is 275 km. Therefore, it is recommended to visit this city as part of a two-day tour. During the trip, visits of Mtskheta, Jvari and Vardzia are included.
Panoramic View of Tbilisi and the Narikala Fortress
