Private tour: Armenian Alphabet Alley, Hovhannavank Monastery, Mughni Church, Tegher Monastery
New destination
Armenian Alphabet Alley, Hovhannavank Monastery, Mughni Church, Tegher Monastery
1. Armenian Alphabet Alley
10-20 min
At the foot of the majestic Mount Aragats, in the quiet village of Artashavan, the Armenian Alphabet Monument rises where the mountain winds seem to whisper ancient tales. Created in 2005 to honor the 1600th anniversary of the Armenian script, the site has since become a magnet for those seeking to immerse themselves in the nation's cultural spirit. On that occasion, on the Independence Day of the Republic of Armenia, May 28, Armenians formed an unprecedented circle dance around Mount Aragats, and the kochari became an intangible cultural heritage.
Designed by architect Jim Torosyan, this masterpiece is more than a memorial – it is a stone poem, where every letter feels like a living fragment of national history. Thirty‑nine massive characters stand against the mountain backdrop, glowing in warm tones and adorned with traditional Armenian motifs.
The Armenian alphabet, created in 405 AD through the genius of Mesrop Mashtots, changed the destiny of the nation by opening the path to translating sacred texts and strengthening Christianity. The original 36 letters were later joined by three more and this graceful row of symbols has served the Armenian people for over fifteen centuries.
Walking among these monumental letters, visitors feel the breath of history and the power this script represents. Travelers come for rare photographs, sweeping landscapes and the chance to touch the cultural roots of an ancient people. Perfectly blending with the rugged surroundings, the memorial feels like an extension of nature itself, a reminder that language and culture are eternal guardians of memory.
Designed by architect Jim Torosyan, this masterpiece is more than a memorial – it is a stone poem, where every letter feels like a living fragment of national history. Thirty‑nine massive characters stand against the mountain backdrop, glowing in warm tones and adorned with traditional Armenian motifs.
The Armenian alphabet, created in 405 AD through the genius of Mesrop Mashtots, changed the destiny of the nation by opening the path to translating sacred texts and strengthening Christianity. The original 36 letters were later joined by three more and this graceful row of symbols has served the Armenian people for over fifteen centuries.
Walking among these monumental letters, visitors feel the breath of history and the power this script represents. Travelers come for rare photographs, sweeping landscapes and the chance to touch the cultural roots of an ancient people. Perfectly blending with the rugged surroundings, the memorial feels like an extension of nature itself, a reminder that language and culture are eternal guardians of memory.
2. Hovhannavank Monastery
30-40 min
On the slopes of the picturesque Aragatsotn region, in the village of Ohanavan, Hovhannavank monastery rises – an ancient sanctuary whose story reaches deep into the past. According to tradition, the first structures appeared here as early as the 5th century, when the Christian faith in Armenia was only beginning to take shape in stone. Through the centuries, the monastery was rebuilt many times, preserving within its walls the memory of different eras and patrons.
The main church was erected later, between 1212 and 1221, by the order of Prince Vache Vachutyan, one of the prominent figures of a powerful noble family. His son, Kurd Vachutyan, continued his father's work by adding a chapel to the complex, thus giving the monastery its completed form.
Particularly remarkable is the bas-relief above the entrance to the main church: scenes from the Gospel carved into stone, striking in both concept and craftsmanship. Each figure and contour seems to come alive in the glow of the setting sun, turning the monastery into a "stone book" that opens the pages of the Holy Scriptures.
Today, Hovhannavank not only preserves the grandeur of the past but also remains a place of spiritual inspiration. Its austere walls and exquisite carvings invite visitors to touch eternity, where stone and faith are bound as one.
The main church was erected later, between 1212 and 1221, by the order of Prince Vache Vachutyan, one of the prominent figures of a powerful noble family. His son, Kurd Vachutyan, continued his father's work by adding a chapel to the complex, thus giving the monastery its completed form.
Particularly remarkable is the bas-relief above the entrance to the main church: scenes from the Gospel carved into stone, striking in both concept and craftsmanship. Each figure and contour seems to come alive in the glow of the setting sun, turning the monastery into a "stone book" that opens the pages of the Holy Scriptures.
Today, Hovhannavank not only preserves the grandeur of the past but also remains a place of spiritual inspiration. Its austere walls and exquisite carvings invite visitors to touch eternity, where stone and faith are bound as one.
3. Mughni Church
20-30 min
In the picturesque village of Mugni, in Armenia's Aragatsotn region, rises the Church of Saint George – a remarkable monument of 17th-century spiritual heritage. Built between 1664 and 1669, it immediately drew attention for its imposing size and the refinement of its architectural design. Constructed from stones of varying shades, the church seems to breathe with light, as its walls shimmer in subtle tones beneath the sun.
Its façades are adorned with masterfully carved ornaments – crosses, floral motifs and intricate patterns – each detail a testimony to the skill of medieval Armenian craftsmen. Inside, fragments of frescoes still remain, their vibrant colors and expressive images defying the passage of centuries.
For generations, the Church of Saint George was not only a place of prayer but also the heart of the village, where people gathered during festivals and celebrations. Its strict outlines and graceful details create a harmony that unites faith and artistic inspiration. Today, the church of Mugni stands as a jewel of Armenian sacred architecture, preserving an atmosphere of reverence, serenity and timeless beauty.
Its façades are adorned with masterfully carved ornaments – crosses, floral motifs and intricate patterns – each detail a testimony to the skill of medieval Armenian craftsmen. Inside, fragments of frescoes still remain, their vibrant colors and expressive images defying the passage of centuries.
For generations, the Church of Saint George was not only a place of prayer but also the heart of the village, where people gathered during festivals and celebrations. Its strict outlines and graceful details create a harmony that unites faith and artistic inspiration. Today, the church of Mugni stands as a jewel of Armenian sacred architecture, preserving an atmosphere of reverence, serenity and timeless beauty.
4. Tegher Monastery
30-40 min
On the southern slope of the majestic Mount Aragats, nestled among picturesque landscapes, lies the Tegher Monastery – a quiet sanctuary whose history dates back to the 13th century. Its construction was carried out under the patronage of Mamakhatun, the wife of Prince Vache Vachutyan and to this day the complex has preserved an aura of noble grandeur. At its heart stands the main church, complemented by a narthex and two graceful chapels placed on the southwest and northwest sides. These small chapels add harmony and individuality to the ensemble, while the narthex, with its unusual architectural design, is considered a unique achievement in Armenian architecture. The austere lines of the stone walls coexist with refined decorative details, creating a sense of completeness and solemn elegance.
Inside the church reigns silence, broken only by the echo of footsteps and rays of light filtering through the narrow windows. From the monastery grounds, visitors are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Byurakan Observatory, as if symbolically linking the earthly with the celestial, science with faith.
A walk through Tegher is not only an encounter with an architectural monument but also a spiritual journey deep into the centuries. This monastery, imbued with the breath of history, continues to be a place of contemplation, inspiration and strength.
Inside the church reigns silence, broken only by the echo of footsteps and rays of light filtering through the narrow windows. From the monastery grounds, visitors are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Byurakan Observatory, as if symbolically linking the earthly with the celestial, science with faith.
A walk through Tegher is not only an encounter with an architectural monument but also a spiritual journey deep into the centuries. This monastery, imbued with the breath of history, continues to be a place of contemplation, inspiration and strength.
Inclusions
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Professional drivers
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Air-conditioned vehicles
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Bottled water
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Free pick-up & drop-off within Yerevan
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Vehicle & passengers insurance
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Extra stops on the route upon request
Exclusions
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Significant deviations from the route
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Alcoholic beverages if lunch option selected
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Audio guides
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Wi-Fi in the vehicles
What to expect
- Explore the wonderful sites of Aragatsotn province
- Learn the history of creation of the Armenian alphabet
- Take wonderphotos with Armenian letters
- Get immersed in the unrepeatable details of medieval architecture
Booking conditions
Cancellation & modification
Meet our Guides
Liana Karapetyan
HY
IT
I am Liana Karapetyan – for Italians, Liliana. I have many years of experience as a tour guide and even longer experience as an Italian language translator. Why choose me? If you want to create unforgettable memories from your trip to Armenia, I am ready to help you do so.
Anna Martirosyan
HY
EN
Hi everyone! I'm Anna, and I've been working as a tour guide since 2013. If you're ready to discover Armenia, I'll turn it into an exciting and unforgettable journey. My tours offer a full immersion into the culture, history, religion, and traditions of the Armenian people. My goal is that by the end of your trip, you'll fall in love with Armenia and want to come back again!
Garnik Mirzoyan
RU
I'm Garnik, and I've been working as a tour guide in Armenia since 2016. If you're tired of far-fetched stories and have a good sense of humor, we'll get along perfectly. Discover Armenia from the inside – in very hospitable hands.
Gayane Movsisyan
HY
EN
Hi! I am Gayane Movsisyan, a tour guide since 2017. I work with great enthusiasm, eager to present my country in the best possible way and to create unforgettable moments for our guests.
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