A charming yet small nation, Armenia is becoming a popular tourist destination and it boasts a rich history. It was the first country that declared its national religion to be Christianity and it is home to some of the most stunning views in Europe, with the country’s skyline dominated by the peak of Mount Ararat. Even though its peak is just over the Turkish border, the mountain is regarded as the national symbol of Armenia. The locals consider Ararat as holy because it is mentioned in The Bible as the location where Noah’s Ark landed.
There are numerous beautiful monasteries in Armenia and they are located in areas that have outstanding natural beauty. The European country is embracing tourism and if you are planning to visit it, these are amazing places in Armenia that you should check out:
- Yerevan
The capital and largest city of Armenia, Yerevan is a great place to begin when you are looking to explore the country. You should definitely climb the Cascade to see the monument built for Soviet victory in World War II, which is known as the grand Republic Square. As it is a historic city, you should schedule a trip to the Armenian Genocide Memorial for learning about its troubled past. Another place worth visiting is the Vernissage flea market, which is also open on the weekends. The only mosque in the entire country called the Blue Mosque is also in Yerevan, along with one of the most unusual attractions in Europe called Levon’s Amazing Underground World.
- Shikahogh State Reserve
To this day, there are many parts of the Shikahogh State Reserve remain unexplored and it is still unspoiled. It is Armenia’s second-largest forest reserve and is believed to be home to various animals, including wild goats, bears, leopards and vipers. Moreover, it is also said that there are more than 1,100 species of plants that can be found in the Shikahogh State Reserve, even though its fauna hasn’t been fully explored as yet. In 2005, the reserve was threatened due to a planned highway, but successful lobbying by environmentalists protected the forest’s future. There are also some beautiful waterfalls in the reserve that people can enjoy.
- Lake Sevan
Located in the heart of Armenia is Lake Sevan, which is the largest lake in the country and an excellent place to visit. There are some stunning monasteries that surround the lake, the most impressive of which is the Sevanavank Monastery that provides a glorious scenic backdrop. Amongst the recreational activities that you can enjoy at the lake include windsurfing and there are some great seafood restaurants established on its shore. There are a number of popular beaches in Lake Sevan, which makes it an ideal place to sunbathe in Armenia because the country has no coastline.
- Dilijan national park
There are four national parks in Armenia and perhaps the most beautiful of this quartet is the Dilijan national park. Established in 2002, the park is renowned for its medicinal mineral water springs, along with its natural monuments. Some of the important cultural locations of Armenia can be found in the park grounds, such as Jukhtak Vank, Goshavank Monastery and Haghartsin Monastery. The Getik and Aghestev river basins can also be found in the boundaries of Dilijan national park.
- Mount Aragats
One of the most stunning natural sights that you will find in Armenia is Mount Aragats and the dormant volcano can be found in the north. Not only is it the highest peak in Armenia, but it also boasts a lot of rock around its base that can be enjoyed. There are paintings of human-like figures and animals that date back hundreds of years. Mount Aragats peak is covered with snow nearly all year round, but people can climb it in July, August and September. The easiest to climb is the southernmost peak of the four, while the most challenging one in the northern, as it is 4,000 meters high.
- Lake Arpi
During the peak tourist season, Lake Sevan is extremely crowded, so you can have a more relaxing time at Lake Arpi. Used for hydropower production and irrigation, this lake also serves as the source of the Akhurian River. A new park was established in 2009 around the lake for protecting its natural environment and almost 100 species of birds can be found in the area. There is also some rich flora and fauna to be found near Lake Arpi and this site is protected by Ramsar Convention. As far as recreational activities are concerned, people can enjoy walking tours and camping.
- Noravank
One of the defining characteristics of Armenia is its monasteries and one of the most beautiful monastery in the entire country is located at Noravank. Built in the 13th century, the monastery is shielded by sheer brick-red cliffs. The Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) church is Noravank’s claim to fame, as the story says that God himself saved the monastery when Mongols had captured Armenia hundreds of years ago. If you plan to visit just one monastery during your trip to Armenia, you should check one out in Noravank.
- Gyumri
Another city that’s worth visiting in Armenia is Gyumri because it is the second-largest city in the country and anyone going there for the first time should certainly see it. There is a hill overlooking the city where you will find the Black Fortress that allows you to enjoy the sights of Gyumri. You can also find the spectacular Mother Armenia statue close by. Furthermore, you can also find that Gyumri is home to some of the most important cultural institutions of Armenia. These include the Sergey Merkurov House-Museum, the Aslamazyan Sisters House-Museum the Dzitoghtsyan Museum of Social Life and National Architecture. The oldest area of Gyumri is the Kumayri Historic District, where you will find a thousand ancient buildings.
When you want to explore the wonder that is Armenia, you should definitely visit these amazing places for a wonderful experience.
