Attractions of Armenia

To help inspire or plan your trip to Armenia, some of its major attractions for travellers are shown below, including some of the best natural, historical, cultural and adventure sites in the country. These include all of UNESCO World Heritage Sites for Armenia which represent the best of the world's cultural and natural heritage.
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Natural	History	Wildlife	Trekking	Cities	Religious Monument	Boat Journey	Rail Journey	Diving	Cultural	Adrenaline	UNESCO WHS

Yerevan
The capital of Armenia is an attractive and cosmopolitan city, with wide tree-lined boulevards and buildings built with pink volcanic tuff stone, most notably in Republic Square. Sites of note within the city are the Matenadaran Manuscripts Museum containing 16,000 ancient and rare manuscripts, the poignant memorial to the 1915 Armenian genocide and the Vernisaj open air market.

Monastery of Geghard
The Monastery of Geghard is located at the entrance of the Azat Valley, northeast of the capital Yerevan. This complex of churches and tombs have been carved deep into rock and date back to the 4th century AD. It is believed that the spear which pierced the body of Jesus on the cross was kept here along with relics of the Apostles Andrew and John. Nearby the Roman temple at Garni dates back to AD 77, a pagan temple in the pre-Christian era. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley

Monastery of Geghard

The Monastery of Geghard is located at the entrance of the Azat Valley, northeast of the capital Yerevan. This complex of churches and tombs have been carved deep into rock and date back to the 4th century AD. It is believed that the spear which pierced the body of Jesus on the cross was kept here along with relics of the Apostles Andrew and John. Nearby the Roman temple at Garni dates back to AD 77, a pagan temple in the pre-Christian era.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley

Cathedrals of Echmiatsin and Zvartnots
Echmiatsin was the capital of Armenia from 180 to 340 AD during which time Armenia became the first country in the world to adopt Christianity. The cathedral at Echmiatsin was founded in AD 303 and was Armenia's first church. The nearby Zvartnots Cathedral dates to the 7th century. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Cathedral and Churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots

Cathedrals of Echmiatsin and Zvartnots

Echmiatsin was the capital of Armenia from 180 to 340 AD during which time Armenia became the first country in the world to adopt Christianity. The cathedral at Echmiatsin was founded in AD 303 and was Armenia's first church. The nearby Zvartnots Cathedral dates to the 7th century.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Cathedral and Churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots

Amberd Fortress
The Amberd Fortress was constructed between the 7th and 11th centuries and was the feudal seat of the Pahlevouni Princes. Set on the slopes of Mount Aragats, Armenia's tallest mountain at 4,090 metres, the fortress is surrounded by cliffs on three sides. Its location protected it until it was sacked by Tamerlane in the 14th century. From the fortress there are excellent views of the Ararat Plain and in the distance Mount Ararat in Turkey, the legendary resting place of Noah's Ark.

Amberd Fortress

The Amberd Fortress was constructed between the 7th and 11th centuries and was the feudal seat of the Pahlevouni Princes. Set on the slopes of Mount Aragats, Armenia's tallest mountain at 4,090 metres, the fortress is surrounded by cliffs on three sides. Its location protected it until it was sacked by Tamerlane in the 14th century. From the fortress there are excellent views of the Ararat Plain and in the distance Mount Ararat in Turkey, the legendary resting place of Noah's Ark.

Monasteries of Southern Armenia
There are several beautiful ancient monasteries in southern Armenia, all set in spectacular locations. Khor Virab Monastery is located near the Turkish border, one of the holiest sites in Armenia. Set against the backdrop of Mount Ararat, it provides excellent photo opportunities. The nearby village of Areni produces some of the best wine in Armenia. Tatev Monastery is located on top of an almost impregnable plateau, overlooking Vorotan Gorge.

Monasteries of Southern Armenia

There are several beautiful ancient monasteries in southern Armenia, all set in spectacular locations. Khor Virab Monastery is located near the Turkish border, one of the holiest sites in Armenia. Set against the backdrop of Mount Ararat, it provides excellent photo opportunities. The nearby village of Areni produces some of the best wine in Armenia. Tatev Monastery is located on top of an almost impregnable plateau, overlooking Vorotan Gorge.

Lake Sevan
The volcanic Lake Sevan is located at 1,950 metres above sea level and is known for its changing hues and its fresh fish. The 9th century monastery of Sevanavank has excellent views of the lake. Just south of the lake is the Selim Pass, part of the old Silk Road, and the 14th century ruins of the Selim Caravanserai.

Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin
In northern Armenia near the border with Georgia lie the 10th century monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin. Built during the period of prosperity of the Kiurikian dynasty following independence, these were important centres of learning and represent the peak of Armenian religious architecture. Sanahin comprises the Cathedral of the Redeemer and other buildings located on a plateau above the Debet Gorge and was famous for its school of illuminators and calligraphers. Hahgpat comprises the Church of the Holy Cross as well as a gravit, chapter house and library. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin

Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin

In northern Armenia near the border with Georgia lie the 10th century monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin. Built during the period of prosperity of the Kiurikian dynasty following independence, these were important centres of learning and represent the peak of Armenian religious architecture. Sanahin comprises the Cathedral of the Redeemer and other buildings located on a plateau above the Debet Gorge and was famous for its school of illuminators and calligraphers. Hahgpat comprises the Church of the Holy Cross as well as a gravit, chapter house and library.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin