Armenia in Brief

Why Armenia

Those who like arts and antiquities will hardly ever find a better place than Armenia - a territory of rarities. Pagan temples and Urartian fortresses, cavern settlements, ruins of castles high in the mountains, unique frescoes in forsaken monasteries....... It is impossible to name everything that could be seen by a traveler. About 4000 monuments of different ages are wonderfully diverse, unlike anything met before.
Armenia, a land of stone, is a true open-air museum welcoming those who are not afraid of long journeys, who are ready to leave the pavement for hiking tours in the mountains or descend down the deep gorges. Armenia is the country full of traditions, tasty cuisine and hospitable people.

 History

2009 is a 4116th anniversary of the Armenian statehood. According to the greatest Armenian historian Movses Khorenatsi, it was in 2107 B.C. when Hayk Nahapet destroyed the army of Assirian king Bel and founded the first Armenian kingdom. In 1824 B.C. Armenian princedoms united in a single country, thus establishing geographical and political concept - Armenia.
History of Armenia is closely related to such countries as Parthia, Roman Empire, Busantium, Persia, Arabic Khalifat, Empire of Chingis Khan and Ottoman Empire. Throughout all its history Armenian people fought for its territory and independence and after collapse of USSR in 1991 Armenia regained its independence.

 Nature

The territory of Armenia is located in subtropics among the central ranges of Caucasus Minor. More than 90% of his territory lies over 1000m. above the sea level. A bird-eye view of Armenia offers us alpine ranges, river canyons, highlands and lonely mountain peaks. Subtropical climate also affected flora and fauna which are very rich, including more than 3200 kinds of plants and over 1450 kinds of animals, many of them being endemics.

 Culture

Armenia can be named a true cradle of civilization. In culture of Armenia you can follow the development of the whole human race. Petroglyphs of 7-5 millennia B.C., ancient observatory of 3rd millennium, stone-carved images of aquatic gods (vishaps) of 2 century B.C., cyclopic fortresses of 1 millennium, monuments of Hellenistic period, churches of early Christians, medieval fortresses and monasteries - this list of Armenian miracles is far from being over.
Armenia is the first country to adopt Christianity as a national religion Armenian nation is one of the few to have its own language and script.

 Among the UNESCO World Heritage:

1. Monastry of Haghpat and Sanahin,

2. Cathedral and churches of Etchmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots

3. Monastery of Geghard and Upper Azat Valley

Cuisine

It is already worth coming to Armenia for the sake of its exceptional cuisine. Being among the ancient cuisines of the world it has preserved its traditions and is considered to be one of the most interesting.
Along with it, the recipes are exceptionally simple, all the products are minimally processed, oils are almost never used and the dishes are always served with great amount of greenery and spices. Armenian cuisine is greens, cheese, vegetables, met and of course lavash, accompanied with wine, tan, and all kind of home-made alcoholic drinks prepared from different fruits.