HISTORIC AND CULTURAL CENTERS OF ARMENIA
Echmiadzin - Spiritual and religious center of Armenia, residence of Catholicos of all Armenians. Sightseeing tour to Echmiadzin Cathedral (303), which was built by Trdat the 3rd and first Armenian Catholicos Gregory the Illuminator, churches of St. Hripsime and St. Gayane (7th century) and church of Shoghakat (17th century). Here also a big library, book depository, theological seminary and unique museum of Echmiadzin which has a unique collection of precious pieces of art and church utensils , great number of pictures and books.
Zvartnots - Temples of St.Gregory or Zvartnonts (temple of vigilant powers). It was built under Catholicos Nerses the 3rd called Builder in 7th century and is a three-floor domical construction with rich external decorations. Unfortunately it was damaged by an earthquake in 930.
Ptghni - Here magnificent ruins of one of the prominent architectural monuments of Armenia - Ptghnavank can be seen. The exact time of building is not known yet. However, there is an inscription informing about Manvel Amatuni lets us to date it back to the 6th century.
Bjni - A small cruciform seventh-century chapel stands atop a rocky cape. There are also a church of Virgin, a domed hall, dating to 1031 and, in the distance, a tenth- eleventh century fortress with remnants of a secret passage, a church and other structures. The Bjni ensemble incorporates also many eleventh-thirteenth century khachkars, some of which appear to be the acknowledged masterpieces of stone-carved work. Also numerous mineral springs here can be met.
Arzni - The famous health resort area with a lots of mineral springs in a Hrazdan river gorge.
Tsakhkadzor - Summer and winter resort area, surrounded by marvelous mountains which are covered with woods. Here Kecharis monastery ensemble (11-13th centuries) on forest edge can be seen. In 11th century monastery was a part of principality of Pahlavuni clan. Nowadays monastery functions and there is possibility of hearing ancient Armenian sharakans (psalms).
Ashtarak - one of the oldest towns in Armenia, full of splendid monuments. The earliest one is three-nave Tsiranavor basilica (5 century A.D.), but the most beautiful is church of Karmravor (7cc.), the only monument in Armenia which has preserved an ancient tiled roof intact. On its walls, now whitewashed, traces of wall ornamentation show through. Other works of medieval architecture in Ashtarak include the churches of St. Maria (1281) and Spitakavor (13th century), along with many khachkars on the local ancient cemetery. Also, eighteenth-nineteenth century folk architecture - dwelling houses.
Talish - Temple of domed-hall type in Aruch - one of the biggest buildings in Armenia which has preserved relatively well. The temple built in the late 660s under Gregory Mamikonian is visible in a distance 4-5 km. First of all the temple amazes with its magnificent interior, with integral internal space abundantly lighted by the windows.
Talin - The settlement was center of the land of Kamsarakan clan. Two seventh-century structures are situated here, the huge Talin temple and small church founded by Nerses Kamsarakan. Magnificent ruins of huge temple are the evidence of the past greatness of beautiful piece of Armenian architecture. The earthquake of 1840 has completely demolished the dome and part of drum, most of the walls.
Mastara - St Hovhannes Church is one of the most interesting examples of central-domed constructions of Armenia. The exact date of construction is unknown, but the stylistical analysis let us to classify it us an example of early medieval art. The temple is built in a unique and interesting style and is vivid example of progressing and always seeking architecture thought of Armenian masters.
Artik - Architectural ensemble Harichavank is situated on a flat ground, surrounded by fortress walls, near precipice of picturesque gorge. Ensemble consists of two churches and chapels. There are also 18-19th century monastery school building and barns. The main church was erected in 1201 by brothers Zakare and Ivane Zakharid. The oldest construction is cross-domed church of Gregory (7cc.). Harichavank is one of the cultural and religious centers of medieval Armenia.
Sanahin - The most popular medieval architectural ensemble. The exact date of construction is unknown. The way to monastery passes through Sanahin foot-bridge (1234), across river Debed. According to legend Gregory the Illuminator placed a cross in a site of future monastery in the beginning of 4th century. The whole complex of various and distinctive architectural monuments consists of 5 church buildings, 2 gavits, belfry, library, family burial-vaults and khachkars.
Haghpat - Architectural ensemble which is situated in a high, spacious plateau, banded with deep gorges. The main group of monuments which is enclosed with fortifications consists of 4 churches, two chapels, refectory, library, belfry and funerals. Beyond the bounds of walls there is situated a diversity of other monuments: churches, chapels, khachkars etc. Haghpat monastery was founded under king Abbas the 1st Bagratuni in 10 century.
Odzun - The monument has preserved well. The exact date of construction is unknown but the stylistical analysis let us to classify it to an example of 7th century art. By its original construction the temple of Odzun occupies detached place among domical basilicas of Armenia. This is a monument is a result of real creative fit, of mature architectural mastery.
Dilijan - Hagartsin monastery. The way to monastery passes through picturesque town Dilijan which is famous with its unique nature - mountain ranges wreathed with thick coniferous and oak forests. Hagartsin is situated far from settlements among primeval forest and glorious mountain scenery. The whole group of monuments consists of three church buildings, two gavits, refectory, group of chapels and khachkars. The oldest building is the church of Gregory (11cc.). Not far away there is a beautiful Parz lake.
Goshavank (Nor-Getik)- Monastery complex is situated in centre of Gosh village. It consists of few spiritual and secular monuments (12-13cc.) and forms splendid architectural ensemble on the whole. The main Church of Astvatsatsin was built under Mkhitar Gosh (1191) who was one of the outstanding thinkers of medieval Armenia.
Lake Sevan - One of the biggest mountain lakes in the world, which has sea order, lives and breathes by rules of sea. The word "Sevan" comes from Urartian "Siunna" - the lake land. Sevan monastery is situated on a peninsula, but in time of its building (874) there was an island and water serves as a natural monastery fence. Monastery repeatedly serves as a fortress where Armenians fought with Arabic forces in 9 century. Wonderful sea view and surrounding mountains, bathing in cool water and rest on a sandy beach will make this trip unforgettable.
Airivank - On a rocky cape near water is situated majestic monastery Airivank. The date of construction is unknown. There are few khachkars near monastery. A beautiful legend is connected with this monastery.
Selim Pass - Selim caravanserai which is one of the prominent monuments of civil architecture of medieval Armenia stands completely safe on the one branch of the Great Silk Road. It was built under Chesar Orbelian in 1332.
Areni - Here is situated the Church of Astvatsatsin (1321). In present-day Areni there is a famous winery in which cellars you can taste the most famous sort of wines.
Jermuk - Resort center with numerous pensions and sanatorium clinics. It is famous with its numerous mineral springs. In Soviet period it enjoyed wide popularity both in Armenia and in republics of former Union. Nowadays the interest to mineral springs of this resort hasn't disappeared.
Goris - This town considered to be the most beautiful in Armenia, as it is unique with its architectural monuments. Goris is also called a tale town. In the time of Karabakh conflict almost all town entered into popular uprising and that was the only reason of its preservation.
Zorats Karer - The most unique monument of late Stone Age. Here you can see primitive stone habitations and open-air temple which also served as an ancient observatory. Unique menhirs (huge two-meter stones) form circle in a center of which there are remnants of stone table where the sacrifices were made in the name of the solar god. Many of the Armenian and foreign scientists compare Zorats Karer with famous Britain Stonehenge.
Tatev - The monastery is situated in mountains of Zangezour. The way leading to Tatev passes through cross-country and deep gorge where mountain river Vorotan flows. The monastery is situated in a precipice of deep gorge and is fortificated by thick wall. Inaccessibility put it among most important religious, cultural and feudal centers of medieval Armenia. Complex consists of three churches (848; 885; 10th century), rocking pillar and number of barns. Unique monument - rocking octahedral pillar on a hinged basis. There is a wonderful legend related to this pillar.
Gndevank - It is situated in a picturesque gorge of Arpa river. Complex consists of Church which was built in 936 by Queen Sophia and gavit (996). Here are kachkars of 10-13th century and tomb stones with interesting secular reliefs of 17th century can be met.
Noravank - Monastery is situated in a deep gorge, at the foot of the steep cliffs. Ensemble consists of two churches, one gavit and family shrine of Orbelyan clan. Noravank was the Chair of bishop of Syunik in 12-14cc. The main church - church of St. Karapet (1221-1227). It was designed by marvelous bas-reliefs depicting Biblical themes made by famous architect and sculptor Momic.
Khor Virab - Monastery complex of 4-17 centuries. According to legend Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned by Trdat the 3rd for preaching Christianity in Armenia. After spending 13 years in dungeon St. Gregory was let free and then Christianity was adopted as a state religion in 301 and he became the First Catholicos of Armenians.
Garni - Prominent center of Hellenistic art in Armenia, summer residence of Armenian kings. It was famous for its inaccessibility, exceptional beauty of landscape and marvelous climate. There is a fortress (3cc. B.C.) and pagan temple of solar god Mihr (1st century), which was restored and now is in a good condition. Garni is the unique Hellenistic temple which has remained in a territory of former USSR. Garni didn't lose its role even after the adoption of Christianity. Here one-nave church (5th century), domical church (7th century) and shrine of Catholicos Mashtots (9-12th centuries) can be met.
Geghard - One of the most significant architectural complexes of medieval Armenia, which was also religious and cultural center. Geghard is situated in a deep picturesque gorge, near mountain river and is surrounded by fortress walls. Historical data about Geghard goes back to the 4th century. In 9th century monastery was devastated during Arabic incursion. The monuments which have remained mainly date from 12-13th centuries. Monastery is famous for its cavern temples and is considered to be a masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture. Here church of 1215, two cavern churches of 13th century, cavern shrines of Proshyan family and prince Papak and his wife can be met.
