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10 essential things to do when you visit Armenia

Armenia is a land of both the old and the new. As the first Christian country in Europe and after more than 600 years of slavery to foreign powers, it is indeed one of the most exciting places to be, as well as being one of the historically richest countries in Europe. So if you want a vacation full of culture, history, relaxation, and fun, here are the ten most essential things to do in Armenia:

1.) Ughtasar

Getting to this ancient fortress is even more daunting than its name, as only a 4×4 combined with summer weather can take tourists across the top of the mountainous plateau where it stands. Arriving at the site, you will see more than 2,000 petroglyphs left behind by ancient peoples depicting hunting scenes, ancient rituals, and culture. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the view from this site is also excellent.

2.) Erebuni Fortress

The Erebuni Fortress is also home to a trove of artifacts. These artifacts date back to the millennium BC. The fortress has been turned into a museum and here you will find around 12,000 items belonging to the ancient civilization that thrived on the land.

3.) Zvartnots Temple

This temple is testimony that Armenia has the oldest national church in the world. This temple dates back more than 1,700 years and has recently been excavated by a team of archaeologists. On the grounds, you will see not only the old church, but also a museum, a cathedral, and a seminary. This place serves as the center of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

4.) National Gallery

The national gallery serves to house national treasures such as art from classical to modern times. It contains not only Armenian art but also Western art. It was founded in 1919 and since then it has served as a repository of the country’s cultural elements.

5.) Old Dilijan

This picturesque rural town is located in the heart of the forest of Northern Armenia. The city boasts of having been the home of many famous artists, musicians, composers and others. This popular destination draws tourists for its early 20th-century architecture and exhibits of musical instruments and handicrafts.

6.) Ararat Cognac Factory

This serves as the home base for the producer of the country’s most famous brandy maker. The brandy made here has become a favorite with people from all over the world, including the famous Winston Churchill. It is a must see place.

7.) Matenadaran Institute

It is located in the heart of Yerevan. The Matenadaran Institute houses an impressive collection of handwritten books. It is an imposing building guarded by the silent statues of famous Armenian intellectuals like Mesrp Mashtots, Mkhitar Gosh, Anania Shirakatsi, Toros Roslin etc.

8.) Gaghard’s Cathedral

A church made famous by the fact that it is literally hewn out of solid rock, Gaghard’s Cathedral is indeed an example of this country’s exemplary architecture. The name Geghard literally translates as spear. It is due to the fact that it has housed the spear that pierced the body of Jesus during his crucifixion.

9.) Haghpat and Sanahin Monasteries

Located in the Lori region and along the banks of the Debed River, these two famous monasteries are some of the Unesco World Heritage Sites. These two sites serve to remind not only tourists, but also the people of the country of their rich cultural heritage and intellectual achievements. The two sites were built during the 10th century and have taken hundreds of years to complete.

10.) The Garni Temple

Adorned by two dozen Ionic columns, this temple stands as a reminder of the Hellenistic countries’ past. It was built as part of a fortress during the 3rd century BC. Naturally protected on three sides by rocky cliffs and a deep canyon, but destroyed several times throughout history, it nevertheless resembles the National Spirit of Armenia that inspires all its people to rebuild.

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