Amberd Fortress

Amberd medieval fortress, which translates as “fortress in the clouds”, stands on the slopes of Mount Aragats, at an altitude of 2300m. It is located on a rocky cliff protected from three sides with deep gorges at the intersection of rivers Amberd and Arkashen. There is only one road which leads to the fortress. This road passes through mountains which makes it impossible to get there in winter.
Amberd fortress was built from the 7th to the 10th centuries by the Armenian Kamsarakan and Pahlavuni princes. The fortress served as the summer residence of Armenian princes. Due to its geographical location, Amberd was one of the most important military-defensive positions of the Armenian kingdom.

Khor Virap Monastery

Khor Virap monastery is located on the left bank of the Araks River, Ararat region. The name Khor Virap means “deep pit” which symbolizes its history. The monastery was built over an underground dungeon, where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned by the Armenian king Trdat for spreading Christanity in Armenia. Filled with snakes and insects the dungeon did not break the faith of St. Gregory. He survived by the grace of a woman who secretly fed him. St. Gregory was imprisoned here for about 14 years until the king Trdat went mad and the king’s sister released Gregory from the jail to cure the mental illness of her brother. In gratitude for being healed the king declared Christianity a state religion in 301 AD, making Armenia the first nation to adopt Christianity as a state religion. In 642, Armenian catholicos Nerses III built a chapel over the dungeon, which was later destroyed and replaced by a new chapel in the 17th century. Today, travelers can explore the underground pit situated under the altar of the church where the Saint was kept. The beautiful Khor Virap monastery is the closest point to the biblical Mount Ararat and opens one of the most impressive views to it.

Etchmiadzin Cathedral

Etchmiadzin cathedral, built in 303 AD, after the adoption of Christianity, is the spiritual center of Armenian Apostolic Church. It was built by Saint Gregory the Illuminator after a dream where Christ Himself descended on earth and pointed the place where the cathedral was to be built. The name “Etchmiadzin” translates as the place where the Only Begotten descended. From its foundation the Holy Etchmiadzin, which is often considered the oldest cathedral in the world, has been the seat of the Catholicos, the supreme head of the Armenian Church.
Originally, the Echmiadzin Cathedral was constructed from wood and had a form of basilica. Then it was reconstructed and in the 7th century, the Cathedral was rebuilt in stone. The distinguishing feature of the main cathedral are its altars. Besides the main one, it has three more, two of which are located in the northern and southern niches, the other is in the center and marks the holy site where Christ descended and told St. Gregory the Illuminator to build the temple. Besides the ornaments and other decorations, there are paintings of various holy scenes and more than 120 portraits with the images of saints and apostles.
The monastery complex of Etchmiadzin, included in the UNESCO world heritage list, includes 5 monasteries: Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin, St. Hripsime, St. Gayane, St. Shoghakat and St. Virgin Mariam.

Zvartnots Temple

Located 15 kms off Yerevan, Zvartnots is one of the magnificent landmarks of medieval Armenian architecture. The temple was constructed in the 7th century by the Armenian Catholicos Nerses the Third, dedicated to Saint Gregory the Illuminator. Later the temple was destroyed by a powerful earthquake in the 10th century. Zvartnots was considered an architectural marvel and served as a prototype for many other Armenian churches. Today even the ruins of this unique architectural structure give us the idea of its rare and majestic beauty. In 1989 the ruins of Zvartnots Temple were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Sevanavank Monastery

Sevanavank Monastery is one of the most outstanding historical and cultural sites of Armenia, located on the peninsula of the lake Sevan. The monastery, also known as “Mariamashen” (meaning built by Mariam) was founded in the 9th century by Princess Mariam, daughter of the king Ashot I Bagratuni. The first church of the monastery was built by Gregory the Illuminator in 305 after the adoption of Christanity.
The complex consists of two monastic temples – Surb Arakelots and Surb Astvatsatsin standing among numerous khachkars (Armenian cross-stones) of historical importance. It is also well-known for its magnificent view to the lake which makes it one of the most famous tourist destinations of the country.

Geghard Monastery

Geghard Monastery is one of the most stunning monastic complexes of medieval Armenian architecture, located in Kotayk region. This unique monastic complex, part of which is carved in the rock is included in the UNESCO’s World Heritage list. The monastery was founded in the 4th century by Gregory the Illuminator in a cave where he came across a miraculous spring. Saint Gregory originally named it Ayrivank (Ayr meaning cave). This spring still flows in the chapel and people come here to drink its sacred water. Then the monastery was named Geghardavank – the Monastery of Spear. Legend has it that St. Thaddaeus the Apostle brought here the spear with which the Roman soldier had pierced the heart of crucified Christ, the so-called Spear of Destiny. The spear had been kept in the monastery for about 500 years (now it is kept in the Museum of Etchmiadzin). The architecture of the complex is very stunning with some churches entirely carved out of rocks, others a little more than caves. It has unbelievable acoustics- in some places, the sound can be heard even up to 40 seconds, the mystery of which has not yet been revealed.

Garni Temple

The pagan temple of Garni is one of the most famous and important tourist attractions of the country, located in Kotayk region, at the left bank of the river Azat. The temple was constructed in the 1st century AD, by the Armenian king Trdat I. It was dedicated to God Mihr, the Armenian pagan god of the Sun. After the adoption of Christianity, all the pagan places of worship were destroyed, except from this one, which is the only pagan structure survived in the country. The temple is a literal masterpiece of pagan, Hellenistic and Greco-Roman architecture. It is constructed of grey basalt, supported by twenty-four columns of the Ionic order: six in the front and back and eight on the sides. The 24 columns symbolize the 24 hours of the day.
The complex, which included a Roman bath, a summer palace of Armenian kings and a 7th-century church, was strategically built on a high hill and surrounded by walls, making it a powerful fortress.

Haghpat Monastery

Haghpat Monastery is one the most impressive monasteries in Armenia, located in the village of Haghpat, in Lori region. It was built in the 10th century by the Armenian queen Khosrovanush and was one of the most prominent scientific centers back then, storing a rich and diverse collection of manuscripts. Monks could study medicine, astronomy, philosophy, music, literature, manuscript illumination and more at Haghpat. This monastery complex of major spiritual importance includes the churches of Saint Nshan, Saint Gregory and Saint Astvatsatsin, a churchyard, a repository, a refectory, a bell tower and many cross-stones. These buildings reflect the main characteristics of the medieval Armenian architecture. In 1996 Haghpat Monastery was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list.

Sanahin Monastery

Sanahin Monastery is another eminent spiritual and educational center registered in the UNESCO List of World Cultural Heritage. It was founded in the 10th century and was a major educational center with academies, libraries and schools. The book storage of the monastery was the largest in medieval Armenia. According to the legend, the first church of the complex was founded in the 4th century and the name “Sanahin” means “this is older than the other one”. “The other one” in this case refers to the monastery of Haghpat, located not far from it. The Monastery complex includes the churches of St. Astvatsatsin and St. Amenaprkich with their courtyards, St. Gregory and St. Harutyun chapels, a seminary, a bell tower, a scriptorium, and the mausoleums of the Zakarians and Kyurikians.

Akhtala Fortress

Akhtala Monastery Complex is located in the village of Akhtala, Lori region, near the border with Georgia. It was built in the 10th century by the Kiurikid princes and incorporates elements of Armenian, Georgian and Byzantine architecture. The main feature of the complex is the fascinating collection of frescoes covering almost all the interior walls of the main church. The colouring of the frescoes is typical to Byzantine art while the thematic solutions of the miniatures are Armenian. There are inscriptions on the walls in the Greek and Georgian languages. Besides the central church, the complex includes also a small church of St. Basil, ruins of a residential building and traces of other buildings. The fortress walls are quite well-preserved which is the evidence that once it was a very powerful fortification. Aside from that, the fortress stands on the edge of a high canyon and is protected by natural barriers on three sides.

Tatev Monastery

The jewel of medieval Armenian architecture, Tatev Monastery, is located in the region of Syunik, on a high cliff overlooking the right bank of the river Vorotan. It was constructed in the 9th-13th centuries and was the largest religious, cultural and scientific center of medieval Armenia, the political center of Syunik Principality and the residence of the Syunik Bishop. Today the monastery complex consists of three churches: the Blessed Virgin, the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and St. Gregory. Previously, it was very hard to reach Tatev Monastery because of the winding road which descended the steep walls of a gorge and crossed Vorotan river by the Devil’s Bridge. As of now, Tatev is easily accessible to everyone by the world’s longest reversible cable car “Wings of Tatev”. This aerial tramway holds the record for the longest non-stop double track cable car (5.7 km). The “flight” over the gorge of incredible view lasts 12 minutes during which you will admire the impressive view of the monastery situated on a rocky plateau above the picturesque gorge and listen its history.

Goshavank Monastery

The medieval monastic complex of Goshavank, built in the 12th century, is located 15 km away from the resort town of Dilijan. The monastery is named in honor of the great Armenian scientist, historian and politician Mkhitar Gosh who built the monastery with the support of the Prince Ivane Zakaryan. Mkhitar Gosh worked and lived here for 25 years, founding a school where languages (Armenian, Latin, Greek), Philosophy, Music, Drawing and other disciplines were taught. Thus, the monastery used to be not only a religious, but also an important educational and cultural centre.
The monastery complex includes St. Astvatsatsin, St. Gregory, St. Gregory the Illuminator churches, a book-depository with belfry, school buildings, chapel and many unique cross-stones. The first and central church of the monastery – the Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God is a magnificent example of a dome cathedral in the classical medieval Armenian architectural style. The view of the monastery is majestic because of its location in one of the most picturesque places of Armenia.

Haghartsin Monastery

Haghartsin Monasery is one of the most mysterious places of the country located high in the woody mountains. The monastery complex, which represents an amazing harmony of architecture and nature, stands 18 km to the north of the resort town of Dilijan. It was founded by the Bagratuni dynasty in the 10th century. The complex includes four churches: Saint Gregory, Saint Astvatsatsin, Saint Katoghike and Saint Stephanos; two courtyards, refectory, prayer halls and many Armenian cross-stones. The main church is Saint Astvatsatsin, which has a hidden room and a secret tunnel under it used for hiding artefacts and escaping during wars or earthquakes. The refectory of the monastery has 12 columns which symbolize the 12 Disciples of Christ. In the 13th century the monastery served not only as a religious center but also as a scientific center.

Noravank Monastery

Noravank Monastery is a true treasure of Armenian religious art. This monastic complex belonging to the 13th century is located over the gorge of the river Arpa, Vayots Dzor region. Noravank is considered an architectural masterpiece created by the eminent sculptor and architect Momik. What makes it especially unique is that Noravank is one of the few monasteries in the world consisting of two floors. The complex includes three churches: Saint Astvatsatsin, Saint Karapet and Saint Grigor, a courtyard and a mausoleum of Duke Smbat. The most magnificent building is St. Astvatsatsin Church constructed by Prince Burtel Orbelyan. The semi-basement first floor serves as the tomb of the Orbelyan family. The second floor connected to the first one by steep stairs is a cross-shaped chapel.
Noravank is a must-see place in Armenia not only for its cultural importance but also for its magnificent location. The stunning architecture of the monastery contrasts amazingly with the red rock cliffs surrounding it. Everything here is unique and in harmony.

Saghmosavank Monastery

Saghmosavank Monastery is located in Aragatsotn region on the right bank of the river Kasakh.  The monastery is situated at the edge of a canyon with a fascinating view to the precipitous gorge.

Saghmosavank comes from the word “saghmos” which is the Armenian word for psalm- a spiritual song or a lyric poetry. Legend has it, the first church of the complex was founded by Saint Gregory the Illuminator who taught psalms to clergymen here.

The monastery complex, which was one of the most prominent spiritual and cultural centers of the Middle Ages, includes the church of Saint Sion and St Astvatsatsin, a courtyard, and a writing house. The main church (St Astvatsatsin) was built in 1215 by Prince Vache Vachutyan, It has a Greek-cross style design with two-story vestries in all the corners and cylindrical dome towers in the middle. Once the complex was surrounded by semi-circular gates.

Saghmosavank Monastery was famous for its manuscripts. A number of miniatures-illustrations, theological literature and many works of Armenian historians were created and copied here.

Selim Caravanserai

Selim Caravanserai, also known as Orbelian Caravanserai, is a caravanserai in Vayots Dzor region. It was built along the Vardenyats Mountain Pass in the 14th century by prince Chesar Orbelian to bridge the passes of Europe and Middle East and accommodate travelers and their animals while crossing the Silk Road. The caravanserai is constructed of blocks of basalt. It has a single hall divided into three naves with seven pairs of pillars. Animals rested in the narrow aisles to the left and right of the main hall. There was a separate sleeping room built on the western side of the caravanserai for travelers.

Noraduz Cemetery

The most remarkable heritage of Armenian architecture are the cross-stones, the famous Armenian “Khachkars” (khach” – cross and “kar”- stone) inscribed in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. These unique cross-stones which have been curved over centuries have become the symbol of Christian Armenia. Noraduz cemetery, located in the region of Gegharkunik, on the shore of the lake Sevan, is the largest graveyard with khachkars in the world. It contains around 900 khachkars of various ages and architectural solutions. The majority of them date back to the 13th – 17th centuries; the most ancient belongs to the 7th century.

Zorats Karer Observatory

The Armenian Stonehenge called Zorats Karer or Karahunj, meaning “Stone Army” and “Speaking Stones” respectively, is situated in the South of Armenia, in the region of Syunik. This is a a unique construction consisting of hundreds of vertically set two-meter stones which form a perfect circle with a dolmen in the middle. According to archaeologists this is an ancient observatory – used for astronomical purposes in prehistoric times. However, the opinions of scientists on its age are quite different. Some say that Karahunj was built in the 3rd millennium BC, while others claim that the complex is about 7500 years old.