Discovering the hidden gem that is Armenia and its rich history, beautiful scenery and colourful traditions has become easier than ever before. Stretched in South Caucasus, Armenia is rich in tremendous landscapes such as monasteries hewn from the rock, picturesque lakes, and majestic mountains. Travellers who might be intending to visit this less explored region of the Caucasus must start with getting an Armenia visa. No matter if you are interested in experiencing the history and culture of this country, breathtaking views or friendliness of locals, Armenia will become a vacation of a lifetime for each guest.
But to ensure that your trip is as smooth as possible there has been an improvement of the armenia visa requirements and many applicants from many countries can now apply for an Armenian eVisa or a visa upon arrival. This convenient process also holds out the possibility of learning a great deal about Armenia’s many fascinating attractions, such as the Geghard Monastery or Lake Sevan. Therefore, when planning to travel to Armenia, ensure you have the visa to the country and prepare to get a view of one of the most historic and beautiful places on the globe.
Below are the 10 most fascinating tourist destinations in Armenia that you should not afford to miss on your trip.
1. Geghard Monastery
The Geghard Monastery is one of the symbols of Armenia and it is enlisted as a World Heritage Object. This is an ancient structure, partly hewn into the rock and is situated in the picturesque valley of the Azat River. The monastery itself was established in the 4th century, and the place is situated in the picturesque territory. Tourists can take a tour of the well-carved out rock church and the caves that contain beautiful artworks and paintings.
2. Lake Sevan
Lake Sevan is well known as the “Jewel of Armenia” it is the second largest of freshwater lake in the world and located at 1900 meters above sea level. It is also a perfect spot for swimming, boating, and having a picnic due to the clear waters of the lake and the beautiful scenery. Sevanavank Monastery located on the island of Sevan is a must visit place as the panoramic view of the lake and the Armenia’s religious history can be explored.
3. Yerevan
Yerevan is the capital city of Armenia; it is a combination of the modern and the ancient part of the world. Due to rich artistic life, numerous coffee shops, and sights, Yerevan is a city that should be visited. Toursists can visit restaurants, Republic Square, National History Museum, the Cascade Complex – the giant stairway going up to a park with beautiful view of the city skyline and the Mt. Ararat in the horizon.
4. Khor Virap
Khor Virap is one of the holiest places in Armenia and the best place to take a photo of Mount Ararat. The complex was constructed at the place where the Armenian saint Gregory the Illuminator was confined for 13 years before baptizing King Tiridates III in 301 AD. Khor Virap indeed is one of the most popular sites in Armenia because of its history and breathtaking view over the plain and the biblical mountains.
5. Noravank Monastery
Indeed, Noravank is a beautiful monastery situated in Vayots Dzor region; the monastery has a reddish background. The monastery dates back to the 12th century and has very beautiful carvings as well as a chapel famously known for its beauty. The topographical features of the surrounding area include large cliffs and deep gorges, which make it a great place to take pictures of the area.
6. Tatev Monastery
Tatev Monastery is among the most famous and isolated monasteries of Armenia. Located in the southern part of Armenia on a high altitude, this 9th-century monastic complex provides splendid view of the Vorotan Gorge. The road to Tatev is very attractive and unusual: tourists can travel by the longest reversible aerial tramway in the world, the Wings of Tatev.
7. Garni Temple
Garni Temple is the only remaining pre-Christian temple in Armenia and the only one of its kind in the country. It is a first-century AD construction and is located on a plateau at the top of the Garni Gorge. It is an important tourist attraction; the building belongs to the Greco-Roman type and has large columns which are unique to Armenia.
8. The Armenian Genocide Memorial (Citsernakaberd)
The Armenian Genocide Museum and memorial in Yerevan is a site for commemorating the atrocities of 1915when over 1.5 million Armenians lost their lives in the Ottoman Empire’s attempted genocide of the Armenian people. The memorial is a big stele with twelve smaller stones around it, one of them dedicated to each of the historical provinces of Armenia. The visit is rather emotional for those who would like to know more about the Armenian history and its ability to stand up.
9. Dilijan National Park
Also referred to as the “Switzerland of Armenia,” the Dilijan National Park offers the perfect opportunity for a nature enthusiast. Situated in the north eastern region of the country, it is a park that is endowed with many natural features such as forests, lakes and rather quiet paths for hiking. Dilijan town which is in the park has many beautiful wooden houses and it is also a perfect place to start to explore the nature.
10. Chahke and Areni Caves
Armenia is one of the first countries that started producing wine, and the Areni Cave complex is a witness to that. The caves, situated in the vicinity of Areni village, have been a focus of much interest to archaeologists for years; the recent discoveries include the oldest winery in the world, which is more than 6 000 years old.
Conclusion
Armenia is a country with rich history and cultural heritage and incredible landscapes. Its monasteries, landscapes as well as vigorous cities make it an ideal travel destination for tourists. It can be youth exploring the churches or mountains or people enjoying the calm of the Armenian lake – all of them will have a unique travel experience. That is why it is high time to add these 10 amazing tourist attractions to the list and find out more about the captivating sights of this country.