Armenia – The Oldest Christian Nation

Armenia is a land of chronicles that is adorned with churches and monasteries situated in splendid environs. Christianity stepped here in 301 A.D. due to which the country is proud to be recognized as the oldest nation of Christianity. The ruling power of the past cover far away areas of Syria and the Black Sea coast. Located on the Silk Road and stuck amidst the Persian, Turkish, and Russian empires, the country is fortunate enough to be the home of many passing merchants and sacred men. The patriotism and conventional civilization has witnessed a lot of recovery in the past.
The rapidly varying landscapes ranges from abundant forests, glittering lakes, to barren deserts. Above all, the most alluring are its people, the Armenians, who are ever ready to invite and guide their new or regular visitors.

Yerevan, the capital, is the nation’s focal point of cultural pursuits and advanced activities offering imposing museums and a vivacious contemporary arts sight. You can spot many inexplicable stalactite caves, stone carvings, and miniature villages in the country that assure to make your journey worth and memorable.

Tourists’ Attractions

• Yerevan:
  Do explore the series of cultural spots such as the National Gallery since 1919 and the Yerevan library of old manuscripts (Materadaran) that is the home of more than 13,000 texts. Further, do visit the State Museum of Armenian History that exhibits the best gatherings of the historical artifacts in the country.

• Geghard Monastery:
  Take out some time for this site of pilgrimage. Since 4th century, this site has been the residence of a monastery. The prevailing splendidly carved churches belonging to the 13th century are worth visiting here.
• Echmiadzin:
  This is a holy town that was the capital of the country from 180 to 340 A.D. The most worth visiting site here is the Cathedral of St. Gregory, the Illuminator that houses a spearhead, which is said to have cut the side of the crucified Christ.
• Garni Temple:
  Start from the Geghard Monastery to reach this holy shrine. Most of its structure has been demolished by many earthquakes. However, the location of the temple that overlooks the valley from a plateau of 300 m above the Azat River allures visitors.

• Lake Sevan:
  Located 70 km (43 miles) east of Yerevan, this is the largest lake in the Caucasus that is famous Armenia place for its pure waters, astonishing environs, and photography sessions done by the tourists.
• Dilijan:
  This is a settlement surrounded by beautiful pine forests offering walking trails taking you to alpine lakes, numerous restored sanatoriums of the Soviet reign, and a society of retired artists.
• Steep-sided Debed Canyon:
  Here, do not miss the monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. A popular belief holds that Sanahin is the birthplace of the famous Armenian troubadour-poet, Sayat-Nova who then turned out to be a monk at Haghpat.

• Goris:
  This is the town that has retained much of its original structure that was first designed by a 19th century German architect. Do not forget to visit the cave dwellings in its surrounding area in the hillsides and the close by fantastic Tatev Monastery.
• Hiking:
  Try this out on the country roads passing by ageless villages or steep mountain passes by enjoying the splendid scenery to view the captivating sunrise.
• Bird Watching:
  You will be lucky enough if you can find the rare species of birds – eagles, falcons, and swans. The country houses 346 species out of 550 in the continent.
• Vayots Dzor:
  This offers a few alluring limestone caverns.
• Horse Riding:
  Try this out on Mount Aragats during the spring season, which is the tallest mountain in Armenia and easy to reach during that time.