Exploring Armenia’s Hidden Gems A Guide to Scenic Towns and Historic Monasteries
Armenia is an Asian country with 3,230,000 inhabitants, located in the southern part of the Caucasus, bordered by Turkey to the west, Georgia to the north, Azerbaijan to the east, and Iran and the Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan to the south. The country is landlocked and characterized by a mountainous territory, rich in extinct volcanoes and lakes, some of which are quite large. Tourist infrastructure is scarce, so relatively few travelers choose Armenia as a holiday destination. In reality, this country is a treasure chest filled with pearls of rare beauty, only requiring a bit of courage to explore as a decidedly unconventional destination.
A Rich History: From Urartu to the Russian Empire
Several centuries after the clashes with the Hittites, the first empire to establish itself on Armenian territory was that of Urartu, which controlled a large part of the Caucasus between 800 and 600 BC. In 66 BC, the Romans arrived in this remote region, and from that moment, for several centuries, it was disputed among the Romans, Parthians, Byzantines, and Sassanids. In 301, Armenia became the first state in the world to adopt Christianity as its official religion, preceding even the Roman Empire by a few decades. Between the 9th and 11th centuries, the region regained independence and entered a phase of economic, social, and cultural revival, which was interrupted in 1071 by the arrival of the Turks, who controlled the territory until the end of the 18th century. In 1813, Armenia came under the control of the Russian Empire, and remained so until the Revolution of 1917. The subsequent creation of the Armenian National Council paved the way for the proclamation of the Democratic Republic of Armenia, leading to Armenia’s final independence from the USSR on September 21, 1991.
Exploring Yerevan: Armenia’s Capital and Cultural Hub
The capital is Yerevan, a metropolis situated on the banks of the Hrazdan River, nearly 1,000 meters above sea level. Today, Yerevan is one of the most important industrial, scientific, and cultural centers in the entire Caucasus, home to Yerevan State University, founded in 1920. As one of the oldest settlements in the world, the Armenian capital boasts numerous museums detailing its rich history. Among these are the State Historical Museum, the Erebuni Museum, and the Matendadaran, a cultural treasure preserving the beauty of 12,000 ancient parchments and manuscripts dating back to the 9th century. The beating heart of the city center is Republic Square, formerly Lenin Square, which is home to the most important hotels, shops, and international banks. Other notable attractions include the Komitas Chamber Music Hall, despite its Soviet brutalism architecture, and the splendid Opera House.
Echmiadzin: A Sacred Destination in Armenia
Not far from Yerevan is the city of Echmiadzin, located 20 kilometers west of the capital. The fourth-largest city in the country, it was Armenia’s capital from 184 to 340 AD and remains a sacred place for Armenians. Legend has it that in 300 AD, King Tiridates III converted to Christianity here, making Echmiadzin the spiritual precursor of the entire region. Today, the city is home to the Supreme Catholicos, the head of the Armenian Orthodox Church, and boasts beautiful places of worship such as the Church of St. Hripsime and the Tserkov Sv Grigoria (Church of St. Gregory). The Church of St. Hripsime, built in 618 on the site of an earlier chapel, houses the remains of St. Hripsime and has been perfectly restored. The Tserkov Sv Grigoria is considered one of the most beautiful 17th-century buildings in the country.
Hidden Gems Near Yerevan
In the vicinity of Yerevan, other small towns hold hidden treasures. Ashtarak is home to the imposing Tsiranavar (Orange) Church and the Karmaravor (Red) Church. Artashat features the Khor Virap Monastery and the ruins of a former Armenian capital. Sevan, another town in the area, offers precious archaeological finds and sits on the shores of Lake Sevan, the largest body of water in Transcaucasia. The lake, located at 1,900 meters altitude, is surrounded by historical evidence dating back over 2,000 years.
Dilijan: Armenia’s Natural Beauty and History
Leaving behind the hustle of the capital, you’ll discover the more authentic side of Armenia, with its countryside and forests where time seems to stand still. To spend a few relaxing days immersed in Armenian history and nature, head to the hill station of Dilijan, home to the country’s most famous mineral water spring. In addition to ancient ruins, including two beautiful monasteries, Dilijan is a must-see for its scenic landscapes, with endless forests and green countryside stretching into the distance. The spa near Arzni is also well-known.
Armenian Festivals and Holidays
New Year’s Eve is the most important holiday of the year in Armenia. Another special celebration is Mother’s and Beauty Day, observed on April 7, when families exchange gifts. A national holiday is held on May 9, Victory Day, which honors Armenia’s World War II heroes. In the summer, Lake Sevan hosts concerts and folklore events, with local music, dances, and parades lasting all weekend.
Best Time to Visit Armenia
Armenia has a continental climate, with harsh winters and hot summers. The best time to visit is in the fall, especially September and October, when the weather is mild, with pleasant breezes during the day and cool nights. During this time, the Armenian countryside takes on the soft hues of autumn, with colorful trees standing out against the clear, often sunny skies, creating postcard-like scenes. For skiing enthusiasts, December to February offers an interesting experience in the Armenian highlands. Although they can’t compete with the Alps, they offer extremely low prices. Since Armenia isn’t a typical tourist destination, there’s no “high season,” keeping prices low and tourist crowds thin.
Transportation in Armenia
Regarding transportation, the most important airport is Zvartnots in Yerevan, with frequent flights to Moscow and Middle Eastern destinations, as well as routes to major European capitals. For overland travel, you can cross the border only from the south (with Iran) or the north (with Georgia) since customs with Turkey and Azerbaijan are currently closed. Internal transportation includes colorful marshrutkas, minivans that operate without set schedules and go almost everywhere, buses, which are particularly useful for long-distance travel, and trains, which are unfortunately slow and outdated. The only subway line in the country serves the capital and its surrounding areas.
