Introduction

The eastern fringes of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the border area should be avoided. The section described in the following attractions are located in regions that are not affected by the war and will probably not be drawn into the conflict. Nevertheless, one should first inform the Foreign Office in Berlin, the Foreign Ministry in Vienna and the FDFA in Bern on the current situation.

Many impressive monuments are testimony to the centuries-old culture of the Armenians. Magnificent domes and basilicas can be found everywhere in this mountainous country. The Armenian Christian art flourished in the 4th-11th Century.

Beaches

In clear weather you can even see Lake Sevan from afar. It is located about 70 km from Yerevan. The beautiful beaches and clear water make this the largest lake in the Caucasus ideal get-away. By ill-hydroelectric projects and irrigation in the seventies, unfortunately, the water level reduced by up to 16 m and represents an environmental problem for the region, as flora and fauna are severely affected. Sevan on the north shore of the lake was one of the most popular seaside resorts to Soviet times. Today it is hoped to foreign investment and new guests from home and abroad.

Yerevan

The Armenian capital on the banks of the Razdan is one of the oldest cities in the world and was founded nearly 2,800 years. Unfortunately, much of the old town in the thirties were demolished. The new buildings are mostly built in the typical for Armenia brown-pink tuff. On clear days you can see beyond the Turkish border, the two peaks of Mount Ararat, where Noah’s ark supposedly stranded by the flood. The Matenadaran in the center houses a collection of ancient manuscripts in the world. Also worth seeing is the church of St. Hripsime. Yerevan has a number of museums, including the remarkable National Museum of Folk Art and the Children’s Art Gallery. This gallery exhibits works of art made exclusively for children aged 3-16 years and their art collection now includes more than 100,000 images of children from 130 countries. The Historical Museum offers an insight into the Armenian history and art history. A collection of tools, the exhibits from the Stone and Iron Age to 19 Century covers, is particularly interesting.


Churches and Cathedrals

Etchmiadzin, 180-340 of the country’s capital, lies about 20 km away from Yerevan and is the religious center of Armenia. The Cathedral of Etchmiadzin is a prime example of classical Armenian architecture. It was built in 303 AD and is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world in which today are still held exhibitions. Among the treasures of the cathedral is also a piece of wood of Noah’s Ark is there, at least. The churches in Ripsime (built 618), Gayane (630) and Shogakat (1694) are also worth seeing. Not far from Echmiadzin are the ruins of Zvartnots in the St. George’s Church, in the 7th Century was built and was said to be of legendary beauty. The monastery Geghard (35 km east of Yerevan) is in a steep, rocky ravine, and is one of the most impressive sights in the country. The churches of the monastery complex, the 13-century Century date are mounted in the interior with beautiful carvings and stone carvings. In one of the chapels, which is made of solid stone carved directly out of the rock, a sacred spring flows. In Garni, in the green valley of the Azat River on the road between Geghard and Yerevan, is a pagan sun temple in the first Century AD on the orders of the king was built Thiridates I.. A 1679 earthquake destroyed the temple, but it was completely restored in 1978. Garni is the only Hellenic building on the territory of the former Soviet Union and offers a magnificent view of the enchanting valley. A Roman bath house with a well-preserved mosaic floor was recently completely excavated nearby.

Sights

In 53 km from Yerevan remote Sardarapat is a memorial which was built in 1968 to commemorate the victory of the Armenians by the Turks 1918th Architectural monuments and fascinating sculptures make their appeal. Historically conscious people will be interested in the Sevan Monastery (9th century). Once it is said to have served as an exile for disgraced Armenian nobles. North of Sevan to continue in the mountains, lies the popular resort Dilizan. The monastery Agartsin, only a few miles east of Dilizan was one of the most important cultural centers in the Middle Ages. This architectural masterpiece is one of the few buildings from this period (10th-13th centuries) have remained intact. The magnificent refectory is particularly impressive. Goshavank Monastery (25 km from Dilizan) is home to wonderful examples of stone carvings for which the region was famous in the Middle Ages. The fortress on Mount Aragats Amberd (50 km from Yerevan) is perfect for a picnic.