Armenia is a state with an ancient history, located in a very picturesque area. There are a lot of places left here that have retained their unique flavor.
The oldest word best characterizes Armenia. Indeed, this country was the first to adopt Christianity, because there are many ancient temples, and the great culture of the state of Urartu still remains a mystery and awes scientists. A thousand-year-old observatory, mountain villages where houses were built a couple of hundred years ago, the ruins of fortresses - all this can be seen in Armenia.
And very hospitable people live here, tourist tours are very cheap, accommodation for the night is also. We advise travelers to completely switch to the local cuisine during their holidays in Armenia. Believe me, you have not eaten such a delicious barbecue anywhere else! And there is also the freshest lavash baked in front of you, duduk, the famous cognac, churchkhela and wine.
Visit Lake Sevan and Tatev Monastery, wander the mountains, get acquainted with the unimaginably ancient history of Armenia, and in search of modern entertainment, head to Yerevan, a city that successfully combines innovation with ancient traditions.
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What to see in Armenia?
The most interesting and Beautiful places, photos and a short description.
1. Lake Sevan
The pearl of Armenia, located at an altitude of 1916 meters above sea level. With its clear water and green shores surrounded by mountain peaks, Sevan is called one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the world. The ancient Armenians believed that the Gods drink from Sevan, therefore they treated it with great trepidation. Now over 250 thousand people live on the shores of the lake, excellent conditions have been created for recreation here, and the area is simply created to admire nature.
2. Observatory Karahunj (Zorats-Karer)
At first glance, this is not an observatory at all, but blocks of stones that someone placed in an incomprehensible modern people, but in a well traceable order. Scientists have recognized that Zorats-Karer is indeed an observatory. It is located on a mountain plateau near the city of Sisian. The complex includes many standing stones, some with holes. Archaeologists have found burials here, a corral for livestock, as well as a special arrangement of stones that allows you to observe the Sun and Moon.
3. Mount Ararat
Ararat is the pride of Armenia, its most famous peak, which it shares with Turkey. They share Small and Big Ararat, but both peaks are considered sacred. The locals believed that climbing Ararat, where, according to legend, Noah's ark stopped after the Flood, was an ungodly act. Today, everyone who is confident in their abilities and preparation can climb Ararat, they just need to buy the appropriate ticket and get permission from the authorities.
4. Tatev Monastery
The most famous and ancient monastic complex of Armenia, located 20 kilometers from the city of Goris. Today it is a tourist complex that attracts thousands of travelers. Tatev is famous not only for its history (it was built in the 9th century), but also for the Wings of Tatev cable car, as well as for the Satani Kamurj natural bridge and the cave of the same name. In Tatev, you can see several ancient temples and many other sights at once.
5. Sanahin
This is another famous monastery complex built in the 10th century. Included in the UNESCO list. Sanahin is known for its original architecture and rich history. In a harmonious architectural ensemble Sanahina enter Cathedral with the remains of painting, several groups of sculptures, chapels, churches, a tomb, as well as an original arched bridge decorated with figures of wild cats.
6. Mountains of the Lesser Caucasus
They differ from their “brother” the Greater Caucasus in the lower height of the peaks, but this does not at all make them less attractive for tourists and climbers. The most high peak Lesser Caucasus - Mount Aragats 4090 meters high - is located in Armenia. The Lesser Caucasus includes seven ranges, between the peaks of which there are cozy green valleys and untouched forests. The nature here is amazingly beautiful, so it would be a big mistake not to visit this place.
7. St. Hripsime Church
Built in the 17th century, the church in the city of Vagharshapat still attracts tourists with its unusual architecture. The Church of St. Hripsime looks both powerful and elegant, majestic and calm. The construction of the church is associated with a legend about Christian girls who fled from Rome to Armenia, but were killed here by the local king, who later repented, was baptized and built this unusual church, named after one of the girls.
8. Matenadaran
In Yerevan there is a unique repository of ancient manuscripts - Matenadaran. To see this building and its exhibits, you should climb the mountain along Mashtots Avenue. Near the entrance you will be met by sculptures depicting Mesrop Mashtots, the creator of the Armenian alphabet and his student. Today, Matenadaran is the largest repository of ancient Armenian manuscripts on the planet, although earlier the collection was looted several times.
9. Etchmiadzin Cathedral
The main temple of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Etchmiadzin Cathedral is located in the city of Vagharshapat, included in the UNESCO list. This is one of the oldest Christian churches on the planet, built in the 4th century! The cathedral, of course, has undergone many reconstructions over the years, the last one in the 20th century. The temple is distinguished by magnificent decoration, strict lines and special architecture, complemented by pointed bell towers.
10. Temple of Mihr in Garni
This unusual temple is called the "Armenian Parthenon". The temple of Mihr in Garni really looks antique, it seems that by some miracle it was transferred to Armenia from Ancient Greece. Slender columns, porticos, luxurious mosaics - the temple of Mihr was used by the Armenian kings with pleasure as a summer residence. It was carefully restored after the earthquake and now historical performances are regularly held here.
11. Erebuni Fortress
If you want to see what the capital of Armenia looked like 2.7 thousand years ago, be sure to take the time to visit the Erebuni Fortress, which became the first major defensive structure in the country. Erebuni still keeps a lot of mysteries, archaeologists continue to find unique artifacts here. And the fortress itself, located in the Ararat valley, looks very beautiful.
12. Yerevan Cascade
The cascade occupies the status of the main attraction of Yerevan, therefore, to visit the capital of Armenia and not see it man-made miracle would be a big miss. The cascade consists of artistically designed and ordered sculptures, stairs, fountains and flower beds, picturesquely located on the slopes of the Kanaker hills. This is really the main decoration of the city, and from the top of the Yerevan Cascade, a wonderful view of the whole city and the peaks of Ararat will open.
13. Khor Virap
Khor Virap is located at the foot of the most famous mountain in Armenia - Ararat, above the underground prison, which was used as far back as the 4th century. The views from the monastery are really amazing, however, its buildings themselves are interesting for their history and interior decoration. We advise you to visit the cells of the underground prison, which have survived to this day and the Church of Our Lady.
14. Republic Square in Yerevan
The architecture of the Republic Square was created before 1958, it is formed by five buildings located here: the building of the Central Post Office, the National historical Museum Armenia, the Ministry of Energy of the country, the Government of Armenia and the hotel "Marriott Armenia". It is noteworthy that all the buildings are laid out from a pouffe and represent a single architectural ensemble. We advise you to visit the square in the evening, when the singing fountain turns on here, changing the illumination.
15. Tsitsernakaberd
This is a memorial complex erected on the hill of the same name and dedicated to the Armenian genocide at the beginning of the 20th century. Tsitsernakaberd includes a 44-meter stele, a pedestal in the form of a cone with a burning eternal flame, a wall of mourning and the Museum of the Armenian Genocide. The stele is split, which symbolizes the separation of the Armenian people, most of whom live in the diaspora precisely because of the genocide. The place is beautiful, memorable and a little sad.
16. Geghard Monastery
Geghard is one of the most favorite tourist places in Armenia because of its ancient history, unique architecture and proximity to the capital of the country. Geghard is located 40 kilometers from Yerevan, in the picturesque gorge of the mountain river Goght. The monastery is built on the rocks, many rooms are simply hollowed out inside the rocks, and the stone walls are decorated with steles with crosses.
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Armenia is called a museum under open sky- this is a real paradise for travelers who are not afraid of long-distance routes, who are ready to get off the city road to climb a mountain or go down into a hard-to-reach gorge. Here you can feel the passage of centuries and get in touch with both the past and the present.
5 things to do in Yerevan
- Step into the holy of holies of Yerevan - the citadel of the Erebuni fortress.
- Take a picture against the backdrop of the magnificent five buildings on Republic Square.
- Visit the Museum of Manuscripts "Matenadaran" - one of the world's largest collections of ancient texts.
- Try the shish kebab “khorovats” and wash down the meal with homemade wine.
- Buy a great carpet with meaning in the legendary Tufenkian Carpets.
Garni
In ancient times, a beautiful fortress was erected in the village of Garni - a monument to the history of Armenia of ancient times. It was located on a high rocky cliff, surrounded on three sides by deep gorges of almost vertical rocks. On the flat side, the builders erected a powerful wall 26 meters high from large basalt blocks connected by iron brackets and filled with lead. For almost 7 centuries, the fortress served as the residence of the kings of Armenia.
One of the few pagan temples of the Hellenic era that survived in Armenia was also located on the territory of the fortress - the temple of the Sun, dedicated to the god Mithra (known in this region as Mihr), built in the 1st century AD. Greek slave builders. During the earthquake of the XVII century. the temple was seriously damaged, but in the middle of the XX century. it historical place has been completely restored. In the era of Christianity, the Armenian kings used the Temple of the Sun as a summer residence or “House of Coolness”.
Geghard
Geghard Monastery - an ancient building of the 4th century. was originally the monastery of Ayrivank. Its buildings practically did not survive, as the monastery was repeatedly attacked and looted. In subsequent centuries, new buildings were erected in its place, dating back to the 10th-13th centuries.
The new name of the Geghard monastery is translated as “Spear”. According to legend, it contained the spear of Longinus, with which the Roman guard pierced Jesus Christ, who was crucified on the cross. Most of the beautiful churches and monastic cells of Geghard are carved into the rocks of the gorge of the Garni River.
Ashtarak
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Ashtarak is a beautiful town immersed in gardens, which is considered one of the most ancient settlements in Armenia. The gorge of the beautiful mountain river Kasakh divides the city into two parts, offering many cozy places to relax on its banks.
It is hard to imagine that about 4,000 different historical monuments. Since ancient times, a culture has developed here that has absorbed traces of contrasting nations. It's time to explore this country closer.
The famous mountain peak of Armenia (although for the most part the ridge is located in Turkey, but once Ararat was Armenian territory), and the highest dormant volcano in Turkey. Ararat is famous thanks to the biblical legend, because many are of the opinion that Noah's Ark after the Flood stuck precisely to Ararat.
This is a symbol of Armenia, a beautiful mountain with wonderful valleys at the foot. The top of Ararat is covered by a cap of 30 glaciers. It is not too difficult to climb, but it is still recommended to conquer it from the Turkish side. Especially for these purposes, many pilgrims come here from all over the world.
Erebuni Fortress
To the southwest of Yerevan is the Arin-Berd hill, on which the ruins of the fortress and ancient city buildings are located. The walls of the fortress of three meters in height are still preserved (initially they were up to 12 m). According to Forbes magazine, this is one of the 9 oldest fortresses in the world.
Laid down in 782 BC. e. King Argishti I, the fortress of Erebuni was an important strategic object of the Urartians in the Ararat valley. These were the times when Urartu was the most powerful state in the region. In the IV century BC. Erebuni lost its strategic importance, and the city fell into decay. Later, the ruins of the fortress were completely forgotten by everyone. However, at the beginning of the 20th century, archaeologists became interested in the fortress. Currently, some elements of the ancient city have been reconstructed.
The foundations of temples, the outbuildings of the fortress - all this awaits lovers of antiquity, who will be greatly impressed by what they see. Also at the foot of the hill, in 1968, the Erebuni Museum was opened, which stores important finds from the fortress.
Noravank monastery complex
Literally translated as “New Monastery”, Noravank is a fine example of the local religious traditions in architecture that Armenia is so proud of. The complex is located 120 km from the capital, on the rocks along the picturesque canyon of the Arpa River.
Founded in 1205, it has seen a lot in its years. To our time, in addition to a number of stelae and khachkars (a statue depicting a cross), the beautiful churches of Surb Astvatsatsin and Surb Karapet, the tomb of the Orbelyan princely family (their residence was once here), and the chapel of Surb Grigor have survived.
According to legend, in the past there was a particle of the Cross of the Lord with traces of the blood of Jesus Christ, acquired by the monks from a certain wanderer. Unfortunately, the relic has not reached our days (was lost). In 1996, Norvank was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Geghardavank Monastery
Also called Geghard (spear) or Ayrivank ( cave monastery), it is located along a picturesque place near the canyon of the mountain river Goght. The first buildings date back to the 4th century BC.
According to the legends, the monastery got one of its names because of the storage here of the spear with which the crucified Jesus Christ was killed. Located 40 km from Yerevan, the monastery complex is popular with both pilgrims and lovers of architectural solutions. The fact is that some of the temples (for example, the Avazan church) are hollowed out inside the rock (partially in the place of the cave, where the pagans worshiped their gods). No wonder the monastery is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Here are the most beautiful landscapes.
Monument "Mother Armenia"
The most famous monument of Armenia. Located in Yerevan (Victory Park), a 52-meter copper obelisk, in which the feat of the Armenian soldier of the Great Patriotic War is immortalized.
A 22-meter statue of a woman holding a sword in her hands, at whose feet there is a shield. All this is installed on a massive granite pedestal. At the foot of the pedestal there is an eternal flame, and at the base of the monument there is a museum of the Ministry of Defense (it presents an exposition about the Great Patriotic and Nagono-Karabakh wars).
An interesting fact is that initially there was a figure of I. Stalin on the pedestal, removed in 1962 after the fall of his personality cult (the current sculpture appeared only in 1967).
The biggest freshwater lake Caucasus and the brightest of natural beauties, if we talk about the natural attractions of Armenia. Sevan is located at an altitude of 1900 m. In translation, the name Sevan means "black monastery", in honor of the Sevanavank monastery, located near the lake, the walls of which are made of dark volcanic tuff.
The locals called Sevan the Armenian Sea, apparently due to the absence of seas in Armenia. True, the waters in such a sea are still a little cool. At one time, a program was adopted to lower the water level in the lake, but it had a negative impact on the content of microorganisms in the water, and the program was slowed down a bit, but since the water level dropped by a dozen meters, the banks were planted with forests.
Created around the lake national park"Sevan", reserves and sanctuaries, which are home to many species of animals and plants. Sevan is surrounded by many picturesque mountain ranges, from which numerous streams flow, replenishing the lake with water. In the valleys near the shores of the lake, there are such sights as the monasteries of Hayravank, Vanevank and Makenis, as well as the ancient village of Noratus.
Archaeological studies of the area can sometimes bring unexpected results. At the beginning of the 20th century, a group of researchers discovered the ruins of ancient temple 10 km from Yerevan. The remains of the temple were covered with earth up to the very roof. Called the temple of Zvarnots (in ancient Armenian it means “Temple of vigilant angels”), this temple is one of the largest religious buildings of the early Middle Ages in Armenia.
In the old days, the temple consisted of a 3-tiered building, 35 meters in diameter. Built in 640-650 AD, the temple was the basis for a new architectural trend. It is said that the emperor of Byzantium himself (Constant II) was present at the opening of the temple.
It just so happened that in the 10th century, during an earthquake, the pillars supporting the second tier collapsed. The temple fell into disrepair, and over time it began to be completely covered with sand. In our time, the first tier of the building has been excavated and restored. It opened an archaeological museum. Here you can take photos and videos while visiting.
Smbataberd fortress
The fortress is located on a hilltop near Artabuynk, not far from the rivers Artabun and Yeghegis. In the 5th century there was a defensive observation post. Later, in the XII century, Prince Smbat built a fortified fortification complex. There was a high danger of an invasion by the Mongol army, and similar complexes were built throughout the region. Since Smbat is a whole dynasty of princes, it is not known for certain who the fortifications were named after.
The fortress is built on top of a hill, and is surrounded on three sides by gorges and sheer cliffs, which was a good solution for structures of this kind. By the way, in the entire history of the fortress managed to capture only once. It was possible to get into the fortress only through the massive main gate.
In 2006, the reconstruction of the fortress began, but most of it still lies in ruins. However, there is still something to see: massive basalt walls, a number of watchtowers, and some other buildings.
Sisian
Small Armenian town great story, surrounded by picturesque mountains. The city is known for its sights. The first of them is the Shaki waterfall, reaching a height of 40 m. The place where the waterfall is located is replete with crevices, niches in the rocks and deep grottoes. In some of them, traces of a man from the Stone Age (about 10 thousand years BC) were found.
There is also a place near Mount Ukhtasar, where rock carvings depicting the life of primitive man are carved on stones. Their age is at least 4,000 years.
But the most interesting is the Zorats-Karer (Karahunj) complex. These are 220 stones up to 2 m high, laid out in an even circle. The approximate age of the complex is 4 - 7.5 thousand years, and it is called one of the oldest observatories on Earth, such as, for example, the English Stonehenge.
Haghpat Monastery
Not far from Alaverdi there are two monasteries - Sanahin and Haghpat. Both are objects world heritage UNESCO. The name Haghpat is translated from ancient Armenian as “good masonry”. According to the folk legend, Sanahin was made by father and son.
It so happened that they quarreled during the construction process, and the son, in order to show his ability to build, decided to build a monastery himself in the neighborhood. Having completed the construction of Sanahin, the father decided to see how his son was doing. Arriving at the construction site, he exclaimed "Ah pat." A legend is a legend, but Haghpat really has been standing since the 10th century, having survived many earthquakes.
Nowadays, Haghpat is a whole architectural complex with many buildings, such as the churches of Surb Grigor Lusavorich built in 1005, Surb Nshan, Surb Astvatsatsin, etc.
This concludes our exploration of the sights of the country. If you have been to these parts, share what you managed to see.
Khor Virap Monastery, 45 km from Yerevan, stands almost at the foot of Ararat - the mountain is so close that it seems you can reach it. And yet, the symbol of Armenia is located abroad, on the territory of Turkey.
There are cafes on every corner in the capital of Armenia, but if you want to get the most out of the experience, you should not sit at the table: go around the hospitable city, where summer lasts from May to October, and then take a car ride or sightseeing bus in its surroundings.
1. Think about the soul
It is worth going to Yerevan at least to look at Ararat. In clear weather, it can be seen in its entirety, from the foot to the top, and there are no other mountain ranges around that obscure this unusually majestic, even exciting spectacle. The mountain, to which Noah's ark moored in ancient times, is always different: it changes color from blue to pink, then suddenly disappears completely, then it shows only the top with clouds adhering to it. It is simply impossible to take your eyes off the mountain. Against such a powerful background, everything around is filled with a completely different meaning and it becomes clear why for Armenians around the world, Ararat is more than beautiful mountain. This is our soul.
-----BR-----2. bow to the saint
A trip to the capital of Armenia is rarely limited to the city itself - Yerevan is surrounded by amazing sights. One of them, the monastery of Khor Virap, stands practically at the foot of Ararat - it is good to sit here on a low stone fence and, looking at the mountain, plunge into thoughts about the eternal. The temple was built on the site of an underground dungeon, into which Tsar Trdat III threw St. Gregory the Illuminator to certain death. But when, 15 years later, the surviving prisoner cured Trdat of an illness, he unconditionally accepted his faith, and Gregory the Illuminator became the first Armenian Catholicos. A chapel was first built on this site, and then a monastery with a theological seminary.
Stone khachkars decorated with carved crosses are countless throughout the country.
3. Touch the stone lace
Wherever you go, you will meet khachkars everywhere - stone slabs with openwork crosses carved on them. There are about 900 khachkars in the village of Noraduz on Lake Sevan alone. The Armenian cross itself is also remarkable - a sign of suffering bushes and sprouts with flowers, symbolizing the resurrection of Christ and the tree of life. Khachkars are not only evidence of faith, but also a kind of prayer to the Lord, which explains their common style with an endless variety of ornamental solutions. It is believed that one of the most beautiful khachkars dating back to 1291 is located in the Goshavank monastery complex. If you don't get there, go to the National Historical Museum, which has another masterpiece by the same master Poghos on display.
4. See the world through the eyes of a genius
An Armenian from Tbilisi, who lived part of his life in Kiev, Sergei Parajanov, after perestroika, was going to live in Yerevan. After the director's death, the house built for him housed the works bequeathed to Armenia. So this amazing museum appeared in the city, where you should definitely visit. Someone said about Parajanov that he was not a talent, but he was a genius. Looking at collages, installations and sculptures made from scraps of paper, glass fragments, shreds, chips, wire, you really begin to understand the difference.
Parajanov's house-museum in Yerevan may well compete with the Dali theater-museum in Figueres
5. Try dolma where they know how to cook it
Remember "Mimino": "It's just that you don't know how to cook dolma"? So, in Yerevan, of course, they know how to cook dolma. It is delicious almost everywhere, but the Dolmama restaurant is especially famous for it. (Pushkina, 10, dolma - 500 rubles) - favorite place foreign guests Yerevan. In addition to the perfect dolma, the menu includes almost all the best dishes of Armenian cuisine in an impeccable modern interpretation. In addition, Dolmama has exemplary service, and in summer tables are set in a cozy courtyard. However, there are many places in Yerevan where you can eat deliciously. Excellent cuisine and atmosphere - in The Club (Tumanyan, 40, dolma - 285 rubles), which has a shop, a tearoom and a cafe. Excellent kebabs and kebabs - in the tavern "At Artash" (Moskovyana, 31, average bill - from 250 rubles), classic Armenian cuisine with Georgian inclusions - in "Kavkaz" (Hanrapetutyan, 82, the average bill - from 400 rubles.), khinkali of all possible varieties - in the restaurant "Khinkali" (Tumanyan, 21/1, average bill - from 30 rubles).
Some researchers consider Armenia to be the birthplace of dolma.
6. Make sure that dolma is not everything
Not everyone knows that Armenian cuisine exists in two versions: Eastern Armenian is common on the territory of modern Armenia, and Western Armenian is eaten by Armenians who have lived in the Middle East since time immemorial. When the repatriation policy began after the war, people coming to the Armenian SSR brought their own food with them. So in Yerevan they began to eat lamadzho (flat cakes with minced lamb), ishli-kebab (cutlets in the shell of fried bulgur) and hummus (chickpea paste). And thanks to the current wave of Armenians from Syria, new places with Western Armenian cuisine began to open up, for example, Anteb (E. Koghbatsi, 30, average bill - from 40 rubles). And don't be fooled by the modest interior - it has an excellent menu and the best lamaggios in town. Order plenty of appetizers - they are the most delicious in Middle Eastern cuisine.
7. Visit the spiritual center of the country
In the list of must-see places in the vicinity of Yerevan, in the first place, of course, Etchmiadzin is the spiritual center of the Armenian Apostolic Church, which includes a cathedral, a theological seminary and the residence of the Supreme Patriarch-Catholicos of all Armenians with a wonderful museum. As you know, Armenia was the first state in the world to officially adopt Christianity in 301. The cathedral was founded two years later, so it can be considered the world's first state Christian church. The territory of this complex, planted with shady trees and flowers, is unusually good. On the way, stop at the temple built in honor of the Great Martyr Saint Hripsime. This is a real architectural masterpiece.
Buildings of Noravank - from the same stone as the rocks surrounding it
8. Find a monastery among the rocks
The Noravank monastery complex is located 112 km from the city, but the road to it is so picturesque that it does not seem tiring. In addition, it is worth making a couple of stops to explore the Areni caves and buy fresh lavash in the village bakery. Noravank itself is the same yellow-red color as the rocks and gorges surrounding it, because it was built from stone that was mined in the neighborhood. In the 13th-14th centuries, Noravank was the residence of the Orbelian princes. There are two churches, a chapel and rare beauty khachkars. And the church of Surb-Karapet is decorated with a bas-relief depicting the face of God the Father, which you can hardly see anywhere.
9. Take home the carpet
Every weekend, the section of the boulevard from the Republic Square metro station to Khanjyan Street turns into a big fair or, as Yerevan residents say, a vernissage. Here you can find an unprecedented variety of things: antiques of varying degrees of value, antique carpets, silver, author's ceramics, dishes, national musical instruments, onyx vases - the list is endless. Rows of artists and book dealers are located nearby. On the opening day, of course, it is customary to bargain, and with fun and pleasure. There are plenty of souvenir shops in the center of Yerevan. The most pleasant, called "Agsak" (Abovyan, 3/1), literally bursting with high-quality ceramics, silver, graphics, bronze copies of archaeological finds and other treasures. And books, albums, posters and CDs with ancient and modern Armenian music are sold at Artbridge Bookstore Café. (Abovyan, 20).
At the vernissage in the center of Yerevan - souvenirs for every taste and color
10. Swim in the upturned sky
Lake Sevan lies so high in the mountains that when you stand on its shore, it seems that water surface about to touch the sky. Pure fresh water warms up only by the middle of summer, so coming here on a hot day is salvation and joy. Around the lake locals they call it nothing more than the sea, solid mountains, and the water changes color hourly from azure to turquoise and dark blue. It is good to spend the whole day here, go to the peninsula and explore the Sevanavank monastery complex, built in 874. If you find yourself on the western coast, do not miss another wonderful monastery - Hayravank. Take with you except sunscreen something warm: no matter how hot it is during the day, a cool wind always blows in Sevan in the evenings.
According to legend, from alpine lake Sevan was drunk by stars and gods
11. Visit the first museum of modern art in the USSR
It’s hard to imagine now, but the opening of the Museum of Modern Art in Yerevan in 1972 was an unprecedented phenomenon for the Soviet Union: the building itself, as if raised above the ground, seemed unusual, not to mention the contents. Before the collapse of the country, the museum was the only one of its kind. In general, Armenia has a strong pictorial tradition, and here it is easy to see the diversity of its currents. Now the museum has about 2300 exhibits, including a collection of works by Armenian artists: Minas Avetisyan, Yervand Kochar, Rudolf Khachatryan, Garzu, Gayane Khachaturyan... Exhibitions of young artists are regularly held.
12. Learn the history of the Eternal City
Yerevan turns 2795 this year, making it 30 years older than Rome. In terms of eternity, it's not such a big difference, but it's still nice. The beginning of the city was laid by the Erebuni fortress, built on a hill with the same name in 782 BC. e. King Argishti, ruler of the ancient state of Urartu. As evidenced by the plate with the text written in Urartian cuneiform, all Armenian children learn it at school. Now at the foot of the hill there is a beautiful museum with archaeological finds. Climbing the stairs to the hill, you will get to the excavations themselves, begun by the expedition of Academician B. B. Piotrovsky.
Artifacts from the times of the state of Urartu are exhibited in the Erebuni Museum
13. Listen to the duduk in his homeland
Probably, no other musical instrument is so firmly connected with the self-identification of the Armenian people as the modest-looking duduk. Made from an apricot tree (another national symbol!), it has an extraordinary sound - soft, soulful, almost unbearably poignant. For many years, this music was listened to only in their native land. It accompanied all significant events in people's lives: birth, baptism, weddings, funerals. But thanks to the brilliant performer Jivan Gasparyan, duduk has entered the musical mainstream over the past 20 years. Now the primordially Armenian instrument can be heard in Hollywood cinema, and sometimes quite unexpectedly, as, for example, in the film Onegin. And if you're lucky and your trip coincides with Gasparyan's concert, be sure to buy your tickets in advance - it's not to be missed.
14. Drink the most delicious water in the world
It is not difficult to make sure that this is the pure truth - it is enough to drink from stone fountains placed throughout the city. Which are called "pulpulak" - by analogy with the sound made by a murmuring source. Here, in general, there is a special attitude towards water, perceived as the most valuable gift of nature. In ancient times, it was in short supply and sellers with jugs walked around the city: a monument to such a peddler boy stands in one of the city parks. And in the middle of summer, Vardavar holiday is celebrated in Yerevan, when it is supposed to pour water on everyone. Do not be offended by jokers - it is better to douse them in response.
Fountains on central square Republic
15. Go down the gorge right in the city
Yerevan is one of the few cities that have their own gorge, and quite an impressive one at that. It is called Hrazdan in honor of the river that flows there. Once it was completely untouched and very picturesque corner where there was nothing but fruit trees and a nursery railway. Yerevan residents used to have picnics here, cooling watermelons and mineral water right in the river. Now this is not the case: in the evenings, life is in full swing in the gorge - they built record number restaurants, cafes, hotels. But thanks to its size, there is always a place for those who just want to take a walk. For example, to the Yerevan Brandy Factory above the gorge, where the famous "Ararat" is produced. (Tsovakal Isakovi Ave., 2)- since 1998, after the purchase of the plant by the Pernod-Ricard concern, it has been called not cognac, but brandy, but the essence of this has not changed.
16. Climb to the top of the Cascade
Directly behind the Opera and Ballet Theatre, between Baghramyan and Mashtots avenues, there is a square called the Cascade. Here stands a monument to the architect Alexander Tamanyan, the founding father of modern Yerevan, who leaned over the general plan of the city. And behind it is a park with a collection of sculptures from around the world, several cafes and long staircase, leading high up the hill, where the main observation deck of the city is located. On the way up there are five tiers, each with museums, galleries, fountains and flowering flower beds. The cascade is one of the favorite places of Yerevanians, there is always something going on here. When concerts are held, the audience sits right on the steps. If you're lucky, you will witness a fun flash mob when everyone who has gathered dances together folk dances Where else in the world can you see this?
The lower tier of the Cascade, where Yerevan residents usually gather
17. Sit on the bench next to Frunzik Mkrtchyan
Unusual sculptures were brought to Yerevan from all over the world, such as the famous fat men Fernando Botero. But there are also purely Armenian ones among them. You already know about the seller of water, his brothers are the characters of the cult film "Men" and the backgammon player immortalized in bronze, without which not a single Yerevan courtyard can do. In addition, benches with celebrities sitting on them are placed around the city. For example, at the Moscow cinema, you can keep company with everyone's favorite Frunze Mkrtchyan. But perhaps the most touching is the monument to Karabala on Teryan Street. This strange man in rags took to the streets of post-war Yerevan every day with a bouquet of roses and gave flowers to passing girls and couples in love. No one shunned or offended the eccentric - on the contrary, everyone loved him. And in 1991, a monument was erected to Karabala, because thanks to such people the spirit of the city is formed.
18. Ride the cable car
The monastery complex of Tatev is quite far from Yerevan, a day trip is not enough here. But if you have time, be sure to arrange this trip for yourself - it will be remembered for a lifetime. You have to go to the south of Armenia, to its most beautiful part of Zangezur, through solid mountains, alpine meadows and waterfalls. The Tatev Monastery itself, built in the 10th century, seems to grow out of a giant cliff right on the edge of the cliff - medieval Armenian architects were able to fit their creations into the landscape. Previously, a serpentine led to it, but now you can climb the cable car, unique in its length, going through the picturesque Vorotan Gorge - this is where it takes your breath away. cable car- part of a large project for the revival of Tatev, and in the future it will have its own hotel. In the meantime, spend the night in the charming town of Goris, 30 km from the monastery. For example, in the Mirhav hotel (Mashtots, 100).
A cable car with a unique length leads to the Tatev Monastery
19. Surprised by the brightness of medieval miniatures
20. Look into the temple built with the money of Nero
According to historical sources, the Armenian king Trdat I built the temple of Garni in the 1st century with the money he received after a trip to Rome to the Emperor Nero. This is the only one in the area. former USSR an example of Hellenistic architecture lay in ruins for a long time until it was restored in 1976. And then a small Parthenon with 24 columns and bas-reliefs appeared before everyone. Nearby are excavations of the summer residence of Armenian kings with chambers, baths and mosaics. Garni is spectacularly located on the edge of a huge gorge with an extraordinary view of the steep slopes and mountain river Azat. If you are by car, go down the gorge and look at the basalt columns rising to the sky, hanging in clusters right above the road. And one more thing: halfway to Garni, stop at the Charents arch. From the hill where it was built, a postcard view of Ararat opens, and the arch serves as a frame for it.
21. Evaluate the calculation of ancient engineers
Garni is usually combined in one trip with the Geghard monastery complex. But that's where their closeness ends. Founded in the 4th century, Geghard was a place of pilgrimage because of the relic stored in it - a spear (now it is in the Etchmiadzin Museum), which pierced Jesus crucified on the cross. It is also notable for the fact that part of it is carved inside the rock adjoining the main temple and decorated with khachkars carved in it. The rooms inside - the main church, the chapel, the burial room, etc. - are decorated with amazingly expressive reliefs. Particularly impressive is the sacristy with four columns supporting a vaulted stalactite dome with a round hole that lets in a piercing beam of light into the dungeon. How it was possible to calculate and implement such a complex project without a single mistake, it is impossible to understand. But the fact remains.
22. Listen to jazz
High-quality live music is only at first glance an unexpected attribute of the city. Jazz was always loved here and knew how to play - in Soviet times it was an expression of inner freedom. In the legendary cafe "Float" (Isahakyan, 41) the famous musician Levon Malkhasyan performed, around whom other performers gradually began to gather. Subsequently, he opened his own jazz club "Malkhas" (Pushkina, 52/1), where wonderful concerts are held in the evenings, to which the whole city comes. Another club - Mezzo Classic House Club (Isahakyan, 28). If you don't mind listening to a real concert, look at the poster of the Cafesjian Center for Contemporary Art - it is located on the last tier of the Cascade (an escalator leads there).
23. Wander around the city at night
One of the unchanging Yerevan traditions is an evening walk. Here they meet friends, learn the latest news. Especially crowded is the building of the Armenian Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, which the locals simply call "Opera". There are continuous open cafes around, there is a nice pond and a large playground, convenient for games and roller skating. In the evenings it is so lively here that it often seems to tourists that they are on a holiday. After sunset, there are many people on the pedestrian Northern Avenue, Mesrop Mashtots Avenue, Abovyan and Sayat-Nova streets, and what's there - in the whole center. So feel free to walk until late at night - the brightly lit streets of Yerevan are completely safe and the atmosphere is the friendliest. In addition, Russians are not just treated well here - they are sincerely loved.
