To visit Armenia is to travel back in history and feel the spirit of more than 41 centuries. Armenia is country rich with historical churches, monasteries, monuments, and magnificent masonry, it is the country that was the first to adopt Christianity and proclaim it as its state religion in 301 AD thus making it a unique treasure for those interested in great events. It offers something for everyone. Armenia pleases every photographer’s camera lens because of the beautiful Armenian Plateau with hidden lakes, including the mysterious Lake Sevan, waterfalls, torrents, rivers, springs, valleys, highlands and rich forests. Nature lovers indulge in the sight of Armenia’s luscious landscapes and wildlife. Skiers will also find a bit of themselves in Armenia, as the mountains of Aragats and the slops of Tsakhadzhor (valley of flowers) are perfect skiing destinations.

 

 

Some of the must see places in Armenia:

 

Garni Temple

The architectural complex of Garni was Armenia's leading center of Hellenistic culture and the summer residence of Armenian kings. It was a fortress in the 3rd century BC and a heathen temple in the 1st century AD. It has now become a village in the Kotayk district. A pagan temple was found beneath it in 1909-1911 by Academicians Marr and Smirnov.

 

Amberd (shown in the picture)

Amberd is the 7th-century Armenian fortress located 2,300 meters above sea level, on the slopes of Mount Aragats at the junction of the Arkashen and Amberd rivers in the province of Aragatsotn, Armenia. The name translates to "fortress in the clouds" in Armenian. It is one of the most breathtaking scenes in Armenia, and is definitely a must see.

 

Saint Gregory the illuminator cathedral

The Cathedral is the symbol of the 1700th anniversary of the proclamation of Christianity as a State Religion in Armenia and house for relics of St. Grigor (Gregory) The huge Cathedral is a complex consisting of three churches: the Cathedral (Main Church) with 1700 seats and the Chapels of St. Tiridat III the King and of St. Ashkhen the Queen (both with 150 seats). These two royal figures were the crucial helpers of St. Gregory in converting Armenia to Christianity.

 

Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley 

The monastery of Geghard contains a number of churches and tombs, most of them cut into the rock, which illustrate the very peak of Armenian medieval architecture. The complex of medieval buildings is set into a landscape of great natural beauty, surrounded by towering cliffs at the entrance to the Azat Valley.