ARMENIA

ARMENIA

Khor Virap Monastery

ARMENIA

Zvartnots Cathedral (7th C)

ARMENIA

Noravank Monastery (7th C)

ARMENIA

Sevanavank Monastery Complex (9th C)

ARMENIA

Noraduz , “Forest Kashkars” (cross-stones)

ARMENIA

Republic Square, Yerevan

ARMENIA

Armenia Brandy tasting

ARMENIA

View from Cascade Stairs, Yerevan

Armenia, officially the Republic of Armenia, is a mountainous, landlocked country in the South Caucasus, sharing borders with Georgia to the north, Turkey to the west, Azerbaijan to the east, and Iran to the south. By its location, Armenia is considered to be on the “border” between Europe and Asia, in other words, a transcontinental nation. A former republic of the Soviet Union, Armenia is a unitary, democratic nation-state.

Armenians consider themselves direct descendants of Noah, the survivor of the Biblical flood. Mt. Ararat, located in the heart of Armenia, was the supposed resting place of Noah’s ark and a Holy Mountain for the people of the ancient world. Many ancient scriptures placed the Biblical Garden of Eden in the Land of Armenia, also called the Land of Ararat.

Armenia is one of the oldest civilizations in the world, with a rich cultural heritage and natural resources. The ancient country was noted for its art, architecture, literature, and music. The country was influenced and conquered by Byzantium; frequently suffered from Persian, Mongolian, and Turkish invasions and dominance.

Being the first country to adopt Christianity as its official religion in 301, Armenia is rich in the world’s oldest churches and monasteries located in the extremely beautiful natural settings.

Georgia has a distinct language and distinct customs and traditions, found nowhere else. The Georgian alphabet (includes 33 symbols) is one of 14 existing scripts in the world. The Georgian scripts are the three writing systems Asomtavruli, Nuskhuri and Mkhedruli.

Armenians have their own highly distinctive alphabet and language. The script was invented by Saint Mesrop Mashtots in 405. The alphabet consists of 39 letters. Fine samples of Armenian writing can be viewed at the Matenadaran, the museum and depository of the Institute of Ancient Manuscripts. Currently, the collection houses over 23,000 samples.

For an example:

Հայաստան

(Hayastan- Armenia)

Here is
what you have to know before visiting Armenia,
but be ready for more explorations
The treasures of Armenia

  • Noah’s Ark

    Armenians believe that Noah is the ancestor of the Armenian Nation, while their country is the resting place of Noah’s Ark after the great flood.

    Human beings have inhabited the Armenian Plateau and the Caucasus region since over 100,000 years ago. Little is known of them, however, drawings in caves and on rocks attest to their existence. The area, situated between some of the Old World’s major water ways, is generally considered as the cradle of civilization. Additionally, the Bible records that Noah’s Ark came to rest on Historic Armenia’s Mt. Ararat, and there are many references of his descent from the mountain after the Great Flood.

  • Traces of Roman Empire

    Armenia, as some other areas of the South Caucasus, was part of the Roman Empire. The Temple of Garni, dedicated to the God of the Sun, Mihr (1st century AD), is the only preserved Greco-Roman building in the Caucasus.

    The Armenian Apostolic Church is often referred as Gregorian. According to the Armenian Chronicles, St. Gregory was Parthian prince who was educated as a Christian in Cappadocia. He arrived in Armenia in the midst of a Christian persecution and was imprisoned by King Tiradites III in a burial pit. After being rescued, St. Gregory converted the king, and Tiridates III became the first monarch in history to impose Christianity on his people.

  • The First Christian Nation

    Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity, when St. Gregory the Illuminator converted the Arsacid king, Tiradites III. In 301, Christianity was first proclaimed as the official religion. Christianity permeated all aspects of the country’s life and culture.

    The Armenian Apostolic Church is often referred as Gregorian. According to the Armenian Chronicles, St. Gregory was Parthian prince who was educated as a Christian in Cappadocia. He arrived in Armenia in the midst of a Christian persecution and was imprisoned by King Tiradites III in a burial pit. After being rescued, St. Gregory converted the king, and Tiridates III became the first monarch in history to impose Christianity on his people.

  • Khachkars Cross Stones

    Armenian Khachkars, or Cross Stones, are memorial steles with an ornamentally carved cross in the middle, resting on the symbol of a sun or wheel of eternity, accompanied by vegetative-geometric motifs and carvings of saints and animals.

    Armenian Cross Stones have a particular meaning and importance for locals: After being blessed and anointed, the Khachkar is believed to possess holy powers and can provide help, protection, victory, long life, remembrance, and mediation towards salvation of the soul. There are over 50,000 Khachkars in Armenia, each is unique and has its own pattern. The largest accumulation of Khachkars can be seen on the cemetery of Noradus, often called the Field of Khachkars.


    • Eshkhemed
    • Hovern Egan
    • Mirzayi
    • Gladiator Theme Music
    • Shalakho

    Duduk - Armenian Oboe

    The roots of Armenian duduk music go back tothe ancient times and during the turbulent history of the country it was part of Armenians’ everyday life, in joy and in sorrow.

    The Armenian oboe, or Armenian Duduk, is a double reed wind instrument characterized by a warm, soft, slightly nasal timbre. Its roots go as far back as the 1st cent. BC. It accompanies popular Armenian traditional songs and dances. It is always played at the most important events of human life, such as weddings and funerals. The Duduk and its music are listed as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

  • Armenian Brandy

    Ararat is an Armenian brandy that has been produced by the Yerevan Brandy Company since 1887. It is made from Armenian white grapes and spring water, according to a traditional method.

    Armenian brandy, or Armegnac, is the part of Armenian cultural and the historical heritage. Only local varieties of grape with special properties are used in the production of authentic Armenian brandy, based on the unique microclimate of the Ararat Valley.

A Selection of Armenian Cuisine

Armenian cuisine is like a poem, each line of which has its own aroma and reminds you of innumerable dinners of shepherds and monks. Travel in Armenia, taste the local dishes and get acquainted with the history of Armenian cognac distillation, as well as taste this sunlit spirit.

A Selection of Armenian Cuisine

  • Dolma

    One of the main dishes of Armenian cuisine, which is rolled in the leaves of grape and served with stand-alone matsun (Armenian yogurt) poured over it.

  • Khorawats

    It is good at any season of the year. In the summertime, Khorovats is usually served with tomatoes, eggplant and bell peppers baked on skewers over hot coals.

  • Armenian Lavash

    Even when abroad, Armenians remember about their traditional bread, Lavash. Real Lavash is a very thin, lightly wrapped strip of dough about one meter long, baked on the hot wall of the oven, or tondir. Taste it with traditional Armenian cheese and greens, which are staples of every dinner.

  • Basturma

    Basturma is an air-cured and spiced product made from the topside of beef to recipes dating back to pre-Christian times. Basturma is prepared by salting the meat, then washing it with water and letting it dry for 10–15 days.

  • Kyata and Nazuk

    The most known sweets are Kyata and Nazuk – original multi-layered pies with stuffing. Each layer is soaked with drawn butter and sugar. As a result, Kyata and Nazuk have a melting dough and mild taste.

Armenian cuisine is like a poem, each line of which has its own aroma and reminds you of innumerable dinners of shepherds and monks. Travel in Armenia, taste the local dishes and get acquainted with the history of Armenian cognac distillation, as well as taste this sunlit spirit.

“Never be late for dinner, smoke Havana cigars, and drink Armenian Cognac.” - Sir Winston Churchill

“Never be late for dinner, smoke Havana cigars, and drink Armenian Cognac.” - Sir Winston Churchill

Mt. Ararat view, Khor Virap

Khor Virap Monastery

Zvartnots Cathedral (7th C)

Noravank Monastery (7th C)

Sevanavank Monastery Complex (9th C)

Noraduz , “Forest Kashkars” (cross-stones)

Republic Square, Yerevan

Armenia Brandy tasting

View from Cascade Stairs, Yerevan

… one of the oldest nations in the world

A country with an ancient history, rich culture, friendly and hospitable people, thousands of historical and architectural monuments, healthy and delicious food.

Armenia is often called Karastan, or The Land of Rocks, and is a country of canyons, deep gorges, and high mountains. Its highlands, meadows, and ravines ensure breathtaking views of natural monuments like lakes, waterfalls, and canyons that are conjoined in harmony with the beauties created by the Armenian people – architectural and religious sites, countless churches, and monasteries…

There is something dramatically beautiful in the Armenian nature and culture: the deep blue sky, red fields of poppies, impressive cultural heritage that survived the turbulent history of the country…

Be inspired… visit country - bedrock of christianity
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