St. Sargis Church in Meghri

St. Sargis basilica church, built in the 17^th century, is situated in Meghri town, marz Syunik. What attracts me most about this church is its simplicity and tranquility. The first thing that catches your eye is the modest building, made of rough stones.

The interesting thing is that it may seem uninteresting or boring from the first sight, as the church has no outer ornaments. The inside of the church is the contrast of the outside – colorful frescoes (Naghash Hovnatan school) decorate the walls of the church. Most of them depict scenes from the Bible and also from the history of Armenia.

Astvatsynkal Monastery

If you happen to visit marz Aragatsotn, do not miss the chance to visit the “treasure” of the region. Between the villages of Yernjatap and Hartavan, on the right bank of river Kasagh you will find the small, modest monastery.

The Monastic Complex was built during the 4-13^th centuries. The oldest church is St. Astvatsatsin built by the Gntuni’s in the 5^th century).

In the beginning of the 13^th century the church was reconstructed by the Vachutyan’s. It was then that the Monastic Complex was established. The second church in the complex was also initiated by the Vachutyan’s.

Near the Monastery you can find tombstones and cross stones (khachqars) of XII-XV centuries.

The good news is that today the Monastery is being reconstructed. Hope it will not lose its simplicity and the mystery of the ancient years after the renovation works.

Yerevan: the Heart of Armenia

View of Yerevan

During the previous months we have managed to talk about different regions, towns and villages in Armenia. However, we never had the chance to talk about the biggest city and the capital of Armenia – Yerevan.

Yerevan is the center of Armenia in all senses. It is the most developed, most populated (34% of total population) and the busiest city in Armenia.

It is a pride to mention that Yerevan is among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world (since 800 BC). The remnants of old Yerevan (Erebuni) can be found in Erebuni museum. Unfortunately few of the ancient buildings have been preserved in the city center, which is today more like other European cities with modern buildings. 

The center of Yerevan is the most “popular” part for tourists. Most of the hotels, museums, theaters, cafes, parks and other recreations are located there.

The other parts of the city are not that developed. In some places even the roads are not in good shape, and the contrast can easily be noticed. No doubt, Yerevan is a unique city with its unique colors, unique air, sky, sun and unique faces. It is surely one of the must-see places once you visit Armenia. It is the heart of the country, the place where you can experience the unique part of Armenia. In other words – Armenia is not Armenia without Yerevan.

Republic Square, Yerevan

Winter Night in Yerevan

Cascade, Yerevan

Lovers' Park, Yerevan

American University of Armenia, Yerevan

Congress Hotel, Yerevan

Say Good-Bye to Summer

In a few days the summer holidays will be over and the new academic year will welcome Armenian students. The summer holidays – the longest but always short, sometimes boring but always expected. The holidays will be over and students will hurry to schools and colleges. On the first of September thousands of alarm-clocks will ring early in the morning to awake thousands of students and school-children.

The first of September, which in Armenia symbolizes the beginning of the academic year, is also a national holiday in Armenia: Armenians celebrate the Knowledge Day. The most interesting thing about this day is the preparations for the first day of school. Parents usually get new snow-white shirts and blouses, new shoes and schoolbags for their children; girls get new haircuts, buy stylish notebooks, pens, pencils and other stationary.

Classes in Armenia usually start at 9 a.m., and at 08.30 the streets are already full of cars and people hurrying to school. The 1^st of September is definitely the most favorite day for many people, as it is not a usual school day, but rather a day for welcome, for telling each other about the experiences they had in summer. After the classes most students do not hurry home. They often get together in cafes or restaurants to celebrate their special day.

This year Armenian schools will welcome more than ten thousand first-grade pupils. They too will hurry to school with huge bouquets of flowers, to hear the first ring of the school bell and to make their first step to the undiscovered world.

September is coming.  So say good-bye to summer and get your notebooks ready!

Wish you all good luck and new achievements in the new academic year.

Saghmosavank: A place of everlasting impression

We are really proud of the architectural heritage of Armenian churches and monasteries throughout all of the Armenian highlands. One of the most astonishing pieces of architecture is Saghmosavank, located in the Aragatsotn region.

The main church complex Surb Zion (St. Zion) was built in 1215 by the order of Prince Vache Vachutyan. There is an altar apse on its eastern side and its south-eastern corner has two-floor side-chapels attached to it. However, despite their obvious similarities, each church is unique in its external and internal decoration and atmosphere. In 1235, Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Virgin) with its vestibule was built, which communicates with the book repository. The book repository communicates with the vestibule and church of St. Astvatsatsin though doors, meaning that the book depository is the only entrance to the church. This circumstance and the existence of the altar apse, shows that the building was intended for depositing not only manuscripts, but also precious church-plate.

Above all, the book repository of Saghmosavank, built in 1255, is among Armenia’s buildings original in their composition.

Individual parts of the interior are composed of red and black stones, as well as coated with white, yellow and red paint, which accentuates the beauty of the church interior. The exterior of the book depository is no less beautiful. The building has the same height as the church of St. Sion and its vestibule.

On the territory of the monastery one can find many 13th-14th century cross-stones, also known as Khachkars.

Lots of tourists visit Saghmosavank every year. It leaves an unforgettable impression and everlasting influence on visitors’ minds.

The Beauty of Lichkvaz-Tey: Photos and Videos

Armenian nature is perhaps the most important thing brings tourists back to Armenia for the second time. One of the must-see places in Armenia is the so-called Lichkvaz-Tey (near Meghri town), a small area full of mystery, beauty and tranquility. 

There is not much to be said about Lichkvaz-Tey. It is a unique experience and the feelings that arise there are unexplainable.

The dark and mysterious forests, the diversity of plants, the tranquil sound of the water, the dreamlike songs of the birds… all these make you forget the reality for a moment and enjoy the beauty of the dream.

Well, instead of my useless efforts to describe the beauty of Lichkvaz-Tey, I suggest you watching some photos and two short videos. Enjoy!