Happy World Tourism Day!

Since 1980 the whole world celebrates the International Tourism Day on September 27. It is the day when the Statutes of the United Nations World Tourism Organization were adopted (1970).

The Armenia Tourism Blog congratulates you all on this wonderful day, wishing you a lot of interesting travel destinations, new feelings and experiences. 

Happy World Tourism Day!

Meghri: the Sweet Part of Armenia

Meghri town is situated in Marz Syunik near the Armenian-Iranian border. Meghri is one of the most economically developed towns in Armenia.

Food industry is mostly developed there: the town has a bakery, a cannery and a winery.

Visiting Meghri you can visit a number of beautiful and interesting places, the Meghri fortress (17th century), St. Astvatsatsin church (17th century) and Meghri Monastery (15-18th century) among them.

Meghri is considered to be the “sweet” part of Armenia. Due to its comparatively mild climate the town is famous for the unique taste of its fruits, especially fig, pomegranate and persimmon. Other fruits, like peach or pear also stand out with their taste. 

Nature in Meghri is another thing to admire. It is a wonderful harmonious combination of rocky hills and green fields.

St. Gevorg Church in Mughni

St. Gevorg Monastery (14th century) in Mughni town is one of the most “favorite” monasteries in Armenia. There is indeed something special about it – the soul of ancient centuries, the modest sizes of the church, the original architecture or the wonderful garden surrounding it. Something makes it special and it is impossible not to fall in love with it after the first visit.

St. Gevorg church is of a cross-winged domed basilica type. It was renovated in the second half of the 17th century. The building of the church does not stand out with any special architectural solutions, but small details decorate the church and give special coloring to it.

The tympanum of the western portal is perhaps the “zest” of the Monastery. It is decorated with a wonderful carved ornament that resembles an embroidered cloth.

Inside the building one can find ancient frescoes depicting religious scenes. The garden surrounding the church is something to speak about. It is a place where one can find peace, harmony and tranquility. The church and the garden are so harmonious, it seems they were born together and have been together for thousands of years.

Let September 21 Be a Holiday for us for Millions of Years

Twenty-one years ago on August 23 Armenia declared its independence from the Soviet Union. Full Independence was declared after the referendum on September 21. And it is on this day that the whole Armenian nation celebrates the Independence Day.

Many people still remember the Independence Day celebrations of 2011 (20th anniversary). The most notable one was the grandiose military parade, one of the largest during the history of Independent Armenia. Armenia demonstrated its military might with tanks, warplanes and all kinds of military hardware.

The impression was powerful, it could hardly leave any Armenian indifferent. The parade, accompanies by the imposing military tunes, evoked feelings of pride and patriotism.

In a week Armenia will celebrate the 21st anniversary of its Independence. Let us all together wish peace to our motherland and let September 21 be a holiday for us for millions of years.

Photos © Arsen Sargsyan

Karchevan Village: the Marvel of Nature

Armenia is indeed a mixture of different “cultures” in the sense that each region, each town and village has its unique culture, its own customs and traditions. Karchevan (one of the smallest villages in marz Syunik) is not an exception. Despite its modest sizes, it is among the must-see places of Armenia.

The village is located in valley on a small hill surrounded by huge mountains. The climate is very mild and has healing features. Karchevan is distinguished by the small cozy houses with slanting roofs. Every corner, every street, every house, everything in the village is so harmonious that it seems they are all part of nature.

The population of the village is very small – about 350 people, and I guess all know each other. This feature also adds its own spice to Karchevan and makes the village a unique place. The majority of the population is specialized in cattle farming, viticulture, horticulture and sericulture.

People in Karchevan also have their characteristic features. They are usually very courteous, well-bred and hospitable. Their houses are very neat and clean.

The small St. Astvatsatsin church (17-18th centuries) “decorates” the village. It had been closed for several decades and served as a storehouse for grass in the Soviet era. Fortunately today the church is renovated and serves its purpose.