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!

Armenia Hotels

Tourism is developing in Armenia and today it offers accommodation to people with different demands, starting from luxurious hotels to affordable guest houses.

There are many comfortable and affordable hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses, and resorts in Yerevan as well as in regions of Armenia. Comfort loving families, luxury seeking tourists, business travelers and easy going backpackers can find suitable accommodation to their taste and budget. You can book suits online via visiting the official website of the hotel you prefer.

Budget hotels also known as hostels are also popular in Armenia. You can enjoy your visit to Armenia by staying in well-furnished, clean and cozy hostels. They usually offer Wi Fi, breakfast, coffee/tea facilities, and are located in city center in walking distance from historical sites and museums. Prices range from 10-30$ per night.

Mid-range and luxurious hotels differ from 2 to 5 stars. Usually there are nice restaurants where you see Armenian hospitality and taste various traditional Armenian dishes. Basically, breakfasts are included in the price you pay. Visitors receive exceptional individual and attentive service. The staff in all hotels is friendly and English speaking, making sure that guests are well treated and their expectations are met. Many of the hotels have unique interior design with different colors, exotic plants and flowers in hallways, and beautiful paintings to make the visitors feel comfortable and homey.

Marriott Armenia Hotel

Golden Tulip Hotel  - Yerevan

Gongress Hotel - Yerevan

Metropol Hotel - Yerevan

There are several international hotels such as Marriott and Best Western Congress. Other luxury hotels are Golden Tulip Yerevan, Ani Plaza Hotel, Metropol and Sil Hotel. Tufenkian chain hotels are located in Yerevan, Sevan and Dilijan. Many of these hotels have the latest equipment for business meetings or conferences. There are swimming pools, fitness clubs and beauty salons in all hotels, where you can enjoy health and recreation.

5 Things that Amaze Tourists about Armenia

Armenia is not a very popular travel destination. Some people do not even know where the country is situated. Others know very little about Armenia and that is why our country still remains an undiscovered mystery. What are the things that amaze tourists visiting Armenia? Today I had a talk with my friends about it and here is what we have discovered:

Standards of living

That’s true that Armenia is still a developing country and standards of living are not on the highest level. But they are far from being on the lowest level either. Tourists sometimes “see” Armenia as an extremely poor and undeveloped country, where people have never seen a PC and have never heard of internet.  Things that amaze tourists are means of transport (especially the underground), number of cafes and restaurants, quality of service and so on.

Armenian girls

Girls and women in Armenia are very dressy, no matter where they are. In Armenia high-heel shoes, stylish dresses and nicely done hair are not for special days. You can meet nicely-dressed girls at schools, colleges and even in the supermarkets. This type of dressing is not very common in the world especially in the western part. The eyes of tourists are not used to the beauty of Armenian women. :)

Level of English language

When tourists try to ask something in the street they are often afraid that no one will understand them. But this hardly happens. Many Armenians especially the youth have excellent English language skills and will readily help tourists. Russian, French, Spanish, Italian and German are also common in Armenia as foreign languages.

Hospitality

Hospitality is the characteristic feature of Armenians that differentiates them among others. Armenians are exceptionally guest-loving nation. They are always ready to help foreigners in any way they can, give them shelter, food, tell them about their home-towns, accompany them and show them the places of interest. And they do it with a smile in their faces, a smile that is not taught, but comes sincerely from the bottom of their hearts.

Food

Armenian food is something that makes visit to Armenia a must-have experience.  Tourists speak more about the unforgettable taste of fruits and vegetables. Armenian national food is another thing to remember in Armenia. Even bread itself has a special taste and smell.