Tatev Monastery Armenia © Tommy and Georgie
Historically, culturally and scenically the Republic of Armenia
is a captivating destination. Not only has it been acknowledged as
a cradle of civilisation with centuries of ancient history to
unravel, but it also boasts natural attractions aplenty and is
spoilt for beauty.
Armenia was one of the first countries to adopt Christianity as
its official state religion in 301 AD and many of the country's
surviving ancient monuments are Christian churches and monasteries.
Mt Ararat, in Turkey, was once within the borders of Armenia before
the area was divided between Turkey and the USSR, and is believed
to be the site of Biblical Noah's landing of the ark following the
great flood. Armenians still consider the mountain, the highest in
the region at 16,946 (5,165m), to be a symbol of their land, and it
features on their national emblem today. The story of Noah's Ark is
important in Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
The tiny landlocked country is part of the Southern Caucasus
region sandwiched between Europe and Asia and between the Black and
Caspian Seas. Present-day Armenia occupies but a fraction of the
ancient Armenia, and was once a republic of the Soviet Union. Its
capital, Yerevan, is one of the world's oldest cities, founded
years before the founding of ancient Rome.
Armenia is largely mountainous, with the alluring Mount Ararats
its highest peak at 13,435ft (4,095m). The countryside is riddled
with small lakes, and also boasts one of the world's biggest
mountain lakes, Lake Sevan. The mountains are also home to health
spas and treatment centres, and the Tavush region is known for its
healing mineral waters where resorts such as Ijevan and Dilijan are
recognised treatment centres.
The Kotayk region boasts some of Armenia's most spectacular
scenery and is a popular destination for local and foreign
tourists. The resort of Tsakhkadzor ('canyon of flowers') is most
popular in winter with excellent skiing. Visitors to the Syunik
region will find beautiful scenery and natural springs, as well as
sights like the Tatev Monastery, the Stonehenge of Armenia
(Karahunj), Goris and the Shake waterfall. To the north, the Lori
region is sought out by campers and hikers, but also boasts two
UNESCO World Heritage sites, the monasteries of Sanahin and
Haghpat, as well as the Odzun Cathedral. East of Yerevan lies the
spiritual centre of Armenia, the Holy See of Echmiadzin, the most
significant cathedral in the world's oldest Christian nation.
