11 extraordinary attractions in Armenia that highlight the nation’s history

With its history dating back thousands of years, Armenia is home to some of the world’s oldest churches, monasteries and other fascinating ancient landmarks located in the most beautiful surroundings…

Armenia has flown under the radar for decades, but travelers are slowing waking up to the Eastern European country’s millennia-old history, ancient monuments, majestic countryside and lush highlands.

As one of the oldest nations in the world and the first to adopt Christianity, Armenia hosts historic churches, cathedrals, and monasteries – many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites – and the nation’s remarkable museums and institutes also hold secrets to its fascinating ancient stories.

Here are 11 of Armenia’s must-see attractions that uncover its unrivalled history…

1. Amberd Fortress

Dating back to the 10th century, Amberd Fortress (which translates to ‘Fortress in the Clouds’) was built more than 2,000 meters above sea level on the slope of Mount Aragat. Formerly among the Armenian Kingdom’s primary military-defensive points, the fortress can be reached about an hour from the capital, Yerevan. The view from the top of the fortress is breathtaking and the building itself is remarkably preserved. Amberd Fortress is a short trip from the village of Byurakan, home of the Byurakan Observatory. Be aware, snowfall can make the fortress inaccessible during winter, with the weather usually improving by late May.

2. Karahunj Observatory

Often referred to internationally as Armenia’s version of Britain’s Stonehenge, Karahunj (also known as Carahunge and Zorats Karer) is a fascinating prehistoric archaeological sight reportedly dating as far back as 7,500 years. Located close to Sisian in the Syunik province, Karahunj has more than 200 stone tombs. The central area sees 40 stones standing in a circular formation, supposedly built in honor of the Armenian primary God, Ari, named after the Sun. A small museum in Sisian is dedicated to findings made at Karahunj, which is claimed to be the oldest observatory of its kind in the world.

3. Khor Virap Monastery

Views of Mount Ararat can be enjoyed from all over Armenia. Still, the best scenery of the mountain can be found at the Khor Virap monastery, which is also worth visiting in its own right. This location is one of the most important historical sites in Armenia’s history. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 14 years before he cured King Trdat III of his disease. The King converted to Christianity, paving the way for Armenia’s religious future. As such, Khor Virap is a popular spot for Armenian weddings today, while the underground chamber in which Gregory the Illuminator was held can be visited during a trip to Khor Virap, which is among Armenia’s most visited pilgrimage sites.

4. Garni

Located just a short distance from Yerevan at the foot of the Khosrov Forest State Reserve, Garni is a large village in Armenia’s Kotayk Province. Most visitors primarily come to see its magnificent first-century AD pagan temple. Perched atop a cliff edge overlooking breathtaking hills and mountains, the Temple of Garni displays some beautiful Hellenic architecture and is the only monument to survive the country’s conversion to Christianity in the early fourth century.

5. Geghard Monastery

Lying on the outskirts of the town of Garni, Geghard Monastery is a popular day-trip destination from the capital. Carved out of the mountainside in Azat River Gorge, with majestic peaks towering above, the UNESCO-listed monastery has a beautiful rock-hewn churches and several chapels showcasing elaborate and intricate carvings, with some parts of the complex dating back to the fourth century. With a scenic backdrop, it comes as no surprise that it has long been place of pilgrimage, with people visiting the site long before Christianity first found its way to Armenia.

6. Tatev Monastery

Yet another one of the Armenian monasteries with a spectacular location in Southern Armenia, Tatev Monastery was built in the early 9th century at the edge of the deep gorge, and has played an essential role in the country’s spiritual, cultural, and educational life. Previously the seat of a bishop, at the end of the 14th century it became the most prominent university in the Southern Caucasus, teaching students sciences and philosophy. Today, you can visit its three churches (Saints Paul and Peter, Saint Gregory the Illuminator, and Holy Mother of God), library, refectory, bell tower, and mausoleum.

7. Etchmiadzin Cathedral

Etchmiadzin is the considered the equivalent of the Vatican for the Armenian Apostolic Church. Armenia was the world’s first nation to adopt Christianity as the state religion. Today, over 90% of the residents are of the Christian faith, and UNESCO-listed Etchmiadzin, also called Vagharshapat, is the centre of the religion. The main church contains the Treasury, which holds the most valuable relics owned by the Armenian church. Amongst the items on display is the ‘Holy Lance,’ the spear that pierced Jesus’ side, a piece of Noah’s Ark, and two wall hangings with fragments of the wooden cross. Several other churches make up the Etchmiadzin compound, including two churches named for women and the ruined Zvartnots Cathedral. It’s easy to visit Etchmiadzin from Yerevan with affordable and regular marshrutkas (minibuses) that leave from the the city’s Western bus station.

8. Museum Complex of the Matenadaran

Located in Yerevan, The Matenadaran (officially the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts) is an exclusive treasure due to its extensive manuscripts collection. It holds the history of Armenian and foreign nations’ written cultures, with the word ‘Matenadaran’ meaning ‘holder of manuscripts’.  With more than 23,000 manuscripts, the Matenadaran includes almost all ancient and medieval Armenian cultural and sciences that have survived. The institute also holds manuscripts in other languages, from Arabic to Greek and many more. Plus, many of the book covers have ornamented, gold, silver or ivory covers.

9. Erebuni Fortress and Museum

Built in 782 BCE., Erebuni Fortress was founded by the King of Urartu, Argishti I, who left written testimony upon building the castle. The ruins of the fortress have not yet been fully explored. and undoubtedly still hold the key to some of Yerevan’s secrets. The museum displays the findings of excavations conducted on the fortress site, and permanent exhibitions showcase artefacts from the Urartu era, including cuneiforms, weapons, statues, belts, bracelets, and other pieces of jewelry made of gold and silver. Diggings and archaeological excavations have discovered areas where grain processing and wine practices occurred, with jars and other pottery pieces found with wine traces on them, affirming the high level of culture and traditions of the Urartian dynasty.

10. Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex

Yerevan’s Tsitsernakaberd Memorial complex is dedicated to the memory of the 1.5 million Armenians who perished in the first Genocide of the 20th century at the hands of the Ottoman Empire. Completed in 1967, the Genocide Monument has become an integral part of Yerevan’s architecture and a pilgrimage site. Set on a hill and dominating the landscape, it perfectly harmonizes with its surroundings. Its austere outlines convey the spirit of the nation that survived a ruthless campaign of extermination. The museum and institute were opened in Tsitsernakaberd in 1995 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

11. The History Museum of Armenia

Opening its doors in 1921, the Armenian History Museum is regarded as Armenia’s national museum. Located in Yerevan’s Republic Square, the institute has more than 400,000 items displayed across several departments, which include archaeology, numismatics, ethnography, modern history, and restoration. Around 35% of the primary collection is made up of archaeology-related items, while 45% is made up of numismatics. The building and its collections are financially supported by the government, with the museum also conducting important conservation and restoration projects, and publishing reports on archaeological excavations since 1948.

Where to stay in Yerevan, Armenia

Republica Hotel Yerevan is a boutique hotel, ideally located in the city center just a three-minute walk from Republic Square, where you’ll find the National History Museum. Its room sizes range from comfort to executive, and its on-site Anoush Restaurant serves traditional Armenian cuisine.