Khor Virap (height 1390 m)
Церковь Хор Вирап находится в Араратской долине. Отсюда открывается неповторимая панорама на прекрасную сверкающую белоснежными вершинами библейскую гору Арарат. Глубоко под церковью находится священное место: здесь в подземелье 13 лет провел Григорий Просветитель. Царь Трдат приказал заточить его за то, что Григорий Просветитель распространял христианство в Армении. Однако царь заболел и его сестра однажды увидела во сне, что царю может помочь излечиться Григорий Просветитель.
Trdat was shocked by the news that Gregory was alive. The king ordered the release of Gregory, and was cured. In 301 Gregory the Illuminator consecrated the Armenian people and Christianity was adopted in Armenia as the state religion. On the site of the imprisonment of Gregory the Illuminator, the Church of Khor Virap was built, which became a holy place for the entire Christian world, and Gregory the Illuminator was elevated to the rank of saints and is considered the founder of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
The entrance to the dungeon has been preserved in the church, so you will have the opportunity to go down the stairs and inspect the place of confinement. Not far from the church are the ruins of the ancient capital of Armenia, Artashat, which is one of the few ancient cities built according to a special project. According to legend, the author of the city plan was the commander of ancient Carthage, Hannibal, who fled to Armenia after he lost the war with Rome.
Noravank
The monastic complex Noravank (XIII-XV centuries) is an outstanding monument of medieval architecture and a major religious and cultural center, closely associated with the then nearby Gladzor University.
Situated among bizarre sheer red rocks on the ledge of a winding gorge, it is an extraordinary sight in its beauty. The oldest monument of Noravank is the Church of Surb Karapet (IX – X centuries). To the north of it, in the 13th century, the main temple of the monastery was also dedicated to this saint. The famous talented architect Momik was its sculptor and architect.
To the north of the main temple is the tomb of the Orbelian family. The temple is decorated with images of the Mother of God with the Child, God the Father, the crucifixion of Christ, as well as a large number of openwork khachkars. Surb Astvatsatsin Church, located nearby, is a highly artistic monument with a memorial purpose. The first floor served as a tomb, the second – a funeral temple. The western facade of the building is especially beautiful, decorated with cantilever stairs leading to the second floor.
Sardarapat
The memorial complex to the heroes of the Sardarapat battle was opened in 1968, 10 km from the city of Armavir, in the area where in 1918. Armenians defeated the Turkish aggressors. The complex covers the territory of a large park and includes a high belfry with bells, an alley with figures of eagles leading to the triumphal arch. Behind the arch is the Museum of Ethnography. The exposition of the museum is very rich. Numerous materials from many historical and ethnographic regions of Armenia are presented here, allowing you to get an idea of the development of crafts, the features of the life of the Armenian people in different eras.
Jermuk (height 2000 m)
Jermuk is a resort city famous for its healing hot mineral springs. This is a hospital of international importance for the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, joints, diabetes, urolithiasis.
And the beauty of this town is known far beyond the borders of Armenia. No wonder it is called the green pearl of Armenia. A piercing blue-blue sky, bizarre outlines of mountain ranges, the muffled noise of a mountain river in the depths of a canyon framed by fragments of rocks, cool spicy air, the murmur of mountain streams, a cascade of artificial ponds and a waterfall white with foam, white buildings of sanatoriums immersed in the greenery of sprawling poplars and mighty blue firs.
Among all these beauties, you can go to mineral springs and drink this healing water, as well as take it with you for future use, pour it into thermoses or other containers. It can be used for several days.
Then it is recommended to go to the canyon to the waterfall, where you can take many beautiful pictures as a memory of this paradise.
Tatev Monastery (height 2100 m)
Tatev Monastery is one of the most unique and beautiful monasteries in Armenia. It is located at the edge of a deep gorge and is surrounded by powerful fortifications. The ensemble of Tatev is in harmony with the surrounding mountain landscape. In the past, Tatev was not only the religious, but also the political center of the Syunik principality.
At one time, a university functioned here, in which there were 3 departments: music (spiritual chants), painting and sciences. The latter studied the Old and New Testaments, as well as translating manuscripts of spiritual and secular content from Greek and other languages. The central temple is the temple of Surb Poghos – Petros (895 – 906). The complex also includes the church of St. Grigor (1265), the abbot’s chambers (XVII century), a refectory with a kitchen and pantries, monastic services.
Located in a row along the perimeter of the fence, the housing and utility rooms of the monastery fit into the overall composition and give the whole complex originality and majesty. In the X century. The monastery had about 1,000 inhabitants, including artisans, in whose workshops works of applied art were created, an example of which are the finest carvings of khachkars and the doors of the temple.
