The whole territory of Armenia is divided into ten regions, which are called “marz” (province), each with its own interesting and attractive places to visit. Yerevan is not included in any province and has a special administrative status as a capital city. Read on to make a ‘virtual tour’ throughout Armenia, choosing the very places you would not like to miss during your visit to this vibrant country bursting with history, life and culture!
Aragatsotn Region
Located in the western part of Armenia and surrounding alluring Mount Aragats and its picturesque foothills, the region of Aragatsotn consists of three distinct geographical areas that make the previous administrative centers of Aparan, Ashtarak and Talin. The name Aragatsotn means ‘at the foot of’ or ‘the legs of Aragats’ and obviously comes from Mt. Aragats – the highest mountain in Armenia (4090 meters), which has been the spiritual subject of many Armenian writers and painters.
The province is mainly dominated by mountains, reserves, reservoirs, as well as numerous small lakes and rivers, which make it an ideal base for a memorable vacation. Ashtarak is the center of the region, some 24 km from Yerevan. The region is also home to several big villages, including Oshakan, Ohanavan, Byurakan, Mastara and Kaqavadzor.
The eastern part of Aragatsotn Region is laid out along Kasagh River Gorge that cuts deep into the rock, forming the back-top for a chain of spectacular monasteries. Key attractions in this beautiful corner of Armenia include Amberd Castle – one of the most famous and valuable architectural complexes of Armenia founded in 10th-13th centuries on a promontory formed by rivers, which was a princely estate of Pahlavunis, St. Mesrop Church in Oshakan, devoted to Armenian national hero, educator and the creator of the Armenian alphabet Mesrop Mashtots who was buried there in 440, the 7th century Aruch Cathedral famous for its spacious interior and unique design and built by Grigor Mamikonyan, an Armenian nobleman. There are also the magnificent Artavazik Church in the area of Byurakan, Katoghike Chruch in Talin, Tegher Monastery in Tegher Village, Hovhanavank Monastery, Saghmosavank Monastery and Tsiranavor Church, all well-worth a separate exploration.
It’s quite easy to explore the points of interest of Aragatsotn Region, since it’s adjacent to many other regions and so close to capital Yerevan. Majestic views, fresh mountain climate, superb climbing and hiking, add to this the friendliness and hospitality of locals – this province has it all and more.
Ararat Region
Bordering Turkey and the autonomous Republic of Nakhijevan (currently in Azerbaijan), Ararat Region is the agriculturally rich but hot and flat valley of the Araks River south of Yerevan, occupying the western part of Armenia.The region is dominated by the double silhouette of Mt. Ararat the impressive panorama, inaccessible height and deep abysses of which have had a great influence on Armenians for centuries, becoming an object of cult and mythology.
Ararat is also rich in majestic architectural monuments and archaeological ruins. Khor Virap Monastery is the main tourist destination of the region, the legendary site of the captivity of Gregory the Illuminator who was imprisoned by pagan King Tiridates III. Sitting among the ruins of Ancient Artashat, Khor Virap is a famous pilgrimage site and one of the most worshipped ones in Armenia, which never fails to amaze tourists.
Khosrov Preserve is located in the eastern part of the region, in the basins of the Azat and Vedi rivers.The preserve covers some 29,196 hectares out of which 9,000 feature trees, mostly scrub and cedar. There are over 1,800 species of plants in the preserve, the majority of which considered rare, endangered species and are listed in the Red Book. Fauna includes rare insects, snakes, amphibians, goats and leopards.
The reserve is blessed with natural attractions, including huge ‘rock organs,’ mysterious caves, amazing canyons and unique meadows.
Dvin – Armenia’s ancient capital is another important destination, which was founded in 332-338 BC by King Khosrov the Short. Today only ruins remain from that magnificent city.
Another tranquil corner in Ararat region is the impressive and well-preservedMonastery of St. Karapet, which is a wonderful picnic site. The church features a graveyard and a ruined bell-tower.
Artashat is the administrative center of Ararat Region, a beautiful industrial city very close to the region’s places of interest. It has its multi-branch industry, which has developed for 3-4 decades, after the establishment of wine, canning, milk, furniture and textile factories.
Ararat, Vedi and Masis are other towns of the region, each with its own charm and places to visit.
Armavir Region
Armenia had seven capitals on its present territory and three of them, including Armavir, Vagharshapat and Ervandashat were established in Armavir Region.
Situated in the Western part of the Republic of Armenia, between the four-peaked Mount Aragats, Armavir Region occupies the 4.2% of the territory of Armenia and is part of Ararat Valley – the largest and most fertile land of the forty valleys of the country, rich in apples, apricots, cherries, peaches and more.
The smallest region in Armenia, Armavir is blessed with historical and cultural values, beautiful landscapes, magical architecture and hospitable traditions.
What to See
Ejmiatsin is the pride of Armavir marz and the religious and spiritual center of Armenian Apostolic Church. It’s a lively city very close to Yerevan, housing numerous churches of great historical importance, among which Ejmiatsin Cathedral is an absolute must visit. A respected getaway by Armenians from all over the world, Ejmiatsin Cathedral (Ejmiatsin means “he coming of the only-begotten”) is the most ancient Christian church in Armenia, built by Gregory the Illuminator in 301-303.
Located a short distance from Mother Cathedral, visitors will find other exclusive masterpieces of Armenian architecture, including the churches of St. Hripsime and St. Gayane. The Cathedral of Ejmiatsin, the Churches of St. Hripsime, St. Gayane and St. Shoghakat, and Zvartnots Cathedral are listed among UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Sardarapat Memorial is another highlight in the region, one of its most important historic places that was the site of a decisive battle against the Turks in 1918. A memorial park was laid out in the battlefield in 1968 to commemorate its 5thanniversary. At the entrance there is a tall, 36-meter-high bell tower flanked by two huge winged oxen made of red tuff. Visitors will also find an interesting ethnographic museum, featuring tools of all of the different trades, as well as many handicrafts.
Zvartnots Temple
Near Echmiadzin visitors will find the genuine Zvartnots Temple – one of the most marvelous architectural masterpieces, built in the 7th century. It was ruined by several earthquakes in the 10th century. The complex consisted of St. George temple or Zvartnots and the palace of Catholicos Nerses III, known as ‘builder.’
Lake Metsamor is the only natural attraction of the province, offering spectacular views of its surroundings.
Gegharkunik Region
Gegharkunik is the largest region of Armenia (with an area of 5,348 square kilometers), known for its rich palette of history, vibrant culture and spectacular natural beauty.
Conveniently nestled in the east of the Republic of Armenia and bordering Tavush and Lori (to the north), Kotayq and Ararat (to the west), Vayots Dzor (to the south), and Azerbaijan (to the east), Gegharkunik comprises a total of 92 communities out of which Gavar, Sevan, Chambarak (former Krasnoselsk), Martuni and Vardenis are considered urban and the other 87 are considered rural. The highest point above sea level is Mount Azhdahak (3,598 meters). The region experiences mild mountainous climate with cold and snowy winters and warm and temperate summers.
Gavar is the administrative center of the region, situated at the eastern slopes of Geghama mountain chain, 98 km from the capital city of Yerevan. The ancestors of the inhabitants of the town arrived in 1830, from the town of Bayazet (Western Armenia) and established a settlement in the place of historical Gavaravan.
Lake Sevan, the emerald of Armenia, is the key attraction in Gegharkunik Province and is a popular summer destination attracting a vast number of holiday-makers from Armenia and abroad. Being one of the highest among freshwater lakes in the world, Lake Sevan has a unique ecosystem and holds special importance for the region as well as for the entire country.
Lake Sevan is rich in fish. Trout, known as Ishkhan (prince), is the queen of the lake. The lake area offers white sandy beaches with a myriad of fish restaurants and other amenities.
To protect Lake Sevan, enticing Sevan National Park was established in 1978, which occupies an area of 1,201 square kilometers out of which 24.9 thousand hectares are lakeside land. The park consists of 3 zones: a reserve, a recreation zone and a zone for economic use. The national park features 1,600 plant and 330 animal species.
Sevanavank Monastery, Hayravank Monastery and the large khachkar (cross stone) cemetery in Noratus are the main points of interest in the region.
Gegharkunik is also a veritable treasure trove for bird-lovers, who can admire a wide range of bird species.
Kotayq Region
Armenia is a museum under an open air and Kotayq Region is one of its worthwhile galleries blessed with magnificent castles and majestic historical sites, extraordinary natural areas, including huge rocky mountains and deep gorges, wide green river valleys and amazing volcanoes. Located in the heart of Armenia, to the northeastern part of Yerevan, Kotayq Region is where the wonderful ski Resort of Tsakhkadzor (canyon of flowers) is found, offering unique winter sport facilities and a range of accommodations to make your holiday pleasant and comfortable. The resort’s main attraction is the newly constructed ropeway that reaches the summit of Teghenik Mountain at 2,846 meters above sea level.
There are 7 major cities in the region. Hrazdan is the administrative center of Kotayq Region. Other cities include Abovyan, Byureghavan, Charentsavan, Tsaghkadzor, Yeghvard and Nor Hachn.
Kotayq is blessed with a large variety of places of interest, from ancient monuments and majestic temples to unique mineral spring resorts and recreation areas. Of great interest are the pagan Temple of Sun – Garni and the Monastic Complex of Geghard dug in the rock. Not-to-be-missed are also Arzni Church (6th century), Kecharis Monastery (11th-13th centuries), Lake Tsovinar with its surrounding parks and Karenis Monastery dating to the 7th century.
Lori Region
Ideally nestled in the northern part of Armenia and bounded on all sides by rugged mountains and sheer gorges, Lori is a dramatically beautiful region in Armenia and a favorite hotspot for camping and hiking in a truly secluded natural environment. Native to this region are lush green forests, amazing rivers, an assortment of oak, beech and pine trees, add to this dozens of fruits, nuts and berries with unique aroma and flavor. The region experiences temperate and relatively humid climate, which is mainly due to Lori-Pambak Mountains that protect the area from the penetration of cold air from the north.
Vanadzor is the administrative center of Lori Region and the 3rd largest city in Armenia, widely known for its majestic ‘Lori’ mineral water, clean running springs with curative power, green hills and snow-capped mountains, visible in all directions. Often called ‘The Beauty of Lori,’ ‘Sanatorium City,’ ‘City of Music,’ and ‘Masters City,’ Vanadzor is very popular with holiday-makers looking for a tranquil and peaceful getaway. Summers are cool here, and many people from Yerevan and other hot regions prefer to spend their weekends and holidays in this beautiful town.
Unfortunately, Vanadzor was greatly damaged during the 1988 earthquake. Presently, the city is in the process of rebirth and change. Year after year many new districts, safer houses, stunning star hotels are built to make the city as magnificent and attractive as it used to be.
One of the most striking points of interest in Vanadzor is the Hayk Square with its marvelous buildings of the City Hall, the Lori Marz Council and the Gougark Hotel. The city also has cultural venues, including the Drama Theater and the Puppet Theater where adults and children admire the performances based on the works of well-known Armenian, Russian, American and European playwrights. Other places of entertainment include the Botanical garden, Children’s Art Gallery, open-air cafes and clubs and fine restaurants.
Vanadzor is not the only place in the region that attracts attention. Equally stunning are the architectural wonders of Sanahin and Haghpat monasteries – UNESCO World Heritage Sites, representing a blend of vernacular and Byzantine ecclesiastical architecture.
There is so much to see in Lori Region that a day or two will surely not cover them all.
Shirak Region
Land of rich ancient history, fantastic landscapes, magnificent churches, temples and monuments, add to this pure healing high-mountain air, Shirak Region offers a unique experience. Bordering Turkey and Georgia, this scenic province is located in the country’s northwest corner and is home to the nation’s second largest city, Gyumri.
Located 1,500 meters above sea level and surrounded by scenic mountains, Gyumri – the heart and soul of the province, is a city of complicated but rich history and colorful traditions. It is the administrative center of the province ideally nestled in the central part of the Shirak Highland, which is some two hours’ drive from capital Yerevan. The city had several names, including Kumayri, Alexandropol and Leninakan.
Being one of the oldest places in Armenia, Gyumri provides visitors with a unique architectural landscape. Kumayri historic district, for instance, has been described as an open-air museum, hosting over a thousand buildings, all dating to the 18th and 19th centuries. Another highlight of the city is Sev Ghul, meaning ‘black sentry’ – one of the oldest Russian fortresses in Gyumri built on a hill. Worth a visit are also the Dzitoghtsyan House-Museum, Merkurov House-Museum and Aslamazyan Sisters House-Museum, all promising a truly memorable experience.
Natural attractions in this historic region are simply fantastic. Apart from alpine meadows, mountain forests teeming with intriguing flora and fauna and other green spots, Shirak is home to several large natural springs with natural carbonated sulfur springs lying near Ashotsk, Amassia and Akhuryan. The region’s variety of topography supports a wide range of bird species, roughly divided between the mountain steppes and high semi-desert plains of the west and southwest to the rugged mountains and woodlands of the south-east and far north. Lake Arpi is one of the rare spots in the region where the Dalmatian Pelican and the Greater Flamingo have been sighted.
Syunik Region
With spectacularly beautiful nature and wonderful landscapes, unique lofty mountains and lush green valleys, alpine meadows and thick big forests, amazing caves and ranging rivers, pyramidal rocks and jagged canyons, plus the hospitality of the friendly people of Syunik and the traditional mouth-watering cuisine sure to delight, the stunning Syunik Region will definitely exceed all expectations. Located in the southern part of the country, it’s one of the oldest and most picturesque regions of Armenia, comprising the districts of Kapan, Goris, Sisian and Meghri. Syunik is remarkable due to its big level difference. Mt. Kaputdzhukh at 3,906 meters high is the highest point of the province, while the lowest is the depression in the Megrin gorge (375 meters). Syunik is also abundant in mineral springs, including Tatev, Kajaran, Goris and Vorotan (Urut) to name but a few.
Known as Armenia’s version of Pittsburgh or Kalgoorlie, Kapan is the administrative center of Syunik, a compact green town with low buildings, numerous valleys and mountains, some 300 km from Yerevan.The River Voghji flows through the city.
Kapan, meaning ‘gorge or canyon’ was first noted at the end of the 5th century and when the Syunik Region was founded in 987, Kapan became its center. Kapan is famous for its main church found near Hotel Lernagordz.
Goris is another scenic city in Syunik, meaning rock place, surrounded by crags, caverns and rock formations. It’s a lively resort on the bank of Varvarik River that attracts travelers from different parts of Armenia.
Touristically, the region is rich not only in natural attractions but also in architectural monuments. The jewel of the region is UNESCO World Heritage Site Tatev Monastery (Tatev meaning ‘give wings’), perched high on a sheer cliff. Recently a 5.7-kilometer-long ropeway, called ‘Wings of Tatev’ was opened in Armenia, which will take visitors to this marvelous piece of architecture within 12 minutes. The ropeway is the longest in the world and will be included in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Tatev Monastery was built in the 9th century and was a major cultural center with a scriptorium and a library.
The petroglyphs of Ughtasar are also not-to-be-missed. Ughtasar is one of Armenia’s least known attractions, which promises an extraordinary experience. Consider this destination within the July to August period.
Syunik is also where adventure seekers will find Karahunj – the prototype of the Famous Stonehenge in the United Kingdom, which is believed to serve as an observatory thousands of years ago.
Other points of interest include Halidzor Berd (fortress), Shagat reservoir, the Meliq Tangu Bridge and the stunning monastery of Vorotnavanq. Syunik is the farthest province from Armenia’s capital, however there are buses going from Kilikia Central Bus Station to Sisian, Goris, Kapan and then Meghri. If you can afford it, take a taxi.
Tavush Region
A fascinating mountainscape with heavily forested mountains and white-water rivers, Tavush Region is a holiday-maker’s dream come true. Words alone cannot express how enticing and exclusive the natural beauty of this region is. Tucked into the northeastern corner of Armenia, the region includes the popular town of Dilijan and the famous monasteries of Haghartsin and Goshavank. Beyond Goshavank is Ijevan, the capital city of Tavush Region, which is a nice tiny town with mild climate, rivers, natural mineral springs, wondrous caves and waterfalls. Tavush is also a bird watcher’s paradise, as there are over 240 species of birds here.
Dilijan is often called “Little Armenian Switzerland.” Stretching on the banks of Aghstev River, Dilijan is surrounded with high mountains and lush forests and boasts the fame of being a health resort, featuring air rich with oxygen, very crisp water coming from a number of natural mountain springs and all the modern conveniences to make your visit truly unforgettable. This tranquil, green town is only 60 miles away from Yerevan and is the best getaway to escape the city rush and hot summer days.
The 13th century Haghartsin Monastery nestled in the woodlands of Tavush Region represents a true example of blending nature with architecture. The monastic group of buildings found near the town of Dilijan houses three churches, two gavits, one of them being in ruins, a refectory, a group of chapels and several khachkars. A marvelous piece of art in full harmony with the surrounding nature, Haghartsin Monastery is a place to be seen to be believed.
Goshavank is one of the greatest Armenian monasteries built in the 12th century, in the spot, where the Getik Chruch was destroyed by an earthquake. In the 13th century, due to its legendary abbot Mkhitar Gosh (after whom the monastery is named), Goshavank became the country’s biggest cultural center. The monastery houses one of the most famous khachkars in Armenia, which dates to 1291.
The region is also home to Tavush Fortress in Berd City (10th century), Lake Parz (Parz Lich) 9 km from Dilijan, Mshkavank Church in Koghb Village (11th-13th centuries) and Makaravank Church in Achajur Village (11th-13thcenturies).
Vayots Dzor Region
The southern part of the Republic is occupied by Vayots Dzor Region, an ideal destination for trout fishing, nature and historic tours and hunting.
Yeghegnadzor is the attractive center of Vayots Dzor Region, situated on the right bank of River Arpa. Lush with various fruit trees, Yeghegnadzor proudly displays such worthwhile sites as monuments dating back to the 1st millennium BC, several museums and galleries. The town is also noted for the wineproduced in the area.
Jermuk (the word jermuk derives from Armenian ‘jerm’ meaning warm) is the third largest town in the region, which is among Armenia’s most popular spa resorts. People with various ailments and diseases come to be cured in this wonderful resort town teeming with parks and forested areas. The main medical factor of the health resort is mineral water, which can be applied both externally and internally.
Noravank Monastery is one of the region’s premier attractions located in a narrow gorge made by Amaghu River some 122 km from Yerevan. The gorge is famed for its tall, sheer, brick-red cliffs, directly across from the monastery. The monastic complex houses the Church of St. Karapet, St. Grigor chapel with a vaulted hall and the Church of St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God).
Gndevank Monastery is another must see getaway in the region that includes a four-apse domed church dating to 936. At the church’s western side visitors will find a majestic gavit, one of the most ancient ones in its kind.
Though it’s quite easy to get to the province from capital Yerevan for a one day trip, spending a couple of nights would be a rewarding and promising experience.
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