- Armenia Geography and a little explanation
- The Armenian Church
- Pre-historic and early Christian monuments
- Archaeological sites & Excavations
- Hiking
- Wine & Brandy tastings
- Armenian Cuisine
- Mineral waters
- Getting to and from Armenia
- Arriving by Air
- Arriving by Land
- National Holidays
The Republic of Armenia lies in a triangular section of the Transcaucasus, bordered by Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkey and the Republic of Georgia. With an area of 29,800 square kilometers (11,490 square miles), the landlocked country is just about the size of Vancouver Island.
The capital city, Yerevan, lies on the Hrazdan River, and is home to some 1.2 million people. The next three largest cities are Gyumri (pop. 121,000), Vanadzor (pop. 74,000) and Abovian (pop. 54,000). Another important city is Echmiadzin, located some 20 miles west of Yerevan, which is the seat of the patriarchate of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
The greatest part of Armenia is mountainous (about 300 feet above sea level), while one-third is pastureland. Forest and woodland cover 12 percent of the contry, arid land some 18 percent, and permanent crops cover 3 percent. The highest elevation is 4,095 meters (Mt. Aragats) and the lowest point is 400 meters above the sea level (Debed river).
The territory of the Republic of Armenia is divided into 10 administrative units - marzes (provinces). The capital, Yerevan also holds the status of a marz.
In Armenian, the official state language, Armenia is named Hayastan. Ethnic Armenians, who call themselves Hay, constitute more than 90 percent of the country’s population. Armenia occupies about 29,800 sq km and in this small piece of land sultry summer and eternal winter exist almost side by side.
Ancient Armenia was one of the largest states of the Middle East. Its name is among six other countries depicted on a Babylonian map dating back to the 5th century B.C.
Armenia is a landlocked country. The republic contains many mountain lakes, the largest of which is Lake Sevan, located in the northeast. The 5165 meter Mount Ararat, geographically located in Turkey, is a national symbol of Armenia and is visible from much of the Southwest region.
IN 301 AD, Armenians were the first nation to make Christianity their state religion. As a result, much of Armenian cultural heritage is shaped by symbols and values associated with the Christian faith.
Many of the 40,000 surviving ancient monuments in Armenia are Christian churches and monasteries, most of which were built over demolished pagan temples. Hence, only one pagan temple remains in Armenia, Garni.
Armenia - acknowledged as one of the cradles of civilization - is a beautiful country with a sophisticated people and a long and cultured history. As a result, Armenia is an intriguing tourist destination. Numerous monuments and masterpieces of the Ancient era and Middle Ages can be found throughout the country. Tourism in Armenia is rooted in the country's historical landmarks and natural attractions such as the water resorts of Lake Sevan,the hot springs of Arzni and Jermuk, the forests of Dilijan, Aghveran, Tsaghkadzor, Bjurakan and Gugark, and the mountainous natural caves and cliffs of the Southeast region. The majestic peaks of Mount Ararat provide a stunning backdrop to Yerevan. The monastery of Khor-Virab and the ruins of the ancient city of Dvin (dating back to the second century BC) are located in the mid-distance Aerial view of Yerevan, capital of Armenia.
Yerevan, the ancient capital of Armenia, extends you a warm and friendly welcome. It is one of the oldest cities in the world. The earliest recorded settlement there dates back to 782 BC. King Argishty I founded a fortress city in the north-eastern part of present-day Yerevan, with the following cuneiform inscription, "With the majesty of God Khald, Argishty, son of Menua, built up this inaccessible castle and named it Erebuni..." You can still see relics from this part of our history at the Erebuni Museum in Yerevan.
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The Faith of the Armenian Church is transmitted through the church's Holy Tradition. The Bible, liturgy and worship, writings of the church fathers, church councils, saints, canons, religious art and rituals - organically linked together - formulate the Holy Tradition of the Church.
The Armenian Church belongs to the Orthodox family of churches, known as the Oriental Orthodox or non Calcedonian Churches - namely, the Armenian, Coptic, Syrian, Ethiopian and Indian Malabar - churches. The functional structure of the Armenian Church is primarily based on the canons and established traditions of the Armenian Church, which were formulated over the centuries. One of the most important aspects of the Armenian Church administration is its conciliar system.
The administrative, doctrinal, liturgical and canonical norms of the church are set and approved by a collective and participatory decision making process.
The Chief Bishop and Supreme Head of the Armenian Church is the Catholicos of All Armenians, who resides in Holy Etchmiadzin. A National Ecclesiastical Assembly consisting of lay and clergy representatives of the Armenian churches from around the world elects the Catholicos.
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Through all the centuries, Armenia has managed to preserve a wealth of today's evidence of the evolution of humankind. There are innumerable historical monuments in Armenia. 40,000 are available for visiting and are waiting for an admiring traveller. Most of them are churches. However, only some 4,000 are readily accessible and commonly visited because of the difficulty of reaching the rest. Normally they are open round-the-clock without any admission charge.
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The density of archaeological sites is unbelievable The very capital Yerevan was founded in 782 BC as fortress Erebuni (Happy Site). Another Urartian citadel inside Yerevan - Karmir Blur was built on the ruins of early Bronze Age settlement. Universe maps of Metsamor (Neolithic settlement 3 - 4000 BC), forty-five centuries old observatory of Karahunj, capital of ancient times Armavir, caravan inns alongside Silk Road are just a few examples of what you can see during your tour.
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Most beautiful landscapes a little off the beaten tracks provide an ideal setting for people seeking rest and recreation for both a beginner and the experienced. Many tour alternatives are available.
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Tours of the wineries and tasting of wine and cognac are very popular in Armenia. Excavation results prove, that first wine grape was cultivated on Armenian Highland thousands of years ago and today the descendants of ancient clans try to retain that heritage. Armenian winegrowers produce three main assortments:
Ordinary table wines
Branded wines made according to special recipes and maturated from 2 to 5 years
Special quality branded wines aged for no less than 3 years
Armenia produces an unchallenged quality brandy (cognac). Armenian cognacs of numerous special brands are aged in oak barrels for 3 to 50 years and are from 40 to 57% proof.
The unique flavour and smooth quality of Armenian cognac and wine is something you must sample for yourself while you are in the country.
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Armenian cuisine is noted for its pleasing aroma, as a result of the expert mix of spices employed. Armenians use also many unusual herbs and greens in their cooking. The most exotic are collected at alpine meadows and combined in the most unexpected way. The taste will challenge even the most refined expert.
Many of Armenian specialities are barbecued. You can taste traditional shish-kebab almost everywhere. The standard bread of the country, called lavash, is renowned for its quality. It is only about the thickness of one or two sheets of newspaper and the best is like a parchment Armenians like to eat lavash with local cheese or shish-kebab and fresh uncooked greens, using it for wrapping the food as a sort of sandwich. Ask an Armenian how lavash is made or visit any village to see it yourself. You'll be surprised and impressed.
European conventional bread and common European foods are also readily available. Restaurants, ranging from the luxury class to simple grills cater for all tastes.
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Armenia is rich in thermal and mineral waters such as Jermuk, Bjni, Lichk, Ararat, Lori, Dilijan, Arzni, Hankavan. Near the most famous spas health resorts have been established. Every year they welcome thousands of visitors seeking recreation or curative treatment
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The national carrier - Armenian Airlines - flies to various destinations in Europe, Middle East and the CIS. north American travelers can fly to Europe and catch a connecting flight to Yerevan from most of the major airports. Several foreign carriers, among them British Airways, SwissAir, Austrian Ailrlines and Aeroflot also operate flights to and from Armenia.
Zvartnots International Airport, the main gateway to Armenia, is located within a 15 minutes ride from the capital city of Yerevan. Buses run from the airport to city center every half hour from 8a.m. to 8p.m. Taxis are also available at the airport.
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The most convenient way to visit Armenia is by air. Air transport fulfills the flights through the Zvartnots International Airport, located outside of Yerevan, and Shirak Airport in Gyumri.
Under new management, Zvartnots International Airport is undergoing a welcome makeover that should transform the airport into a world-class facility. The airport provides a VIP service, in which customer service representatives personally meet the traveler on the tarmac as they disembark the plane upon arrival.
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Overland road routes and rail links connect Armenia with its neighbors. Currently, both Turkey and Azerbaijan have imposed a blockade against Armenia and have closed their borders with it. Two highway routes and one rail-link are available through Georgia, which provide access to the Black Sea Ports of Batumi and Poti. Additionally, there is one route south through Iran to the Persian Gulf.
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1 - 2 January - New Year , actually celebrated a whole week after the holiday, when people exchange gifts and houses are open to impromptu guests. An abundance of food and sweets is laden on every table and friends and family visit home after home with congratulations.
6 January - Christmas (Armenian Church hasn't changed its Calendar since the Middle Ages) is celebrated more solemnly than in the West. During the first ten days of January, opera, theatre and concert venues are filled, even in the worst of weather.
11 February - Commemoration Day for St.Vardan Mamikonyan, who headed Armenian army in defense of Christianity in IV century.
14 February - Pagan holiday dedicated to the Sun was later united with Eve of the Great Lent. Enamoured pairs jump over the fires in virtually every yard in Armenia. (Fortunately coincides with Valentine's Day).
1 April - Fools' Day (of course non-official). Be ready for any (but never insulting) kind of joke or prank.
7 April - Motherhood and Beauty Day.
24 April - Memorial Day for Victims of 1915 Armenian Genocide in Turkey.
March/April - Religious observations for Easter , the greatest holiday of Armenian Church, begins on Good Friday and lasts throughout the weekend. Easter Sunday begins with cracking boiled eggs, dyed a rich brown color. The person who can crack the egg in someone else's hand without cracking his one gets his wish.
9 May - Victory Day. Heroes of WW II march through the towns on Victory Day. They are honoured for their sacrifices and and there is a tradition for the young to give them flowers and a warm kiss.
28 May - Vardavar, the holiday of the Goddess of beauty Anahit, celebrated by throwing water at each other. Everyone with the exception of the elderly participate, so get dressed properly.
5 July - Constitution Day.
11 August - Ancient Armenian New Year celebrated still by enthusiasts at the pagan temple of Garni.
Second Sunday of August - Grape Blessing Day, when the Catholicos, the Supreme Patriarch of Armenian Church, blesses the grape harvest.
21 September - Independence Day The Third Republic of Armenia announced the results of a national referendum on secession from Soviet Union.
Late September/Early October - Annual Erebouny - Yerevan Day is celebrated with concerts, traditional dancing and music and concluded by huge "Golden Fall" festival.
1 - 2 January - New Year.
6 January - Armenian Christmas.
9 May - Victory Day.
28 May - Independence Day.
5 July - Constitution Day.
21 September - Referendum Day.
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