Ararati Marz: the province of Mount Ararat and Khor Virap Monastery
Ararati Marz (Ararat Province) is one of Armenia's most iconic regions. Spread across the fertile Ararat plain, it takes its name from the holiest mountain for Armenians — Mount Ararat (5,165 m), visible from almost every point of the province despite being located in Turkish territory today. It is a region of contrasts: fertile fields, historic vineyards, ancient cities and monuments of incalculable spiritual value.
Khor Virap: Armenia's most photographed monastery
The Khor Virap Monastery is undoubtedly Armenia's visual icon: a medieval monastic complex set on a hillock with Mount Ararat as a backdrop, creating one of the most stunning photographic compositions in the Caucasus. It was here that Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years before converting King Tiridates III to Christianity, making Armenia the first Christian state in the world (year 301).
Artashat: the ancient Armenian capital founded in 194 BC
The city of Artashat, at the heart of Ararati Marz, was founded in 194 BC by King Artaxias I and served as the capital of Armenia for centuries. The archaeological remains of ancient Artashat are of great importance for understanding the history of the Armenian kingdom in antiquity. The modern city is home to the Artashat History Museum, with archaeological collections from the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
Viticulture on the Ararat plain
The Ararat plain is one of the most important wine-producing regions in Armenia, with a dry continental climate and volcanic soils ideal for vine growing. The region's vineyards produce indigenous Armenian varieties that form the backbone of the country's wine industry. Armenia's leading wineries are located near Ararati Marz.
Ararati Marz is also the perfect starting point to explore the capital Yerevan, just 30 km from Khor Virap.
Frequently asked questions
What to see in Ararati Marz, Armenia?
The main attractions of Ararati Marz are Khor Virap Monastery (with the best views of Mount Ararat), the archaeological remains of ancient Artashat and the vineyards of the Ararat plain. Also worth visiting are Yererouk Monastery and several archaeological sites from the Urartian period.
Why is Khor Virap Monastery famous?
Khor Virap is famous as the place where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned, who converted the Armenian king Tiridates III to Christianity in AD 301, making Armenia the first Christian state in the world. But also for its incomparable views of Mount Ararat, the Armenian national symbol.
How to get to Khor Virap from Yerevan?
Khor Virap is about 35 km south of Yerevan, approximately 40 minutes by car. You can go by taxi (inexpensive), on an organised tour, or by marshrutka to Artashat and then a local taxi. It is the most popular half-day trip from the Armenian capital.