Akhtala: medieval monastery and fortress in northern Armenia
Akhtala, in the Lori region of Armenia, is known for its impressive 10th-century monastery with exceptionally well-preserved medie…
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Armenia
Armenia is a small country with a density of history that is hard to match: it was the first nation in the world to adopt Christianity, in the year 301, and its monasteries have hung from canyons and volcanic slopes for seventeen centuries. This section gathers our articles about the country: Yerevan and its cafés with Mount Ararat on the horizon, Lake Sevan at two thousand metres, Tatev monastery and the world's longest cable car, rock-carved Geghard, Khor Virap facing the sacred mountain, and the khachkars — carved stone crosses protected by UNESCO.
We write from years of experience organising trips across Armenia, from Gyumri to Meghri. So alongside the great monuments you will also find pieces on everyday Armenia: its brandy, lavash baked in a tandoor, Yerevan's markets and the mountain villages of Dilijan.
When you are ready to turn reading into travel, browse our Armenia itineraries and the combined routes with Georgia — always private, always at your pace.
Amaghu: the Armenian village gateway to Noravank Monastery
Amaghu is a small, charming village in the Vayots Dzor province of Armenia, famous for its proximity to Noravank Monastery, its vi…
Amberd: the "fortress in the clouds" on Mount Aragats in Armenia
Amberd — "fortress in the clouds" in Armenian — is a 7th-century medieval complex on the slopes of Mount Aragats (Armenia), with a…
Aparan: mountain town and medieval monastery in Aragatsotn, Armenia
Aparan is a town in the Aragatsotn region of Armenia, known for the 12th-century medieval Kasagh Monastery and the spectacular mou…
Ararati Marz: the province of Mount Ararat and Khor Virap Monastery
Ararati Marz is the Armenian province that encompasses the Ararat plain with its most iconic national symbol, Khor Virap Monastery…
Ardvi: the goddess of waters in ancient Armenian mythology
Ardvi is a deity of ancient Armenian mythology, venerated as the goddess of waters, springs and the fertility of the land. Her cul…
Areni: the village of the world's oldest wine in Armenia
Areni, in the Vayots Dzor province of Armenia, is famous for its wine production and the Areni-1 Cave, where the world's oldest kn…
Artashat: the ancient capital of the Armenian Kingdom founded in the 2nd century BC
Artashat, in the Ararat province of Armenia, was founded in 194 BC by King Artaxias I and served as the capital of the Armenian ki…
Azat Canyon: Armenia's most spectacular basalt columns
The Azat Canyon, also called the Azat Gorge, is a spectacular geological formation near Yerevan (Armenia) featuring hexagonal basa…
Noraduz Cemetery: the largest collection of medieval khachkars in Armenia
The Noraduz Cemetery, on the shore of Lake Sevan (Armenia), preserves hundreds of khachkars — carved stone crosses — dating from t…
Chiva: an authentic mountain village in the heart of Armenia's Vayots Dzor
Chiva is a small and charming village in the mountains of Vayots Dzor (Armenia), with a church in traditional Armenian architectur…
Areni-1 Cave: the birthplace of wine 6,100 years ago in Armenia
The Areni-1 Cave, in the village of Areni (Armenia), houses the world's oldest known winery, with remains of presses, jars and see…