Top Things to do in Armenia
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10 Sacred & Religious Sites in Armenia That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Armenia, Armenia including The Monastery of Geghard, Tatev Monastery, Kobayr Monastery, Noravank Monastery, Makaravank Monastery, Harichavank Monastery, Monastery of Sanahin, Katoghike Tsiranavor Church of Avan, The Churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots, Haghartsin Monastery.
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1. The Monastery of Geghard
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,332 reviews
Reviewed By ponch510 - Yerevan, Armenia
We really enjoyed this visit. It is a good 1/2 day trip from Yerevan and can be combined with Garni temple. I love the music chamber. The are some beautiful views of the mountain sides. It our kids were a bit older we would try the home from here to lake Sevan.
2. Tatev Monastery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 563 reviews
Reviewed By armenm2016 - Greater Sydney, Australia
The Monestary is about 1000 years and is built on the clif edge of the mountain. You appricaite the difficulty, the passion and the inspiration which must have been the driving force in completing such a difficult project. Take your time and listen to the serenity of the scenery - surrounding valleys and mountains.
3. Kobayr Monastery
4. Noravank Monastery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 467 reviews
Reviewed By LuizDutraNeto - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
This monastery dates from the 13th century and is completely different from other Armenian monasteries. "Noravank" means "new", so this the the "New Monastery". On its first floor, the mausoleum of Prince Burtel Orbelian and his family. Right on its façade, a narrow stone-made staircase (very dangerous, I must say) leads to the upper floor and to "Surb Astvatsatsin", the "Holy Mother of God Church"! It is a major religious and cultural center in Armenia and its visit could be combined with the one to "Khor Virap Monastery", as both monasteries are not very far from each other. Enjoy!
5. Makaravank Monastery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By luisfeliped_13 - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Did a hike from Perz Lake to Gosh and the monastery. Amazing place to visit from there did a walk to Gosh lake. Tough to the top of the hill but amazing place to visit. Good for a picnic
6. Harichavank Monastery
7. Monastery of Sanahin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 261 reviews
Reviewed By JaneneDavis - Cambridge, United States
Visited the Haghpat Monastery and Sanahin 10-13th centuries UNESCO heritage sites in the fall, 9 November. About 35 km from Georgian border. Stunning views from this mountain location. Haghpat is regal with commanding views and Sanahin is so beautiful and serene capturing all the fall colors. Haghpat lies on a dissected plateau and ascent to and from the river is quite a climb. I was fortunate to be accompanied by Lilit who is a very knowledgeable guide and provided detailed descriptions of the complex and Byzantine ecclesiastical and traditional vernacular architecture of the Caucasian region. And importantly the history. If you have an accomplished guide it adds so much more to the experience. The monasteries were important learning centers for centuries. Haghpat Monastery was once one of the largest centres of science, with a rich collection of manuscripts plus places for copying and studying. Monks could study medicine, astronomy, music, literature, etc One of the handful of Armenian khachkars to feature Jesus Christ is on display at Haghpat Monastery. Not too far from the monasteries is the 5-7th Century Holy Church of Odzun perched on top of a high plateau. Three naves of pink felsite basilica and barrel vaulted roof with a later 19th century of two small bell towers addition is a charming sight. We were fortunate enough to meet the engaging priest who gave us a personal tour, and I suspect he does this often. Please note that the 175 km drive in view of road works made this a long day and probably added an hour to our drive. The positive side was that Lilit used this time to provide me with her impressions of current and past history and culture of the Armenian people which made it very personal. Ruben, our driver, was diligent at navigating his way through all the road constructions safely, and we all had great fun stopping at the bakery on the way there. These sites are amazing and time well spent if you are interested and intrigued by Armenia’s history and culture. Highly recommend Jan Armenia Tours and Lilit and Ruben who made me very welcome and ensured that I had a great time.
8. Katoghike Tsiranavor Church of Avan
9. The Churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 205 reviews
Reviewed By LuizDutraNeto - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Visiting Vagharshapat and its complex of churches, museums and ruins is absolutely a must at any trip to Armenia. You can start with the "Zvartnots Temple" - the ruins of the old church consecrated to "Saint Gregory the Illuminator" and now known as the "Cathedral of the Celestial Angels". Then visit two different churches devoted to two of the first martyrs of Christianity, "Saint Hripsime" and "Saint Gayane", both nuns and deeply venerated in Armenia. Then, visit the "Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin" complex, the seat of the "Catholicos of All Armenians" (the Pope of the Armenian Apostolic Church), with the "Cathedral of Echmiadzin", which is actually closed for renovations and will remain so until probably 2022. But you can visit its exteriors, gardens, other buildings and, principally, the "Alex and Marie Manoogian Treasury House Museum", which simply is the Treasury of the Armenian Apostolic Church, with its awesome collection of important religious objects. This collection includes the precious "Holy Spear" which, according to legends, is the spear that wounded Jesus Christ at the Crucifixion and was brought to Armenia by Saint Jude Thaddeus. Isn't that enough? If it isn't, just remember that the "Mother Sea of Holy Echmiadzin" complex, including the ruins of the "Temple of Zvartnots", are all Unesco's appointed "World Heritage Sites"! Enjoy!
10. Haghartsin Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 329 reviews
Reviewed By R2873ZTpaulab - Santa Cruz, United States
beautiful serene monastery. carving is lovely. definitely worth a trip. buried in the Armenian countryside. no noise or disturbances, just this hidden treasure.
