Location: Areni
Top Things to do in Areni
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9 Things to Do in Areni That You Shouldn't Miss
Areni (Armenian: Արենի; formerly Arpa) is a village in the Vayots Dzor Province of Armenia. It is best known for its wine production, although the majority of wine produced locally is from the nearby village of Getap. The church of S. Astvatsatsin is a single-nave two-aisled domed Armenian church completed in the year 1321, and is located atop a plateau overlooking the Arpa River and Areni. It was designed by the architect and sculptor Momik who is best known for his high-relief carvings at the monastery of Noravank (located approximately 6 kilometers southeast from Areni). Nearby are also the 13th century ruins of lord Tarsaitch Orbelian of Syunik's palace, moved from Yeghegis to Areni during that time. Ruins of a 13th-century bridge built by Bishop Sarkis in 1265-1287 are one kilometer northeast of the church. At the same location are the remains of an older bridge.
Restaurants in Areni
1. Noravank Monastery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 311 reviews
2. Noravank Gorge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By Jothilingam E - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Gorges are many in Armenia and best to visit all the especially in spring season
After visiting Noravank monastery,in the return path,you can view gorges with steep cliffs embrace both sides of roads
Gorges are narrow with cliffs(mountain) to view in the natural environment
You can also visit Areni wine factory nearby area.
Do not forget to taste perries,apricot all along the way on both sides of roads or you can buy for cheep price from farmers there
3. T'rchuneri (Bird) Cave
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By JGDynamo - Halifax Region, Canada
The T’rchuneri Cave is a fascinating cave with remnants and artifacts from approximately 6100years ago. It is a small cave but they have guided tours (mostly not in English) which seem informative and what they have uncovered here is great to see. Easy to get to, easy to get in and out of and not expensive to visit and see how life was 6000+ years ago.
4. Paruyr Sevak House Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
The Paruyr Sevak (also spelled Baruyr Sevag) House Museum is on the grounds of the home and burial plot of the Armenian poet and Literary critic considered one of the greatest Armenian poets of the 20th century.
Reviewed By 1234567Mk - Yerevan, Armenia
Дом-музей находится на родной земле поэта в Вайоцдзорской области. Дух Севака ощущается везде, на дорожках прекрасного сада, около камня, в деревьях, которые бережно охраняют память. Очень интересно попасть в музей с гидом, но и блюстительница музея прекрасно рассказывает о Севаке, с любовью и вниманием к посетителям, с бесконечным почитанием великого и талантливого поэта,
5. Areni Wine Factory
Overall Ratings
4 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By Randall K - Canberra, Australia
Our driver Daniel soon discovered that we love wines, so he dropped in here on our way to Noravank so we could taste some. The place was quite busy, but the hosts were extremely friendly to us and ensured we had a personalised experience. We tasted some great wines, including some amazing fruit vodkas, so of course we had to buy a bottle or 2! We always travel with gifts to give to locals, so we gave 2 small kangaroo & koala key rings to the hosts and they were genuinely appreciative.
6. St. Astvatsatsin Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By gentbrugg - Moscow
Before rolling into the 8-kilometer-long gorge leading to Noravank monastery, stop in Areni. Not only in order to buy the grape or fruit wine, although it is a famous centre of Armenian wine-making. The village has two wineries, but in addition, along the road the locals sell their homemade wine. But Areni has some other attractions. On the hill from the left side (if you stand on the road back to the wineries), that is, toward Noravank monastery and caves, you will see the well-preserved church. It is famous because it was built by one of the most prominent Armenian architects Momik. It is very interesting and deserves to have you up there. In addition to the indispensable khachkars, there are curious ornaments (of course, with vine) and images of evangelists and the virgin with child, carved over the entrance.
7. Hin Areni Winery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By ThomasfromDamascus - Damascus, Syria
Way too often the Hin Areni Wine Factory is over looked due to the more famous Areni Wine Factory is directly next door to Hin Areni! One must try both. The two famous Wine Factories for Wine Tasting right next to each other in the small Armenian city of Areni!
The Hin Areni Wine Factory is on the road from Jermuk to Yerevan and is very close to the major Armenian City of Yeghegnadzor. We had been told about another wine tasting which we found was right next door to the Hin Areni Wine Factory and also offering a wine tasting.
We first stopped by the neighbor of the Hin Areni Wine Factory and found it was packed with tourist! So we came to the Hin Areni Wine Factory and enjoyed a very, very nice Wine Tasting, for a very small charge. It was quite relaxing as we were the only guest enjoying their wine tasting! The bar tender was very knowledgeable about the various grape varieties and the methods and times for aging their wines.
We ended up buying many bottles of this great Hin Areni Wine! You should not miss the opportunity to taste this first-class Hin Areni Wine!!
8. Magil Cave
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Meghrig S - Beirut, Lebanon
Magil cave is one of the largest in Armenia, 1.7 km deep and full of many narrow passages and tunnels, and home to 8 types of bats in thousands and some not so remarkable stalactites. Most of the time it is closed for the public, but you might manage to get the local guide there (from Areni cave) to arrange it for you. This is a place you should ONLY enter with an experienced guide who knows his way around the cave, and it is NOT suitable for claustrophobic people as many passages are very narrow and long. It is NOT recommended for people who have knee problems either, and you should wear old clothes as you will get them dirty since you will be crawling in some places.
As you reach the first big chamber, you will see the many bats; they will fly around once you put your flashlight on them though. If you're scared of bats don't go in.
The cave is not entirely explored, so do not wander off on your own. Stone tools and Stone Age artifacts have been discovered in this cave indicating that it was once inhabited by people. There are some animal bones too. The cave maintains a constant temperate of 14 degrees Celsius all year round. The main entrance to the cave is difficult and narrow barely enough room for only 1 person at a time. There is one spot in the cave that has constant strong cold wind.
Bottom line, great place for adventurers and definitely recommended, it gives you an adrenaline rush and leaves you wondering what on earth you just did by entering this wonderful place so deep inside and so difficult to access.
