Armenia: Introduction to Wonderland

Armenia is a country with a long history and a strong identity, but it is often overlooked as a tourist destination. Yet it is home to many wonders.

Let’s discover a country that the less experienced may not know. Armenia, historically considered a European nation, is located in the Lesser Caucasus region of Western Asia, and has a population of around 3 million. And if the humble country that serves as their nest doesn’t look like much, it’s where forgotten peoples and those who don’t forget rub shoulders.

From its capital, Yerevan, with its bohemian atmosphere, to its enchanting high lakes, this article takes you to the center of the earth, to the land of wonders.

If it seems that misery is less painful in the sun, it’s on Armenian soil, lulled by the reflections of blue skies, that we invite you to let your wandering ideas tempt you.

Yerevan, a capital of many colors

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Fountain in Tamanian Square, YerevanPhoto credit: Shutterstock – Arevik & Jan Nedbal

To kick off our trip to Armenia, we took the easy option of setting foot in the capital: Yerevan. Beautiful in every detail, steeped in history and representative of the country’s atmosphere, Yerevan didn’t take long to win us over.

Built in 782 BC, it is one of the oldest cities in the world. An emotionally-charged cultural capital, Yerevan plunges us into a past with harsh histories, while retaining an atmosphere of light-hearted charm that’s sure to win you over.

The Pink City…

Our first impression on arriving in the center of Yerevan is the architecture. Not grandiose or stunning, it’s the color that really catches our eye. It’s easy to see why Yerevan is nicknamed the Pink City!

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Republic Square, YerevanPhoto credit: Shutterstock – Sun_Shine & YuG

Most of the monuments here were built using pale pink volcanic stone, giving the city an atmosphere of softness and well-being that words cannot convey. How good it feels to stroll through the streets of Yerevan, among the Armenian population who seem in no hurry to do anything.

It’s hard to believe we’re in the country’s capital. Even though Yerevan is home to over a million people, more than a third of the total population, everything here inspires relaxation. It’s as if everyone seems to be saying: « Take your time ».

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Republic Square – View of St. Astvatsatsin ChurchPhoto credit: Shutterstock – Stanislav Samoylik & Vahan Abrahamyan

So take your time, and let the scent of flowers carry you around Yerevan’s 12 districts to Vernissage, its colorful flea market.

Visit its religious monuments, which will remind you that Armenia was the 1st country to adopt Christianity. Be surprised by its references to French culture – notably its excellent bakeries – and, above all, don’t hesitate to succumb to the charms of its oriental-flavored gastronomy.

Just like the colors that dominate the walls of this capital, give yourself the right to see life in pink during your stay in Yerevan.

… to dark memories

But while Yerevan’s charm tempts us to stroll and take it easy, we can’t forget that it carries a heavy burden. Dark memories that contrast with the soft colors of its historic center.

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The 12 stelae of TsitsernakaberdPhoto credit: Shutterstock – Meliksetyan Marianna

On April 24, 1915, more than a century ago, the Armenian people suffered the beginning of the 1st genocide in history. In the space of one year, over 1.3 million Armenians of all ages and cultures were sacrificed in the name of human stupidity. A genocide that is still struggling to be recognized by certain governments, which seem incapable of understanding that the weight of truth is no heavier than that of shame.

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Tsitsernakaberd, Armenian genocide memorialPhoto credit: Shutterstock – GYG Studio & Emily Marie Wilson

So, to pay tribute to these people, these sacrificed men, women and children, you can place a flower at the heart of the Tsitsernakaberd, the memorial dedicated to their memory. Located on one of Yerevan’s hills, it consists of 12 granite steles arranged in a circle.

More than a « visit », going to this memorial is a duty to remember. A monument with an inevitably heavy atmosphere, where the shadows of the past become so heavy that every step becomes a penance. It’s a difficult place to visit, but one from which you can’t remain indifferent.

Discovering Armenian monasteries: the origins of Christianity

We’re back on the road, after a grueling but satisfying stay in the heart of the Armenian capital. Our aim now is to show you the beauty of Armenia’s monasteries, which are also a reminder of the country’s history.

Indeed, Armenia was the first nation to adopt Christianity as its official religion, in the 4th century. As a result, some of the oldest and most majestic monasteries were built here. So let’s hit the road and enjoy the mountainous wonders that Armenia also has to offer.

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View of the roads bordering Garni, ArmeniaPhoto credit: Shutterstock – MadThings

Geghard, the monastery carved out of rock

The first stop on our monastery tour is Geghard, some 40 kilometers from Yerevan. Still under the spell of the verdant landscapes that line the paths leading up to it, you’ll probably be stunned by the power of this edifice as soon as you set eyes on it.

Now imagine that its construction began in the 4th century, using only hammers and chisels. What’s more, the first work to build this architectural jewel was… carved out of rock!

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Geghard Monastery, carved into the rockPhoto credit: Shutterstock – Govorov Evgeny & Bongiozzo

It took more than nine centuries to complete the monastic complex, and the details are so intricate. As you wander through these enchanting tunnels, you’ll come across a number of different buildings.

Among them, the church of the Avazan grotto, whose natural spring water is said to bring healing… In this complex you’ll find other churches, chapels and even a library stocked with ancient texts.

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Interior & exterior view of Geghard MonasteryPhoto credit: Shutterstock – Sergey Chirkov & takepicsforfun

Haghpat and Sanahin, medieval monasteries

To continue our religiously historic journey through Armenia, this time we’re heading northeast. Our destination is the sublime province of Alaverdi, a medieval town founded by the great queen Khosravanush.

This is where you’ll come across two architectural marvels, both under Unesco protection: the Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries.

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Haghpat MonasteryPhoto credit: Shutterstock – Mike Ilchenko

Located just a few kilometers from each other, you can easily wander around these buildings, which seem to be masters of time. Although the exact dates of their construction are not known, their architecture suggests that they date back to Antiquity.

Since then, they have both withstood earthquakes and invasions of all kinds. Enjoy the calm that reigns here, all around you, and get caught up in exploring these almost divine lands…

Sanahin monastery

Sanahin MonasteryPhoto credit: Shutterstock – kosmos111

The Orthodox monastery of Sanahin offers a real sense of total abandonment to nature.

The flora covering part of its roofs gives it an authentic, natural, timeless feel. A reflection of the wild atmosphere that emanates from it, reminiscent even of abandoned temples lost in the Amazon jungle.

The Armenian lakes, a magical journey

Without further ado, after these unforgettable spiritual escapades, we have just one idea in mind: to set off and discover the Armenian lakes! We now invite you to enter a magical world of land, water and ice!

Sevan, the high lake

Lake Sevan is a natural wonder. Perched at an altitude of over 1900 metres, it is one of the largest lakes in the world, and also one of the highest. Nestled between several mountain ranges, it stretches 78km in length, to the delight of our astonished eyes.

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View of Lake Sevan & Sevanavank MonasteryPhoto credit: Shutterstock – Leonid Andronov & Sun_Shine

Lulled by beaches and hiking trails, the lake and its surroundings offer an atmosphere equal to its water: exquisitely gentle. As you stroll along, you may come across the Sevanavank monastery. Its location and the sublime little path you have to take to get there add to the enchantment of the place.

The atmosphere of the capital Yerevan comes back to mind, whispering: « Take your time »…

Akna, the Oasis in the mountains

Located at the foot of Mount Adjahak, Lake Akna is defined by its unexpected, almost unreal beauty. Accessible only after a long trek into the heart of the Gegham volcanic massifs, it gives the impression of an oasis in the desert.

Arid, raw, almost severe, the place is of a rare purity. It’s as if Akna had fallen from the sky, pushing aside the surrounding mountains to form a gentle crater, bringing tenderness to these landscapes immaculate of all human traces.

View of Lake AknaPhoto credit: Shutterstock – Arevik & Jan Nedbal

Take the opportunity to climb to the very top of one of its passes, to get a little closer to the sky. Then breathe in and capture the moment in your memories, because you’ll want to remember this breathtaking atmosphere forever.

Kari, the lake of dragons

The legend of Lake Kari brings us to the end of our journey in search of Armenia’s most beautiful lakes. Kari, also known as « Stone Lake », lies at an altitude of 3,200 metres, in the hollow of Mount Aragat.

According to Armenian legend, 4 dragon brothers lived in another world, perched on Mount Aragat. Brothers who couldn’t live without each other. So, when one of them perished, the other three let themselves die. As punishment, they were all transformed into rivers after their deaths, the fire dragons, and forced to flow in different directions.

But as they sought to draw closer together, they eventually changed the direction of their respective currents, forming a hole in Mount Aragat where they joined to become Lake Kari.

Kari lake

View of Lake KariPhoto credit: Shutterstock – Ovchinnikova Irina

Today, Lake Kari offers an enchanting beauty, even more so when winter has fallen. The 4 snow-capped peaks of Mount Aragat that surround it provide a backdrop worthy of a Miyazaki film. The frozen lake becomes the reflection of a sky that merges with the blessed land that surrounds us.

This blessed land doesn’t end here, unlike our article. Take the time to discover all the facets of Armenia, its landscapes, its history and its people. From the creation of its alphabet to safeguard ancient Greek texts, to the discovery of the Garni Gorge, nicknamed the « symphony of stones », Armenia is a cultural treasure trove of infinite riches, a veritable wonderland.