Why go to Paris and Venice when there are so many exotic places scattered around Europe? You could very well get a lovely holiday in a lesser known place, for much less the cost. Armenia is one such country where you can relax, have a great vacation, and thoroughly enjoy yourself.
When you are in Armenia, you simply must get in some sightseeing. For instance, you should head to Echmiadzin – this was the capital of Armenia from AD 180 – 340. In this city, you will find the Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator. In the treasury of the cathedral, there is a spearhead which is rumored to have been used for piercing the side of Christ when he was crucified. This city is holy, and extremely picturesque in terms of people and churches. If you are interested in cultural sites, then in that respect too, Armenia offers a lot. There is the National Gallery, in Yerevan, the Gallery was founded in 1919, and has quite an impressive collection. In the Yerevan library, you can take a look at many of the ancient manuscripts (Materadaran) – there are over 13,000 texts. Of course, you simply must visit the State Museum of Armenian History located in Yerevan – in this place, you will find the best collection of historical artifacts in all of the country.
If it’s monasteries you’d like to look at, you would do well to travel to the Debed Canyon – the two monasteries there – Haghpat and Sanahin, are UNESCO-protected. The Canyon itself has very steep sides, but it’s certainly worth checking out. The great Armenian troubadour-poet, Sayat-Nova, is said to have been born in Sanahin, and he became a monk at Haghpat. You should definitely also check out the Geghard Monastery, which is one of the most dramatic sights of Armenia. You could make a pilgrimage to this place. There is a monastery on this site since the fourth century AD, and there are many churches too, with lovely carvings, which date from the 13th century at least. While you’re at this spot, you could take a detour and pay a visit to Garnia Temple. It’s unfortunate that most of the original structure has been destroyed by earthquakes, but the position of the temple, on a plateau 300 meters over the Azat River makes it unique and beautiful.
If it’s relaxation you’re looking for, go to Dilijan, which is a picturesque little town amidst amazing pine forests. If you’ve gone there with your lover or spouse, then you could take in romantic walks among the many walking trails that go up to alpine lakes. This apart, you would find many Soviet-era sanatoriums in this town, as well as many retired artists, who make for interesting conversation.
There is also Lake Sevan – which is characterized by extremely pure waters, your eye is sure to be caught by the lovely settings too. What’s more, there is delicious salmon trout in these waters! The lake itself is the largest in the Caucasus, and is 70 km east of Yerevan.
23 May
