ABOUT ARMENIA
In terms of quantity of historical and cultural monuments Armenia is considered as one of the most interesting countries in the Old World. Identity and originality of Armenia stands on three pillars unique charm of mountainous nature, ancient Christian heritage, and its original national culture. These are the main treasures of Armenia which it has preserved throughout its dramatic history.
This country may be considered as one of the most interesting in the Old World. Here you will find ruins left from previous eras, and numerous monuments of art and architecture which make the country an open air exposition of culture masterpieces. Churches and monasteries all over Armenia amaze with incredible beauty, grace, harmoniously blending into the natural landscape and silently tell us about the history of this land.
An ancient country, Armenia has always been at the crossroads connecting Europe and Asia. Important trade routes connecting north and south, east and west became the paths that brought here elements of new cultures, traditions, knowledge etc. Here, in Armenia have met the unhurried wisdom of East and progressing dynamics of West.
Yerevan
The capital of Armenia, Yerevan is situated on north-western part of Ararat valley, almost the same distance from two giant mountains- Ararat and Aragats. The city is framed by mountains on three sides and it looks like an amphitheatre. One of the numerous sights of the city is the capital of the Ararat Kingdom, the ancient fortress Erebuni, founded in 782 BC. Yerevan is a modern city with ancient history and unique architecture. Impressive architectural masterpieces are the “Cascade”, the museum of manuscripts “Matenadaran” and, of course, the complex of the Republic Square with its colorful “singing” fountains. In adjoining streets and squares there are cozy cafes and superb restaurants attracting many visitors
Armenian hospitality is well known in the world. Generosity and warmth towards guests has always been a part of Armenian character and national traditions. Active forming processes resulting from the geological past of this part of the Earth created a cut mountainous landscape of Armenian Highlands, which represents” to “Active volcanic processes, in the geological past, created the mountainous landscape of Armenian Highlands with Armenia, where traditionally the guest is considered to be the most respected and important person in a house, awaits you in all its magnificence.
Active volcanic processes, in the geological past, created the mountainous landscape of Armenian Highlands, which represents a high diversity of habitats. Mountain ranges and extinct volcanoes, canyons and gorges, volcanic plateaus, rivers and lakes are in a harmony with Mt. Ararat, Mt. Aragats, lake Sevan and which are the most remarkable masterpieces of nature.
The elder of the Armenian Highlands is white peaked Ararat (5165m), majestically towering over the Ararat valley. Ararat is more than a biblical symbol and it forms an inseparable part of all of that is connected with Armenia and the Armenian people.
Mountain Aragats (4090m) with its four peaks, is the highest mountain in Armenia. Picturesque gorges and rocks, streams and falls, fragrant steppes and alpine flower carpet cover the slopes of this huge massif.
“A piece of the sky fallen in the mountains” and “a mirror of mountains ” are just two of the many poetic comparisons written about lake Sevan. Located at 1900m above sea level, the lake is one of the largest high mountain fresh-water lakes of the world and the largest in the region and also it is known for its delights such as crayfish, whitefish and trout. A legend tells, that only gods and stars could drink the water from Sevan.
Armenian cuisine is as old as this land and its history.
The traditional cuisine is very rich and diverse and based on natural products provided by organic farming and nature. As for any mountainous country various meat dishes play an important role in the diet of the local population. The most famous is Armenian “khorovats” (barbeque) made of pork, lamb and supported by barbequed potatoes and vegetables (aubergines, peppers, tomatoes). There is always a bunch of fresh spice herbs on the table as well as delicious local cheese and other dairy products. As one of the world centers for the origin of cultivated plants Armenia still holds a great heritage of local sorts of vegetables, fruits and crops, which make the traditional cuisine unique, more tasty and diverse. Thin as paper and the tasty traditional bread “lavash” is an inseparable part of the local cuisine. Different wild collected plants are used fresh, cooked or pickled and are an important source of vitamins during the whole year. The local cuisine is saturated with the smells and flavors of spices and the aromas of herbal teas.
Armenia has always been attractive and inspiring with its ancient history, historic monuments, unique traditions and folklore, the beauty of nature and the hospitality of its people. The country is rapidly developing tourist infrastructure and has huge potential for all kinds of tourism. More and more comfortable hotels are built, information centers are open, the roads are widened and repaired, the services and facilities develop. Adventure tourism, green tours, specialized activities such as botanical tours and bird watching, archaeological and geological tours get more popular and attract more visitors to Armenia. Here one can enjoy a break in accordance with individual wishes and expectations taking either mineral spring baths, fishing or cycling in the mountains. And although Armenia is relatively small, it is full of undiscovered sites and amazing surprises, that make every visit here unforgettable.
