Armenia – a Symphony of History and Natural Splendor

 

"Wedding Rings" sculpture, Akhtala monastery complex

I had no plans to visit Armenia. But Armenia called me over. While I was in Tbilisi during a one-week trip to Armenia's neighbor Georgia, I noticed a tour company selling day trips to northern Armenia and  signed up right away.  It turned out to be one of my best, spontaneous travel decisions. 

We were about 10 -12 of us from various countries on the Armenia tour. I rode shotgun on the tour bus with the same driver and tour guide who'd accompanied me to the Kakheti wine region (Georgia) the previous day, so it was good to see familiar faces.  The driver expertly handled the vehicle through the Armenian highlands while keeping everyone entertained with his antics.   

Armenia is a breathtaking mountainous country nestled in the Southern Caucasian mountains of Eurasia (South of Georgia, West of Turkey), with dramatic landscapes, lush forests, rich ancient history, timeless architecture, fabulous mouthwatering food and some of the friendliest people I’ve met. 

(To learn about my exciting Georgia vacation, please read my Georgia, the Country travel blog).

 

Armenia Trip Overview:

•  Visit Three Medieval Monasteries in Lori province, northern Armenia
•  Visit other notable landmarks in Lori province, northern Armenia
• Traditional home cooked Armenian lunch with an Armenian family
• Visit the Debed Canyon observation area for amazing landscape views

 

Armenia Trip Highlights:

·       Akhtala Monastery – this 10^th century Armenian Apostolic monastery is built within the Akhtala fortress in northwestern Armenia, in a region surrounded by copper smelting caves.  The monastery compound contains the main church, chapel, dwellings, storage area and other structures.  The main draw of this monastery are its exquisite, colorful frescoes reflecting Byzantine and Georgian influences within Armenian style.  These frescoes are absolutely eye-catching!  The monastery grounds have an eye-catching “Wedding Rings” sculpture by Armenian sculptor Hamlet Matinyanis, added in 2010. 

 

·       Haghpat Monastery – this monastery complex was built between the 10th and 13th century. The monastery is built halfway on a steep hillside and offers spectacular views of the valley and the mountains.  The complex has a cathedral and other buildings including a small church, two side chapels, a library and a refectory.  The Haghpat monastery also has a zhamatun, or gavit (a mausoleum added to the entrance of the church).

 

·       Sanahin Monastery – the Sanahin monastery was also built in the 10^th century and is only about three kilometers from the Haghpat monastery.  Since the Sanahin monastery was built before the Haghpat monastery it serves as an architectural model for Haghpat. 

    Akhtala monastery

    Frescoes at Akhtala monastery

    Haghpat monastery complex near the edge of a cliff

    Haghpat monastery grounds 

    "Zhamatun" or "Gavit" (mausoleum) in the Haghpat monastery

    Sanahin monastery with a picturesque backdrop

    Gavit section at Sanahin monastery

·       Traditional Armenian Home cooked Lunch – we were hosted by an Armenian family, with a delicious spread of fresh veg and non-veg foods and bread; the entire meal was absolutely delightful.  All dishes were freshly prepared at the Armenian family home including the lavash bread and the grilled meats. The salads and vegetarian dishes were prepared from their vegetable patch. 

    Select dishes from the traditional Armenian lunch

·       Sanahin Bridge – located in Alaverdi, this 12^th Century CE bridge built over the Debed river with lovely views of the river below, is a testament to medieval Armenian engineering. You can admire the surrounding landscape from the bridge or watch the river below as it flows towards Georgia

    Sanahin stone bridge, originally built in 12th century AD

    Debed river flowing under the Sanahin bridge with the scenic canyon ahead

·       Copper mining – In the picturesque town of Alaverdi, we passed by several old copper smelting facilities and mining caves.  The factories were built during the Soviet era and although they generated a lot of employment in this region, the mining apparently also contributed to health issues amongst workers.  Cable cars carried the workers from the township to the mines. We also passed several buildings from the Soviet era, with cheerful kids playing outside and waving out to us. 

    Copper smelting factories and mines in Alaverdi

    Cable cars utilized to transport mine workers

    Flats from the Soviet era

·       Debed Canyon  – before heading back to Georgia, we stopped at an observation point on the Debed Canyon for sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, the valley and the winding Debed river below that has formed this canyon 

    Debed Canyon - gorgeous views of the valley & surrounding mountains

    Debed Canyon - picture perfect! 

    Debed Canyon - surrounded by verdant landscapes

    The river did it! ... the Debed river below has created the Debed Canyon

·       Locals – I’ve had the honor of interacting with people from several countries and cultures due to my travels and from living and working in a multi-cultural environment,  From my experience, I can say that Armenians are amongst some of the most friendly, happy and lovely people I have come across.  We met simple, hard-working locals who lived in a semi-rural area and earned their livelihood from tourism and through local jobs. Although I'd spent five days in Georgia and only a day in Armenia, it was the warmth and kindness of the Armenians that left the biggest impression on me.

   

    Local from nearby town selling souvenirs

·      Good to know: 

·        Please check the visa requirements for entering Armenia (and visa requirements for re-entry into Georgia if you plan to travel to Armenia from Georgia)

·      Please allow extra time especially if you’re crossing from Georgia into Armenia as you’ll be clearing through two checkpoints (Georgia, Armenia) and there could be long lines. 

·      There’s separate immigration processing for passengers and for vehicles and their drivers (so you’ll need to deboard your tour bus and walk to the customs & immigration building for Georgia and then go to the Armenian side

·      The tour was a couple of hours longer than planned due to an unexpected delay at the immigration checkpoint in the vehicles lane, as the computer system for vehicle / driver clearance was apparently not working. This resulted in a huge lineup of cars and buses.  Please plan for such unforeseen delays 

·       You’ll need to exchange your currency at the border for Armenian Dram (Georgian currency is not accepted)

·     You’ll find a lot of restaurants as soon as you cross the border over into the Armenian side

 

There are many places in Armenia that I have yet to explore, including its capital Yerevan therefore I’d love to visit Armenia again. But mostly I'd like to come back here because of its wonderful people and the super-delicious food.

                         Anoush Hayastan ❤

Do share your experience in the comments section below if you’ve visited or lived in Armenia.  I'd love to hear about it.

Until next time, folks.  Stay sharp, stay curious 🎯🌍✨