Tour Guide, Yerevan, Armenia
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Armenia is a truly magnificent country. Every Armenian is proud of his historical homeland because it is simply impossible not to admire such a treasure. Even the most sophisticated tourists do not remain indifferent to numerous attractions and beauties. Armenia miraculously combines old traditions and at the same time develops in step with the times. There are modern business centres and centuries-old historical monuments. You can talk about all the advantages of the country endlessly, and not even a year is enough to see them with your own eyes. But there are seven things that every tourist needs to do in Armenia.
1. Visit the Pagan Temple
Garni is a pagan temple in the Hellenic style, built from basalt in the 1st century AD. The temple was dedicated to the sun god Mithra. He survived after the adoption of Christianity by Armenia in 301. In 1679, as a result of a strong earthquake, the temple was destroyed; restoration work was carried out in the 60s and 70s of the twentieth century. Garni is located just 28 km from Yerevan, so it is definitely worth it to be included in the list of places to visit.
2. See the top of Ararat
Although Ararat is located in Turkey and is its highest point, this does not prevent it from being a symbol of Armenia. According to the Bible, Noah's ark moored to the top of Ararat. In order to admire the mountain, you need to go to the monastery of Khor Virap, from where Ararat opens in all its glory. Looking at it, you feel the greatness of nature and feel like a small grain of sand in a vast world. Each tourist describes Ararat in different ways, this is due to the fact that depending on the weather, it changes colour. The sun's rays play on the snowy slopes, thereby creating a whole gamut of colours. Khor Virap is also known for the fact that Gregory the Illuminator spent 15 years in the underground prison here.
3. Ride to Lake Sevan
Lake Sevan is located in the mountains at an altitude of 1900 m; it is the largest lake in the Caucasus. It seems that the water surface can touch the clouds - an amazing sight. The lake is so large that some locals call it the sea. And indeed, standing on the shore, you might think that before you is a vast sea. Around the lake are amazing mountains that give the landscape even greater grandeur. This is a great place where you can spend the whole day, breathe clean air and swim in the legendary lake.
4. Visit the heart of Armenian Christianity
20 km from Yerevan, the Ararat plain is the holy city of Echmiadzin for Armenians. An ancient legend says that the city was founded by King Trdat the Third. This king wanted to take the beauty of Hripsime, who was one of the preachers of Christianity, as a concubine. The virgin did not agree to surrender to the pagan king and suffered martyrdom; she and her Christian friends were stoned. After this, the king became seriously ill but miraculously recovered after repenting and accepting the Christian faith. The cathedral, built at the behest of the king in 301, is recognized as one of the oldest Christian cathedrals in the world. The city now houses the residence of the patriarch. Tourists can visit in Echmiadzin the church of the Martyr Hripsime, the temple of St. Shokagat, the basilica of St. Gayane - they were friends of Hripsime and died with her.
5. Getting inside the rock
Geghard is an ancient historical monument inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Hundreds of tourists come here every day, the reason for this is the unusual architecture. Several temples of the monastery complex are hollowed out inside the rock. Geghard was founded in the 9th century; it is believed that Gregory the Illuminator himself was involved in this.
6. Relax in Jermuk
Jermuk is a mountain balneological resort located at an altitude of 2100 m. The water temperature in thermal springs ranges from 20 to 65 degrees. Here you can enjoy the beauty of nature, heal with mineral water, as well as ski or swim in the mountain river.
7. Take a ride on the longest cable car in the world
The history of Tatev Monastery dates back more than ten centuries. Initially, about a thousand people lived in it, in the XIV century, this place became the scientific center of the country. In 1435, the monastery was burned down, however, it is well preserved to this day and is gradually being restored. The Tatev Monastery is lead by the longest cable car in the world - “Tatev Wings”. The road is 5700 meters long and is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. A suspension car travels in about twelve minutes, and beyond its windows gorges, plains and majestic mountains extend.