Hovhanavank, Saghmosavank, and Amberd Fortress
The excursion starts at 10:30 at the location you specified.
One of the significant and famous monasteries of ancient Armenia is Hovhanavank Monastery, located in the village of the same name in the Aragatsotn region. For a long time, the medieval church dedicated to John the Baptist kept such significant relics as the Shroud in which Jesus Christ was shrouded and the Nail that pierced His right hand. These relics are now kept in Etchmiadzin Cathedral.
The next attraction is the equally famous Saghmosavank Monastery, also located in the village of the same name in the Aragatsotn region. In ancient centuries, the cross-domed church was famous for its library, where thousands of manuscripts were created and stored. These manuscripts are now kept in the Matenadaran. Near the monastery is an amazing high gorge above the Kasakh River, offering a magnificent view of the beautiful nature and giving you the opportunity to take beautiful, memorable photos.
Amberd Fortress is probably the most famous and majestic castle left from ancient Armenia, and for many centuries it served as an outpost of this region. Built in the 7th century, the fortress is located at an altitude of more than 2,000 meters, halfway to Mount Aragats, the highest mountain in Armenia. Near the castle is also a small church built in 1026. The castle was destroyed in the 13th century during the Mongol invasion and has reached us only in the form of majestic ruins. This is a very interesting place for exploring, walking in the fresh air, and, of course, taking memorable photos against the backdrop of massive ridges and fantastic nature.
The excursion will end at the location you specified.
