Welcome to Noah’s land, Armenia. Are you ready to discover the world’s best-kept secret? This amazing country will leave you completely admired with its unique beauty and extremely rich heritage.
The oldest civilization in the world
Armenia is the oldest civilization in the world. It existed since prehistoric times. It is called the cradle of civilization. According to the bible, Eden was situated in Armenia, God created the first man, Adam here and after the Great Flood Noah’s ark landed on the biblical mountain Ararat.
Armenia has a history of thousands of years. The ruins of ancient cultural monuments discovered here, according to archaeological, geological and paleontological data, have a return of about a million years. Scientific research, archaeological findings and old manuscripts prove that Armenian Highlands are the very Cradle of Civilization. Monuments of the Stone and Early Iron Ages testify to the presence of all stages of evolution in the region.
Archaeologists claim that the Armenian Highlands were inhabited by people even when Mesopotamia (a historical and geographical region in the Middle East in the “Fertile Crescent” zone; the area between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers) was the bottom of the sea and the Tigris and Euphrates flowed into the Persian Gulf.
Ancient written sources of Sumerians and Akkadians also testify that Man was created in the Armenian Highlands; the land at that time was referred to as Eden, Kur or Abzu. Abzu was described to be located near Euphrates and Tigris rivers, which at that time were part of the Armenian Highlands.
The metal-based cultures that sprung up on the Armenian highlands were neighbors with Sumeria, Elam, and the first empire Akkad. They had mapped the constellations before the pyramids were built. At that time Greece wasn’t even a thought, and the first dynasty in China was about 2000 years away.
Many cultures and nations, including ancient Egyptians and Sumerians, have referred to the Armenian Highlands as the Holy Land. Armenians were respected for their wisdom and knowledge almost in godlike nature. Thutmose III of Egypt, talking about the Armenian Highlands said that heaven rests upon its 4 pillars in Armenia.
No country in the world in its history has had as many capitals as Armenia. Our capital Yerevan rivaled with Babylon and is 29 years older than Rome.
Armenia is the first country in the world that adopted Christianity as a state religion.
Amazingly rich historic and cultural heritage
The current Republic of Armenia is situated on only a small part of historical lands. While the Armenian highlands, where Armenians are native, covers over 400,000 square km.
Despite that fact, the territory of the current republic has an amazingly rich historic and cultural heritage.
The oldest cathedral in the world is situated in Armenia and is still admiring its visitors with amazing beauty and architecture.
The beauty and oldness of Armenian monasteries will be an amazing discovery for you.
The oldest winery in the world (6100 years old) is found in Armenia, in the mysterious cave where the world’s oldest shoe (5500 years old) was found.
The oldest observatory in the world was also found in Armenia. Karahundj, is the prehistoric observatory 3500 years older than England’s Stonehenge and 3000 years older than the Egyptian pyramids.
The only standing pagan temple in the Caucasus dating back to the 1st century is situated in Garni village of Armenia. The temple was dedicated to the God of the sun.
Great hospitality
We love foreigners. You will be always welcome in Armenia. Warm and open-hearted kind locals will make you feel like in your home and fall in love with Armenian hospitality.
You might ask: how safe is Armenia? Gallup International has listed Armenia among the world’s safest countries.
The 2019 Global Law and Order report precise leaders on the progress countries are making toward achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal of “promoting just, peaceful and inclusive societies.” Armenia is 7th on the list, between Switzerland and Finland.
You will not even see drunk people in the streets of Yerevan. While visiting Armenia relax and enjoy the beauty of the country, calmness, great food and atmosphere.
Virgin nature
Armenian nature is extremely rich and beautiful. Armenia is famous for its breathtaking mountainous landscape.
Mountain lakes and rivers are another treasure of Armenian nature. The dance forests of Armenia will admire you.
Armenia has 7 climatic zones and lots of sunshine.
You can experience Armenia’s enchanting natural beauty in many places.
Noravank Valley where the 13th-century Noravank monastery is situated. The monastery is located in a gorge made by the Amaghu River. The gorge’s beauty is breathtaking. It has tall, sheer, brick-red cliffs. You might see the Golden Eagles that live here.
Mount Aragats, the four-peaked extinct volcano is another highlight for nature lovers. It has a part where antigravity doesn’t work. It is a perfect place for hiking and admiring nature.
Dilijan National Reserve is a true paradise for nature lovers. It is also rich in cultural and historic heritage.
Lake Sevan is the biggest lake in the Caucasus. You can admire the natural beauty of the lake from the Sevan peninsula which used to be an island and where the Sevanavank monastery is situated.
Djermuk is another admiring attraction for nature lovers. Clean air, dense forests, hot springs and curative mineral waters, a beautiful landscape and a waterfall, Jermuk has it all.
Great food, wine and brandy
Armenian food in general is very delicious and healthy.
There are many great dishes you can taste. Some of the best dishes are Tolma, Khorovats (Armenian barbecue, Khashlama (with lamb and potatoes), Qyufta, Kebab, Khash, etc.
Armenian vegetables and fruits are among the tastiest in the world. Armenian agriculture still uses the traditional way of production, there are no GMO uses and almost no chemic products use in Armenian agriculture. This makes the produced agricultural products bio.
Armenian brandy is world-famous. It won many gold medals during international exhibitions. Armenian brandy was the preferred drink of Winston Churchill.
Armenian wine, derived from grapes grown in the sunny blessed lands of our country, has a very unique taste. According to the latest evidence found, winemaking traditions were present in Armenia for more than 8000 years.
Amazing attractions
Armenia has wonderful attractions for guests with all types of interests.
There are many unique museums, fortresses, churches, caves, resorts, observatories, historic monuments, etc.
The Museum of History of Yerevan has many historic artifacts including the oldest leather shoe in the world.
Matenadaran Museum is the world’s largest repository of Armenian manuscripts.
The fortress of Erebuni is the birthplace of Yerevan city in 782 BC. In Erebuni Museum you will find a huge collection of artifacts.
Amberd 10th century fortress situated on the slopes of Mount Aragats will be a breathtaking experience for history and nature lovers. A beautiful Vahramashen church is standing next to the fortress.
Geghard Monastery is one of the most beautiful monasteries in Armenia. Partly carved from a mountain, it surprises with its architectural solutions.
Haghartsin monastery is another masterpiece of Armenian medieval architecture. Raising within the dance forests of Dilijan National Reserve it has a very unique beauty.
Areni cave is the most famous among caves, though there are many amazing caves in Armenia. The reason is that some of the oldest artifacts in the world were found here, including the oldest winery, shoe, etc.
Tsaghkadzor resort city is one of the most beautiful sights of Armenia. Here you can discover beautiful flowered and forested mountains taking the ropeway, explore Kecharis monastery, have snow activities in winter, etc.
Sardarapat is where the historic battle between Armenians and Turks happened. The Ottoman army had invaded Eastern Armenia after performing the Genocide of Armenians (more than 1,5 million Armenians were massacred) in Western Armenia (now in the territory of Turkey). This battle between Armenians and the Ottoman army saved Eastern Armenia. The battle not only halted the Ottoman advance into the rest of Armenia but also prevented the complete destruction of the Armenian nation. The Memorial of Sardarapat, the heroic history behind that and the Ethnographic Museum are definitely worth to be discovered.
Joyful activities
Happiness could easily be the synonym for Armenia. Despite its tragic history and economic circumstances, the air of Armenia is filled with joy and happiness. Locals love having a great time and sharing everything with guests.
There are many cozy cafes, restaurants, bars, and pubs to have the best time.
Music and dances are even very present in the streets.
Yerevan is rich in shopping centers and malls. Colorful markets and beautiful shops make Yerevan more attractive to shopping lovers.
There are so many beautiful parks, adventure places, great concerts, festivals, ropeways, resort cities, etc.
There are many types of activities for adventure lovers. You can have snow adventures in the internationally recognized Tsaghkadzor resort city, visit Dilijan National Reserve dense forests and Parz Lake, discover the Sevan peninsula, take the longest cable car in the world in Tatev, discover the oldest winery and observatory in the world. Make sure not to miss Debed Canyon and Jermuk also.