In Armenia, many beautifully preserved ancient temples and monasteries contrast with modern-built churches.

A huge number of museums scattered throughout Armenia opens up completely new sides for tourists who are unfamiliar with the history of the country. Don’t know what to see in Armenia? Especially for you, we have compiled a list of popular cities of Armenia, which includes the most interesting sights of Armenia.

Armenia cities to visit

Gyumri

Gyumri is one of the oldest cities in Armenia. In the central square of the city there is a monument to St. Vardan Mamikonyan. For services to Armenia, he was ranked among the saints. Here is another attraction – the Temple of All Saints. It was badly damaged in 1988, but now it is being restored. A very symbolic place is around Black Fortress located in the highest place of the city. For a long time, the fortress managed to defend Gyumri from the Turks. The border with Turkey is visible from the fortress wall.
You can go to Gyumri to check the legend of the stone. According to it, near the city is the holy stone of desire Tzak-Kar. You need to climb through the hole in it three times so that your wish comes true. Give it a try!

Vanadzor

Vanadzor is the third-largest city in Armenia and the center of carpet weaving. In 1988, it was destroyed by a major earthquake. Local water treats diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and heart.

The monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin are worth a look – examples of Byzantine architecture of the 11th century AD and an 800-year-old arched bridge. At the Lori-Pambak Museum are kept 34 thousand of the most valuable exhibits: ceramics, ancient weapons, tools, and documentation. Since 1974, the Museum of Fine Arts has been operating in the city. It contains more than two thousand objects: paintings, sculptures, and graphic works.

Vagharshapat

Vagharshapat was created by King Vagharshak in 140. In 369, it was almost completely destroyed by the Persians but reborn later. The city is the main spiritual center of the Armenian people with Etchmiadzin Monastery.

It is worth visiting the Temple of St. Hripsime – an Armenian church under the protection of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It is considered one of the most romantic places in the world. The Museum of Etchmiadzin Monastery is another local attraction. It stores the most valuable exhibits: the priests’ robes and church utensils decorated and made of precious metals and stones.

Armavir

There were three pagan temples in Armavir. One was dedicated to the moon, the second to the sun, and the third to the memory of the ancestors. Near the city are the ruins of the first capital of the Armenian kingdom.

Lovers of antiquities will not get bored. The ruins of Argishtikhinili are one of the main local attractions. This settlement belonged to the state of Urartu. The city existed from the VIII to VI century BC. The Sardarapat Memorial will return to reality. It was built from red rock in memory of the battle between the Turks and Armenians in May 1918.

Kapan

In the first millennium AD, the city belonged to the Syunik kingdom. This is a medieval Armenian state in the territory of the ancient Armenian province of Syunik. It existed in the years 987-1170. Kapan has been an important center for the extraction of non-ferrous metals.

A church made of pink tuff at the foot of Mount Khustup and monuments to local heroes is worth a visit. The statue of David Beck stands in the center of the city, dedicated tօ the Armenian commander, who has defended Armenia from invaders. Monument to Garegin Nzhdeh is a full-length bronze statue on a stone pedestal, which is created in memory of the hero of the Armenian national liberation movement.

Near the city is Mount Aramasar. According to legend, it was named after the commander Aram, who was famous for his invincibility and wisdom. In unusual ways, with dancing and wine, he trained his army of moderation and cunning.

Artashat

The city was the fourth capital of Armenia surrounded by vineyards and orchards. The administrative center of the territorial formation of Ararat is located 4 kilometers from the border with Turkey. It traces its history from 176 BC.

Around the city are the ruins of ancient fortifications. A landmark attraction is the monastery complex, which was created back in the Middle Ages. Its center is the monastery of Khor Virap, erected at the foot of the sacred mountain Ararat.

So, choose which city you would like to make an incredible trip with Silk Road Armenia!