Standing at the conjunction of past and present, Armenia, a country located in the crossroads of Asia and Europe, has indeed grasped enough attention on the world stage. Known as the ancient ‘Land of Noah’, the country is a hotbed of history, abundantly filled with stories of resilience, with historical sites dating back over a millennium, with beautiful scenery of Mount Ararat dominating the country’s skyline and heartwarming hospitality of locals putting you at ease. While every city in Armenia offers unusual historical sites and plenty of monasteries that beg exploration, the experience of touring the Armenia attractions is truly rewarding as it is exciting.
While every part of the Armenia tourist attractions offers the kind of adventure you might be looking for, there's nothing as surprising as the delight of its capital city Yerevan which is too good to miss. Thanks to its rich historic and cultural heritage, unique architecture, fascinating landmarks, great museums and a thriving nightlife, the places to visit in Yerevan are fast becoming the topmost choices in the Armenia travel itineraries.
Even though Armenia is a small country, often overlooked by travellers, there are all kinds of off-the-path and incredible Armenia tourist places and spots that are sure to catch your interest. Have a look at the best places to visit in Armenia along with the must-see Yerevan attractions below and gear up to make a new bucket list before you jet off on a memorable voyage to amazing Armenia!
Top Yerevan & Armenia Attractions:
1. Garni Temple
Garni Temple is one of the popular landmarks in Armenia that symbolizes the country’s pre-Christian era. Tucked away in the Garni Gorge, it showcases the beautiful pre-Christian Armenian architecture. Built in the 1st century AD, it is dedicated to the sun God Mihr. The temple eloquently captures the scenic location, historical importance, and architectural beauty that entice history, culture, and architecture enthusiasts.
2. Tatev Monastery
Tatev Monastery is one of the major Armenia tourist attractions that is renowned for its architectural beauty and eye-catching location. The monastery boasts historical buildings with artistic stone carvings & murals and grand churches & chapels. The best thing to do here is to ride the Wings of Tatev cable car and enjoy breathtaking views.
3. Lake Sevan
Another major Armenia travel destination is Lake Sevan. It is Armenia's most scenic natural destination to provide trekking trails to hike and postcard landscapes to shoot. Lake Sevan is the ideal summer spot for tourists to get away from the usual city tours and get immersed in a nature retreat. Nestled at a height of 1900 meters above sea level, Lake Sevan is one of the major high-altitude lakes across the globe.
4. Geghard Monastery
Geghard Monastery is one of the famous places to visit in Armenia, which is surrounded by soaring cliffs that create a perfect backdrop for photography. This monastery is well-known for its spiritual ambiance and historical significance. It is also a great example of medieval Armenian architecture that offers a glimpse into ancient art and culture. Geghard Monastery is an ideal place to go back in time and enjoy the quietness.
5. Dilijan National Park
Dilijan National Park is one of the most spectacular Armenia attractions that is well-recognized for its unmatched natural beauty and vibrant cultural heritage. The park offers abundant wildlife, hiking trails, forest landscapes, and healing springs for travelers to enjoy their vacation here. Additionally, there is an array of cultural attractions and historical sites, making everyone relish nature and history together.
6. Amberd Fortress
Amberd Fortress is the most scenic fortress in the world, situated 2300 meters above sea level on the southern slopes of Mount Aragats, Armenia. It is among the best Armenia tourist attractions, whose name suggests Fortress in the Clouds in the Armenian language. Amberd Fortress perfectly blends nature and history to grab the attention of travelers.
7. Areni Wine Region
The Areni Wine Region is the most stunning tourist destination in Armenia. This area is the site of the oldest winery, dating back over 6100 years. It is not only a great place to do a wine tour but also a place to witness the rich culture and the historic past of Armenia. The Areni Wine Region has the Areni Wine Factory and Noravank Monastery.
Top Tourist Places to Visit in Armenia and Yerevan:
Republic Square
Republic Square is the central town square in Yerevan the capital of Armenia. It consists of two sections an oval roundabout and a trapezoid-shaped section which contains a pool with musical fountains. The square is surrounded by five major buildings built in pink and yellow tufa in the neoclassical style with extensive use of Armenian motifs. This architectural ensemble includes the Government House the History Museum and the National Gallery Armenia Marriott Hotel and two buildings that formerly housed the ministries of Foreign Affairs and Transport and Communications. The square was originally designed by Alexander Tamanian in 1924. The construction of most of the buildings was completed by the 1950s the last buildingthe National Gallerywas completed in 1977. During the Soviet period it was called Lenin Square and a statue of Vladimir Lenin stood at the square. Soviet parades and celebrations were held twice a year until 1988. After Armenias independence Lenins statue was removed and the square was renamed. It has been described as Yerevans architectural highlight and the citys most outstanding architectural ensemble
Dilijan National Park
Dilijan National Park is one of the four national parks of Armenia. Occupying an area of 240 km², it is located in the north-eastern Tavush Province of Armenia. Your Armenia stay is incomplete if you don’t relax in Dillijan National Park. Dillijan is a charming resort town in the wooded hilly region of picture perfect north of Armenia. You can walk in the densely forested and mountain area which for its surroundings is called ‘Armenian Switzerland’ by locals here. The weather here is cool to add to your excitemental mineral water springs natural and cultural monuments and extensive network of hiking trails
Haghartsin Monastery Complex
Haghartsin (Armenian ) is a 13th-century monastery located near the town of Dilijan in the Tavush Province of Armenia. It was built between the 10th and 13th centuries (in the 12th under Khachatur of Taron) much of it under the patronage of the Bagratuni Dynasty.
Geghard Monastery
Geghard Monastery or (Airivank) was founded in 4th century. Geghardavank is a holy place, where the spear by which Jesus Christ was pierced on the cross by Roman soldier, is kept. The monastery is designated by UNESCO as World Heritage Site. Geghard is a medieval monastery in the Kotayk province of Armenia, being partially carved out of the adjacent mountain, surrounded by cliffs. The spectacular towering cliffs which surround the monastery are part of the Azat River gorge, and are listed together with the monastery as the world heritage site. Some of the churches in the monastery are cut out of cliff rocks entirely, while are little more than caves and some are elaborate structures which has complex wall sections and rooms deep inside the cliffs
Mother Armenia monument
Mother Armenia is a female personification of Armenia. Her most public visual rendering is a monumental statue in Victory Park overlooking the capital city of Yerevan Armenia. Mother Armenia has a height of 22 metres (72 ft) thus making the overall height of the monument 51 metres (167 ft) including the pedestal. The statue is built of hammered copper while the pedestal-museum is of basalt It resembles the monumental complex of Mother Armenia in the capital Yerevan. It was erected in 1975 on a hill west of Gyumri city. It was composed by sculptors Ara Sargsian and Yerem Vartanyan. The architect is Rafik Yeghoyan.
Cascade Complex
The Cascade is a giant stairway made of limestone in Yerevan Armenia. It links the downtown Kentron area of Yerevan with the Monument neighborhoodCascade Yerevan is the beating heart of the city. It is where the youth gathers for drinks it is where all open-air concerts are held it is where you can capture the best panorama of Yerevan. Cascades benefits are probably countless.Due to the Armenian-American businessman and art collector Gerard Cafesjianss investments and connections Cascade has become a valuable open-air and free-access modern art museum.
Armenian Opera Theatre
Armenian National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet named after Alexander Spendiaryan in Yerevan was officially opened on 20 January 1933 It consists of two concert halls the Aram Khatchaturian concert hall with 1400 seats and the Alexander Spendiaryan Opera and Ballet National Theatre with 1200 seats.Since it was opened the Armenian National Opera & Ballet Theatre has performed more than 200 different operas and ballets by Armenian Russian and Western European composers.
Megerian Carpet Museum
You will see on display an array of Antique and one of a kind rugs and carpets at the museum from the private collections of the Megerian family.
Vernissage Market
You can find in Vernissage the best examples of Armenian folk art unique jewelry exclusive handmade masterpieces craftsmanship. Visit Vernissage pavilion in Tashir street shopping gallery and take a piece of Armenia with you.
