34 incredible places in Armenia

More than 23,000 manuscripts, charms, fragments and 300,000 archival documents covering almost all areas of ancient and medieval Armenian science and culture. The manuscript collection of Matenadaran is one of the largest in the world, the name means “library” in translation from “grabar”, a place to which the manuscript shop also operated. More than 14,200 of the manuscripts preserved here are Armenian, the rest are in foreign languages, and it is also possible to see unique samples whose originals in the native language have not been preserved. The smallest book of the Matenadaran, the Calendar, created in 1434, weight: 19 g, the largest – Msho Charyantir, created in 1200-1202, weight: 27.5 kg. The oldest fragments of manuscripts date back to the 5th-6th centuries. Several Armenian monastic complexes also had libraries, such as Haghpat and Sanahin. The structure dates back to 405.

Address: 53 Mashtots Ave

Are you ready to climb 572 steps? One of the symbols of the city of Yerevan, the Cascade complex begins with the monument of Yerevan architect Alexander Tamanyan. The statue of Tamanyan rests on a large stone, fixed on 2 other smaller stones. The sculptor of the statue explained that the stone on the left symbolizes the old architecture and the right one represents the new period of architecture. 

There are escalators inside the complex, so you can climb to the top to enjoy the breathtaking views of Yerevan and then slowly descend the Cascade’s outer steps. You will not regret if you visit this beautiful corner of Yerevan. 

For many, Cascade is a gathering place for a variety of coffee shops, a place to meet and have a good time, but there are art centers here that can also spice up your visit. Therefore, the Cafesjian Center presents various exhibitions of modern works of art, and next to it is the Museum of Russian Art, where there are collections of the works of the greatest masters of Russian painting. 

The history of Yerevan begins with one of the oldest structures in the world. From the cuneiform inscription found here, it is clear that this fortress was built by King Argishti I in the fifth year of his reign, AD 782, and named Erebuni (Erbuni). Today, the 2803-year-old Yerevan, the capital of the Republic of Armenia and the entire Armenian nation, is the direct heir of that fortress city and, to the pride of all Yerevanites, one of the oldest capitals of the world. Today, Erebuni is the only archaeological monument declared open to the general public in the city of Yerevan, and the “Erebuni” historical-archaeological reserve-museum is one of the important centers of urology in our region. The Erebuni excavations revealed a rich archaeological material characterizing the diversity of the Urartian culture. Of particular note are the 23 cuneiform inscriptions found on the territory of the castle, which is a unique phenomenon among Urartan castles.

Address: 38 Erebuni str. 

The Tsitsernakaberd Memorial is located on a hill, from where an indescribable view opens, the best sunsets can be witnessed from this place. Every year on April 24, there are huge human flows here. It is the day to pay tribute to the 1.5 million victims of the Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman Empire. Together with our locals, guests from different corners of the world climb here and place flowers near the eternal fire. The memorial has a museum, the entrance to which is free, and if you don’t want to use the service of a tour guide, I must say that everything is described in detail next to each photo. It will leave an incredible impression. It will be very difficult to hold back the tears. It is an important and painful part of our history. A museum of history not only of the genocide, but also of the Armenian people, their strength, culture, about the future. You can also visit the memorial late at night. The illumination of the architectural monument in the dark only makes this place more impressive. And next to the memorial complex is Yerevan’s largest sports and concert complex. The complex has a unique design, the appearance of the entire construction resembles a large bird with open wings. 

Address: Tsitsernakaberd highway, 8/8

If you want to see B.C. A large and exclusive collection of bronze specimens of the 3rd-2nd millennia, which is included in the treasury of world masterpieces, or to discover for yourself the complete picture of the culture and history of Armenia from prehistoric times, one million years ago, to the present day, then you should definitely visit the Museum of the History of Armenia. 

A national collection consisting of about 400,000 items is kept here in the following sections: archaeology, ethnography, numismatics, documents. 

The museum has a rich collection of Armenian drams. On the upper floors is the National Gallery of Armenia, the largest in the country, and the largest museum in the world with a collection of Armenian fine arts.

Address: Republic Square 4

Here, every guest is introduced to the rich traditions and centuries-old history of the Armenian people living in the Armenian highlands.

Carpet weaving has been developed in Armenia since ancient times. In historical Armenia, rugs and carpets were considered essential items. In the museum, you can see the 160-year-old Vahanagorg, which has an exciting story: during the genocide, the mother, dividing it into two parts, gave it to her daughters so that they could find each other, and that’s how it happened, 50 years later, the sisters found each other thanks to the two parts of the carpet. . Here is the 400-year-old Vaspura carpet, which is considered the oldest specimen in the museum. Here is also a copy of the world’s oldest carpet, Pazyrik, the original is displayed in the Hermitage Museum, 5-4 centuries BC.

Address: 9 Madoyan street 

Traveling in Armenia brings many new impressions and emotions. Excitement, admiration, fear, surprise. The feelings of the people on the “swinging” bridge are diverse, never repeated. The length of the bridge, built in just months, is 160 meters, and the height is 63 meters.

Today, the bridge is known among tourists as the “Swinging” bridge of Khndzoresk, which connects two parts of the village, from Old Khndzoresk to the grave of Mkhitar Sparapet, preserving the historical color of the village and the pristine nature of the village.

Address: Khndzoresk village

Hidden treasures. In recent times, the Lichk waterfalls, which originate from Zvaraget, were also a great discovery for the locals. Starting from the high slopes of the Meghri mountain range, the river creates a cascade of waterfalls in the lower reaches. I believe that the melodies of the water are able to cut you off from the city noise. Under each waterfall there are natural pools where you can swim. Due to the high position, the water is indescribably clean, being here you understand that nature is truly creative.

Address: Lichk village

“Armenian Machu Picchu” was one of the ancient settlements of Syunik region. Old Khot Village has a much older history than Machu Picchu. The settlement is located 67 km northeast of Kapan. The village was inhabited until the 1970s, after which the locals moved to a new, more suitable and flat area, to the north of the old village, which is the current Khot village. Around the old village there are burial grounds of 2-1 millennia BC, old cemeteries, in one of which the ruins of the Red Monastery built in the 12th century have been preserved. According to tradition, the bells of that church were known for their powerful sound, and for that reason, the origin of another place in the region, Zangezur, is associated with the Red Monastery.

 Address: Khot village

Have you reached Goris? You must also visit the local geological museum, it is located right on the main square of the city, you won’t get lost. I will single out only two samples, and you will tell about the others. The first is a lion statuette, dated 7th century BC, weighing 5.5 kg. The discovery of this piece of art dating back to the Urartian era in Syunik also proves that Syunik was included in the kingdom of Van. And the second is the five-faced idol, which dates back to the 2nd millennium BC. According to experts, there are several versions, the first, the statue testifies to the 5 deities mentioned in Egypt and the second, the five-headed totem, symbolizes the five human civilizations after the great destruction (12 thousand years ago). There are traces of five-faced idol worship in Indian, Egyptian civilizations.

Address: Goris city, Mashtots str., 5 building 

A 14th-century caravanserai located on the Vardenyats Pass (formerly the Selim Pass) served for merchants crossing the Silk Road.

It is known that Marco Polo passed through this area and described how the Armenians lived in the inaccessible mountains. According to legend, the son of Kurdish leader Suleima falls in love with one of the beautiful women of Gegharkunik region and goes to meet her very often. Once, in the winter, when the roads were impassable and it was getting dark, the young man, not even halfway across the road, lost his way, got lost in a blizzard and died. It is said that the Kurdish leader is building a caravanserai near the road so that travelers can rest here, and only after resting continue their journey. The mountain pass is then named Selim mountain pass. 

Address: Yeghegnadzor-Martuni highway

The first point of arrival in Jermuk, from which you should start, I think, is the pub operating for visitors to the city, where mineral water is supplied by different taps according to the water temperature, but do not try to drink it like a glutton, the consequences are irreversible, and if you are curious, try it and you will understand. I noticed something interesting, this pub is associated with warm memories of childhood in the life of every Thermostat. Almost all the residents of Jermuk I spoke to told me that when they were young, in the freezing cold, they used to grab the faucets, warm themselves, and then continue their games. If you go to Jermuk and do not climb near the deer, the symbol of Jermuk, no resident of Jermuk will forgive you. I will only advise you to go there late, why, because there are many beautiful places here, and at night you discover a different Jermuk. The legend is: the hunter shoots the deer, the wounded deer gathers its last strength and runs to the mineral springs and jumps into the water. A miracle happens: a completely healthy deer comes out of the water. The whole world knows about the healing properties of water, and the deer also becomes the symbol of Jermuk.

Address: Jermuk city

Smbataberd is one of the old, impregnable and large fortresses of Vayots Dzor and Syunik in general. It is likely that it existed even before the 5th century. Historical information about the bloody battle between Armenians and Persians near the fortress in the 5th century has been preserved. And during the time of the Orbelians, Smbataberd was strengthened even more. The true name of this fortress is not known, the people traditionally call it Smbataberd, perhaps because one of the crowned knights of Orbelia, King Smbat, is buried in the nearby village of Yeghegis, who may have rebuilt the fortress, but it is more likely that he was called 10 In the name of Prince Smbat of Syunyats, who lived in the th century.

Address: village Artabyunk

Here you can see 670 species of high-quality plants, 20 of which are included in the Red Book of Armenia. There are 190 species of birds, 45 of which are included in the Kamir book of Armenia. By the way, the lake area has been recognized as an important area for birds by the Birdlife International organization. Goat and brown bear are sometimes found in the territory of the national park.

It is impossible to pass by such beauty indifferently. According to local residents, if you want to see all the beauty of the lake, you should wait for the evening. Time will pass slowly, in the distance, you will see a black dot flying over the lake. Black stork. This type of bird is very rare, so look carefully.

Address: Ashotsk Plateau

5 km away from the ancient capital of Ani, on the left bank of the Akhuryan gorge, in the territory of Anipemza settlement of Shirak marz, there is the temple of Yereruyk, which is considered to be a structure of the 4th-7th centuries, built with light orange tuff. 

Address: Anipemza village

The old white building of the Gyumri Theater, formerly known as the “People’s House”, is located at the beginning of the central park of Gyumri. This 150-year-old building was built with the contributions of the people of Alexandropol. Over time, it served as a people’s house and was the main venue for concerts, literary evenings, open discussions, poetry hour, theater performances and other events. On August 4, 1912, for the first time in Armenia, the Anush opera was staged here and the foundation of the national opera theater was laid. Today, Tumo is a free educational experience in which young people chart their own educational path. The building was brilliantly designed by the famous Lebanese architect Bernard Khoury. By the way, the beautiful design of the building will allow you to have an original series of Instagram photos.

Address: Gyumri city, Shchorsi str., 1 building 

The time of construction of the castle and the builders are not exactly known. As a result of research, it became clear that it was built on the walls of the Urartian fortress. It is likely that its initial part was built in the 5th-7th centuries by the Kamsarans.

The uniqueness of the Dashtadem fortress lies in the fact that, unlike many Armenian fortresses, it did not rely on natural defenses. It does not have such favorable geographical conditions – valleys, rivers, rocks – that would ensure its worship. The castle’s security rested on its mighty walls. And, despite this, it was considered a strong defensive structure.

Address: Dashtadem village

It is always pleasant for us to think that the meteor shower is as real as it is an unreal and beautiful phenomenon. I think you should visit the observatory at least once and discover your “own theorem” about astronomy. It is a window to the universe, a revelation of power, a perception of beauty and a new beginning of imagination. What do you need to know? The great Armenian scientist Viktor Hambardzumyan lived and worked here. The Regional Astronomical Center of Southwest and Central Asia is located here, which coordinates the development of astronomy in our vast region. Not far between the villages of Orgov and Teher is the Orgov radio-optical telescope. This amazing object is also unknown to the locals because it is far from the main roads from where it could be seen. However, Heruni’s mirror radio telescope will take you to the pages of fantasy literature.

When the telescope was ready, it was considered an invention and entered into the USSR Gosreister of Inventions under the name “Herun Mirror Telescope”. Next to the observatory is the building of the scientific research institute and the unfinished Heruni’s solar power plant, which was later named “Arev”.

Another name was added to the list of Armenian museums: the Wine History Museum of Armenia, whose main exhibition hall is located at the level of 8-meter underground basalt rocks, where both the chronological stages of the development of wine in the Armenian landscape, as well as the connection of wine with various fields of Armenian history and culture, are presented in detail. Are you familiar, are you impressed, the museum also has a number of other services: wine tour, tasting, dinner, visit to vineyards.  

Address: Sasunik village

The next stop is the Akhtala monastery complex. The beauty of the monastery and the natural environment are so impressive that you can just stand and admire the cultural masterpiece for several hours. You will walk around the territory of the Akhtala monastery complex, it is truly perfection: wall paintings of enormous sizes, which speak of the intellectual wealth of our ancestors. According to the stories of local residents, the bright colors of the frescoes distracted the visitors from the liturgy, and the priest angrily ordered to cover them with lime. By the way, the French archaeologist Jacques de Morgan discovered stone box tombs with clay, bronze and iron finds in Akhtala in the 17th century. One of the tombs discovered by Morgan was one of those unique burial designs where people were buried in a sitting position. The Akhtala monastic monument group was not only a harmonious interweaving of Armenian, Georgian and Byzantine. but also balanced the culture and political life of the region. Let’s not forget that the famous Armenian director of the 20th century, Sergey Parajanov, shot parts of the movie “The Color of the Pomegranate” in the Akhtala Monastery. 

Address: Akhtala city

The plateau, on which Haghpat, one of the largest Armenian monastic complexes, is spread, is bordered by forested peaks and gorges rich with streams. The construction of the Halghpat monastery with its architectural monuments began and ended in the X-XIII centuries, almost at the same time (10 years later) when the Sanahin monastery complex was built (the monasteries are located at a distance of 13 km from each other). These two complexes have been lucky during many historical events. These two jewels of medieval architecture should be seen at the same time, because they complement each other and in no case repeat each other. There is an interesting legend about the construction of Halghpat. The master comes to Sanah and starts working with his own son. At work, a dispute arises between a father, son and a foreman. The son gets angry, leaving the construction, leaves. Another prince invites him to build a monastery for himself. The son accepts the invitation. When the walls of the new monastery are raised, they notice from Sanahin that some structure is rising in front of it. The workers report it to their master. On Sunday, when everyone was resting, the master father comes to his son, approaches the walls of the half-built monastery and takes a long look. Finally, the Father Master, placing his foot on one of the walls of the monastery, says: “Hakh wall” (that is, it is a real strong wall). Having said this, the master embraces his son, kisses him and father and son reconcile. Since that day, the name of the monastery remains HAGHPAT. After a year-long process, the Haghpat Monastery complex was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996, which was expanded in 2000 to include the Sanahin Monastery. When the walls of the new monastery are raised, they notice from Sanahin that some structure is rising in front of it. The workers report it to their master. On Sunday, when everyone was resting, the master father comes to his son, approaches the walls of the half-built monastery and takes a long look. Finally, the Father Master, placing his foot on one of the walls of the monastery, says: “Hakh wall” (that is, it is a real solid wall). Having said this, the master embraces his son, kisses him and father and son reconcile. Since that day, the name of the monastery remains HAGHPAT. After a year-long process, the Haghpat Monastery complex was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996, which was expanded in 2000 to include the Sanahin Monastery. When the walls of the new monastery are raised, they notice from Sanahin that some structure is rising in front of it. The workers report it to their master. On Sunday, when everyone was resting, the master father comes to his son, approaches the walls of the half-built monastery and takes a long look. Finally, the Father Master, placing his foot on one of the walls of the monastery, says: “Hakh wall” (that is, it is a real solid wall). Having said this, the master embraces his son, kisses him and father and son reconcile. Since that day, the name of the monastery remains HAGHPAT. After a year-long process, the Haghpat Monastery complex was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996, which was expanded in 2000 to include the Sanahin Monastery. the master father comes to his son, approaches the half-built monastery walls and takes a long look. Finally, the Father Master, placing his foot on one of the walls of the monastery, says: “Hakh wall” (that is, it is a real solid wall). Having said this, the master embraces his son, kisses him and father and son reconcile. Since that day, the name of the monastery remains HAGHPAT. After a year-long process, the Haghpat Monastery complex was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996, which was expanded in 2000 to include the Sanahin Monastery. the master father comes to his son, approaches the half-built monastery walls and takes a long look. Finally, the Father Master, placing his foot on one of the walls of the monastery, says: “Hakh wall” (that is, it is a real solid wall). Having said this, the master embraces his son, kisses him and father and son reconcile. Since that day, the name of the monastery remains HAGHPAT. After a year-long process, the Haghpat Monastery complex was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996, which was expanded in 2000 to include the Sanahin Monastery.

A 19th century author gives an interesting piece of information about the founding period of Sanahin. He writes that according to tradition, one of the churches of the monastery was founded in the 4th century, even the ruins of that structure have been preserved. This means that Sanahin may be older and have a history of 1700 years rather than 1100 years. Although this has no scientific basis. The monastic complex got the name Sanahin after the construction of Haghpat monastery, when they looked at Haghpat from Sanahin and said that this is older than it.

A fantastic and beautiful trip is waiting for you, which is not so far from the capital Yerevan. The area of ​​the free reservoir is very beautiful due to the mountain reflection in the water. The area’s fiery red rocks appear out of nowhere. Try to absorb the unearthly scene without blinking an eye. Only the mountains can take a person to another level of consciousness, here you will feel like you are in another planet. From here you can continue to the Khosrov forest reserve. It was originally a hunting ground founded by the Armenian king Khosrov II Kotak in the 4th century. Later, in 1958, it was formed as the Khosrov Reserve. Havuts Tar, Kakavaberd, I assure you there is a lot to see here. 

There are 4 waterfalls in the territory of the “Khosrov forest” state reserve, 2 of which the people call after the names of ancient pagan gods: Vahagn and Astghik. According to tradition, Astghik Ditsuhi bathed in the river every night. Young people in love would gather on a nearby hill to see the goddess. However, in order to remain unnoticed, Astghik used to cover the field with fog, which is why the land was called Mush, and the field was called Mcho field.

In ancient Armenia, the love of Astghik and Vahagn was considered sacred. people thought that because of their meeting, rain fell on the earth, harvest and good things were created.

The name of the monastery literally means “deep dungeon”. Saint Gregory the Illuminator, the first Catholicos of all Armenians, was imprisoned here for 13 years for preaching Christianity by the order of the pagan Armenian king Trdat III. When the king fell ill, his sister saw an angel in a dream who said that Trdatus would be saved only after the liberation of Gregory the Illuminator. So the king released Gregory the Illuminator, and the latter healed the king. After getting out of Khor Virap, the enlightener, having received the support of the king, makes Christianity the state religion. Khor Virap has an important historical significance for Armenia. Today, tourists have the opportunity to go down to the underground dungeon, which is located inside the chapel of St. Gregory the Illuminator. A magnificent view of Mount Ararat opens from the territory of the monastery, you can enjoy its beauty. 

Until the 18th century Khor Virap was also a center of writing. Many manuscripts copied here are kept today in the Mesrop Mashtots Matenadaran of Yerevan.

Address: Lusarat village

Moving on to the Hellenistic period, the Garnu Temple is the only structure of the peripter (prayer hall bordered by colonnades on four sides) type characteristic of the architecture of this era, which has been preserved in the territory of Armenia. It is assumed that the temple was dedicated to the sun god Areg (Helios)-Mihr (Mitra). The complex included a Roman bath, a royal summer house and a 7th century church. The mosaic floor of the bath has been preserved. it is made of natural stones of 15 colors. In 2011 The historical and cultural complex of Garnu was awarded the UNESCO prize. Before reaching Garni, make sure to stop at the Charents Arch. It is located on the right side of the road. There are beautiful views of the Ararat valley from the Charents arch, you should definitely take a photo here. And of course we travel to the Symphony of Stones, In the Garnu valley, the basalt columns, which have received polygonal shapes as a result of the volcanic lava, leave an amazing impression. This unique geological monument, due to its amazing symmetry, received the name “Basalt Organ”. If you travel through these spots, be sure to add one more, the rock-hewn Geghard Monastery. This 4th century masterpiece is located in an exceptionally scenic location, surrounded by rocky mountains, dense forests and springs. 

Bjni fortress is one of the famous structures of medieval fortress construction. It is believed that many manuscripts written in the Bjni monastery, copied Armenian manuscripts of the XII-XVII centuries are preserved here. Bjni was one of the most important centers of Armenian art in the Middle Ages. 

It is said that an underground route connected the fortress and the Bjnu monastery, through which food and drink was transported in four-wheeled carts to the inhabitants of the besieged city. A part of the underground passage was discovered during the excavations, but the existence of the road raises doubts among experts. They tend to believe that the stories about the underground road are just myths created by the defenders of Bjni Castle to protect their interests.

Address: Bjni village

You can endlessly admire the nature that opens before your eyes. Lake Sevan can be kind and gentle, calm and gentle, rebellious and disobedient. You can watch the changing mood, the whisper of the waves and the sound of the seagulls for hours. The journey that I am going to share is not about Lake Sevan, but about a number of places in Gegharkunik region, which can be a real discovery for each of us. Noratus was sometimes called a village town in the Middle Ages. It is the largest complex of Khachkarer. One of the woven legends about Noratus describes the Ottoman Turks’ invasion of Gegharkunik and their fight against Prince Gegham. Having very few soldiers, the latter orders his men to dress the khachkars in military uniforms and create a deception for the enemy, leaving the impression of a large and strong army from afar. The Turks flee in terror. and Gegham attacks and defeats the enemy with his group. There is a small chapel on the territory of the tomb, with the help of which, according to another tradition, an entire village was saved. The Mongol-Tatars agreed with the village council that they would spare the lives of all the people who would be placed inside the clock. Since the chapel had a secret exit, all the residents managed to escape. The commander-in-chief of the Mongol-Tatar army, entering the chapel, was stunned. he sees only a praying council. The alderman explains that the crowd turned into doves and did not go to the sky. who will be placed inside the clock. Since the chapel had a secret exit, all the residents managed to escape. The commander-in-chief of the Mongol-Tatar army, entering the chapel, was stunned. he sees only a praying council. The alderman explains that the crowd turned into doves and did not go to the sky. who will be placed inside the clock. Since the chapel had a secret exit, all the residents managed to escape. The commander-in-chief of the Mongol-Tatar army, entering the chapel, was stunned. he sees only a praying council. The alderman explains that the crowd turned into doves and did not go to the sky. 

Hayravank is one of the unique examples of Armenian architecture. the inner roundness of all the tabernacles is perfectly visible from the outside. 

Hayravank monastery complex is located in Hayravank village of Gegharkunik marz. It is located on the shore of Lake Sevan, on a rocky promontory. As a result of the studies, apartments and living quarters, a clay idol, various vessels and other things were found in the area of ​​the church. The Hayravank monastery complex presents a church built in different years and chapels built in different times. The monument is surrounded by many khachkars and tombstones. The penetrating light from the narrow windows of the monastery illuminates the structure from the inside, making it special.

 Address: Hayravank village

The Holy Mother See of Etchmiadzin was built at the beginning of the fourth century, in the years 301-303, after the adoption of Christianity as the state religion, by order of Gregory the Illuminator. It was built on the site of a pre-existing temple, symbolizing the transition from paganism to Christianity.

According to the Armenian history of Agathangelos, in the solitude of the night, Lusavorich, engrossed in meditation, saw a wonderful vision. The only begotten son of God came down from heaven and hit the ground with a golden hammer, showing the place where the Holy Temple of Etchmiadzin was to be built. This is where the name “Etchmiadzin ” came from, that is, “ej” (grabar) – came down Miatsin (Jesus Christ). Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin rests on flowing waters, the arrangement of the stones of which allows the structure to sway in case of an earthquake and avoid collapsing. It is these waters that are used by the well inside the temple, which is considered miraculous. 

Water, according to tradition, has miraculous properties. The depth of the well is about 7 meters. It is interesting that the water in the well is always at the same level, regardless of the season.

Address: Etchmiadzin city

Lastiver is a great place to escape from everyday problems and be close to nature. There you can see caves where hermits once lived. Surrounded by dense forests, unique beautiful huts and cabins built on trees, where you can also spend the night. And it is impossible to go through the beauty of Tavush’s nature without stopping, that’s why we suggest you also visit Yell Extreme park, where your share of adventure in the lap of nature awaits you.

Then, we will continue our way to Berdavan or Ghalinjakar fortress, one of the most impressive medieval Armenian fortresses, which today presents itself to us in a wonderful and impressive form.

Berdava can be reached by heading northwest from Kokhb. The castle is located on a hill, not far from the border of Azerbaijan. There is a large collection of old khachkars here. The medieval Galinjakar (Ghalinjakar) fortress is located near Berdavan. Ghalinjakar Castle is first mentioned in written sources in 1123. It was probably renovated in the late Middle Ages. In 1983 the territory of the castle was cleaned and beautified, the upper parts of the walls and towers were demolished and rebuilt, the two northeastern towers were restored.

It is said that Ashot Yerkat, the King of Bagratun, during one of his marches, stopped for several days in the fortress of Berd.

Address: Berdavan village

Like most Armenian churches, Goshavank is built on a hill. While climbing to the church, it is impossible not to admire the extravagant nature of the Tavush region.

The monastery was founded by Mkhitar Gosh, a prominent spiritual scholar, proverb writer and jurist of the Middle Ages. This place was one of the famous centers of spiritual culture and writing in the Middle Ages. Jurisprudence and history, philosophy, as well as arts (poetry, miniature painting, music, pen art) were taught in the seminary operating here. We go to Gosh Lake, it is located in the heart of the Dilijan Reserve. This wonder of nature, a hidden treasure in the forest, has made it a popular destination for both tourists and locals. They often come here to relax from the hustle and bustle of the city. The nature of Gosh Lake is especially wonderful in early autumn, when the trees are colored and reflected in the mirror of the lake. By the way, you have to get here either on foot or by SUV, because the road is impassable for normal cars.