The Best Places to Visit in Armenia
Armenia is 1 of the 3 Caucasus nations wedged into the mountains, and it’s actually one of the oldest countries in the entire world. The history of Armenia is so deep, yet feels so forgotten or brushed over. It was the first nation to adopt Christianity as a state religion in 301 AD. Because of this, the landscape is filled with ancient monasteries and churches, many of them perched dramatically on cliffs or surrounded by mountains. These stone structures are some of the country’s most iconic sights for everyone. Most of the country in general is built across plateaus and deep gorges, the scenery literally feels like a wild west movie sometimes. This hospitable and traditional nation is such an underrated spot and so so worth it.
Capital: Yerevan
Currency: Armenian Dram
Language: Armenian
When to visit: April to May, July to October
1) Yerevan
The first place we should start with is Armenia’s timeless capital city, Yerevan. It’s one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, dating back to 782 BC with that blend of ancient and Soviet style everywhere. The incredible thing about Yerevan is simply the backdrop. On clear days, you have a duo of mountain peaks rising high behind the city which really just adds to the traditional atmosphere. Yerevan is probably going to be your main base and first stop in Armenia.
Things to do:
The Kentron District is the city center area of Yerevan, with the iconic Republic Square being right at the heart of it. The Government of Armenia Building is pretty awesome in its orange style, sitting right by the History Museum of Armenia and the Shahumyan Monument all surrouding the square. You can also just walk down the street to Freedom Square, which contains some important statues and the Armenian National Opera and Ballet Theatre in the middle. Just past Freedom Square is the Cascade Complex, which is essentially a massive starecase complete with monuments and views from the top - a cool sight for sure. And just walk a little further northeast and you can find Matenadaran, which is an extremely importnat site. It is one of the world’s richest repositories of ancient manuscripts, showcasing Armenia’s deep literary and religious history. Finally, far outside the city center is the Genocide Memorial, dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide. The site includes a museum and an eternal flame.
How to get there:
Zvartnots International Airport (EVN) handles most of the international flight options to Armenia.
You can otherwise take a train (unreliable) or marshrutka from Tbilisi in Georgia to Yerevan.
2) Tatev
All the way down in Armenia’s southern area towards Iran is the little town of Tatev, home to the incredible sight of Tatev Monastery. The monastery is such a scenic location, surrounded by the canyon and the mountain up on a hill overlooking it all. It dates back to the 9th century and was once a major spiritual and educational center in medieval Armenia. Nowadays, it is a top attraction in Armenia.
Things to do:
The best way to visit the breathtaking Tatev Monastery is to ride what is known as the Wings of Tatev. It is the world’s longest reversible cable car, taking you over the Vorotan Gorge between Halidzor and the monastery. The ride takes about 12 minutes and has pretty epic views, and then you’ll arrive at the monastery. Explore the various churches at the monastery, and then walk up the hill for the greatest photo opportunity. Then from Tatev, hike (or get a ride) to Devil’s Bridge. It’s basically a natural bridge which has formed over years and years, and you can find stalagmites and stalactites under it, as well as some small pools or waterfalls. Lastly, Tatev Monastery isn’t the only old monastery in the area. Outside the town you can see the Great Hermitage of Tatev, which has a very interesting history. It was built in the 17th century, but then an earthquake forced the hermits to move and rebuild. It' also sits on a hill, surrounded by greenery and the cliffs.
How to get there:
Regula marshrutkas run from Yerevan to the town of Goris. From Goris, local minibuses can go to Halidzor, the village near Tatev.
3) Sevan
Brno is the second-largest city in Czechia, and the biggest in the historic region of Moravia in the southeast. It’s basically just seen by most as the ‘second city’ of Czechia, and is often overlooked by travelers heading straight to Prague. It’s pretty close to Slovakia and Austria, and over 400,000 people live inside the city. It has a much more authentic and innovative vibe to it when compared to Prague, which is where the appeal comes from. It’s still pretty lively and welcoming, and has great beer.
Things to do:
In the historic heart of the city, we have the big standout Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, which you can climb to the top of and get great views over the center. You should spend some more time walking around the Old Town, around areas near the Parnas Fountain, and the Brno Astronomical Clock (not quite the one in Prague). You may be able to see Špilberk Castle up on the hill as well. Here, you can wander the courtyards and parks, as well as see views down below. You cant miss this if you’re in Brno. Lastly, you could check out Villa Tugendhat, it’s an iconic modernist house which served as one of the pioneers for present-day architectural styles in building.
How to get there:
You can easily train from Prague, and Vienna too possibly.
Otherwise, there is so many easy bus routes from around Europe to Brno.
4) Garni
Kutná Hora is yet another one of Czechia’s historic towns, and is pretty close to Prague allowing it to be done as a day trip for those with extra time. known for its medieval silver-mining heritage, and the UNESCO World Heritage status, earned thanks to it’s amazing neo-gothic architecture. It’s a small town with about 21,000 residents, so if you ever get tired of the crowds then head here for a day and explore it’s wide range of churches and cathedrals.
Things to do:
The masterpiece of the city is the Cathedral of St. Barbara, the elevated cathedral with incredible high rising spires and a beautifully crafted interior. It’s right by Jesuit College, so the mix of the two buildings completes the look. Head down from the cathedral and wander the beautiful old cobbled streets, making sure you pass through Vlašský dvůr, the Italian Court. This part ties directly to the town's silver-mining wealth. A bit further out is Sedlec Ossuary, an eerie chapel decorated with real human bones, and over 50,000 of them at that. Right by this is also Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady and St. John the Baptist, so you have a lot to explore around the areas of Kutna Hora.
How to get there:
You can easily train from Prague to Kutna Hora direct, every day.
5) Dilijan
Kroměříž is the final historic town of Czechia I’ll mention, and it’s famous for it’s beautiful, serene UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s got a way more elegant and relaxed vibe than everywhere else on the list, and is the best way to experience a peaceful, Moravian town out in the east of the country. It’s accesible from Brno and worth a stop, for sure.
Things to do:
The UNESCO draw of the town is Kroměříž Archbishop's Palace, a grand Baroque princely residence with opulent interiors and a big art collection. Stroll through the Main Square, and the nice streets on your walk there. Inside the castle area, you can take a tour exploring Archbishop's Wine Cellars, if you’re into wine tasting and things as such. Behind the Palace is the Chateau Garden - 64 hectares of English style landscapes, water features, statues and beautifully relaxing nature. However, the main spot in all the photos is the Flower Garden (Květná zahrada). It’s the 2nd UNESCO site, and is an incredible Baroque garden with geometric flower beds. This is really the must see in the city, it’s like a mini Versailles.
How to get there:
Kroměříž is an easy train away, direct from Brno.
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