Provinces of Armenia
«Armenia is the Museum under the open sky». Modern Armenia is divided into 10 provinces and one special province of Yerevan capital city. Let us become acquainted with the provinces and with their sights from the North to the South...
- Shirak & Aragatsotn - Northwest part of Armenia
- Lori & Tavoush - Northeast part of Armenia
- Sevan & Kotayk - Eastern and Central part of Armenia
- Armavir & Ararat - Western part of Armenia
- Vayots Dzor & Syunik - Southern part of Armenia
Karabakh (Artsakh) is also great interest as an ancient historical province of Armenia.
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| Gyumri city |
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| Gyumri city |
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| Gyumri city church |
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Shirak
The province of Shirak is situated in the very north west of the Republic of Armenia, on the left bank of the Akhurian River. The province is rich of historical monuments and its tufa mines - a stone which extensively used by Armenian architects, and available in around 40 shades of color. This stone was discovered as far back as the II millennium BC. The regional center is Gyumri city - second largest city in Armenia.
Gyumri (officially Kumayri, before than Leninakan, before that Alexandrapol) is situated in the north-west of Armenia 126 km from Yerevan. Gyumri emerged during the Argishti dynasty in VIII c. BC. Gyumri is known as the center of traditional Armenian science, culture and rich sense of humor. But the terrible earthquake of December 1988 destroyed almost the whole city. And there’s still a substantial international presence from various assistance projects. But there are well- saved monuments and churches in Gyumri, some of them are: Russian Alexandrapol fortress of 1834, Sev Ghul Chalcolithic through Iron Age settlement with ruined VII c. church and others.
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| mt.Aragats |
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| Amberd fortress |
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| Amberd fortress |
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Aragatsotn
The province of Aragatsotn is located in the West of Armenia, including the territory between the Aragats mount and highlands the Arayi, Pambak and Tsakhkuniats mountains, with the valleys of Kasakh, Amberd, Gegharot and other small rivers flow through the territory of the region. The center of the province is Ashtarak town; an ancient settlement full of historical architectural monuments constructed in different periods 1 millennium B.C. to XVIII A.D.
Ashtarak (“Tower”) is a large town 20 km from Yerevan. The city is full of old churches, interesting museums. Ashtarak is also a famous scientific center. There are many scientific research institutes here.The great number of historical monuments are located in it’s territory: church Tsiranavor (V c.), Karmravor church (VII c.), church Marine (1281), the ruins of Spitakavor church (XIII c). In the center of the town a three-day bridge is situated, built in 1664, over which crossed the old road from Yerevan to Ashtarak. It is made from apricot-colored.
Amberd fortress was built in X-XIII cc. Amberd stands on the southern slope of Aragats mount at elevation of 2300 m above sea level. The castle is protected by walls with inclined towers. The church, built in 1026, by architect Vagram Pahlavuni, is slightly down the hill from the fortress. A group of archeologists in 1929 discovered baths, which were constructed outside the palace in the XIII c. Amberd, founded in VII c. by Pahlavuni princes.
Sagmosavank monastery is situated in the north of the town Ashtarak on the gorge of Kasakh River in village of the same name. The main church of Sagmosavank – the church of Zion was erected in 1215 by Prince Vache Vachutyan. The book repository of Sagmosavank, built in 1255 under prince Kurd Vachutyan, communicates with the church of Astvatsatsin (1235). Of interest is a group of khachkars on postaments of Sagmosavank. It is one of the remarkable cultural centers of medieval Armenia.
Ohanavank monastery is perched on the Kasakh gorge in the village of the same name. Complex was built in IV c. by Gregory Lusavorich. Monastery was fenced by walls to be protected of foreign attacks. One of them was Tamerlan’s campaign, who reached walls of monastery. That’s why it was rebuilt twice: in 573 and in 1752. The main church is St. Karapet’s church (1221).The gavit of Ohanavank, built in 1250, is no less remarkable from the artistic point of view. Of interest is also a monument of 1311 in Ohanavank-an original work in the shape of a four – shaft column.
Oshakan is a small village in north-west of Yerevan. It is most famous as the birthplace and the last resting place of Mesrop Mashtots - founder of Armenian Alphabet. Above his grave (XIX c. gravestone) is a church built in V c., which was rebuilt in 1875 by Katolicos George Iv. There is also a recently opened seminary nearby the church. On the territory of village Oshakan during the excavations were revealed historical monuments of II millennium BC, and the obelisk of Middle Ages (V-VI).
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| Sanahin |
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| Haghpat |
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| Lori Kurtan |
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Lori
The Lori province is situated in the northeast of Armenia between the Bazum-Pambak mountain-chain, on the Lori plateau and the gorges the Dzoraget, Pambak and Debed River the lowest point of Armenia (450 meters above sea level). The rivers flow across the territory and it is rich in wild fruit, forests, fertile fields and cool springs, and in woods throughout Lori you can find traces of ancient settlements and fortresses, monastery complexes and churches. The historical name, Gougark, originates from ancient times. The rich cultural heritage of the region dates back many centuries. The region center is Vanadzor city is situated in the river valley of Vanadzor-Pambak. It’s history dates back to the Bronze Age. Vanadzor is the third largest city in Armenia. Now Vanadzor is the main center of chemical industries of Armenia.
Alaverdi town is situated in the Debed canyon. On the river bank of the Debed River within the limits of Alaverdi town is the village of Sanahin. The village is connected to the main roads by a bridge built in 1192; the oldest engineering construction that still exists today. On it you can visit the Sanahin Monastery.
Sanahin monastery complex, built in X-XIII c.. Various rulers of Armenia paid much attention to religious and civil structures of Sanahin. In Sanahin were studied humanitarian sciences and medicine, paintings and most miniatures. Sanahin is also famous with its several churches and Academy of XI c., were lectured great Armenian philosopher and writer Grigor Magistros – Savor. Sanahin complexes used to contain libraries, scriptoriums, schools and refectories.
South of Alaverdi you will find the magnificent cathedral of Odzun. Odzun cathedral, according to historical tradition, was built by Katolicos Yovhan of Odzun in the first half of the VII c. The church saved its original look to the day. It is made of red and white stone, presents a cross-domed basilica.
Haghpat is a monastery complex 280 km from Yerevan. This monastery was founded around 976. It has a S.Nshan church finished in 991 and smaller S.Grigor church built in 1025. There is a huge self standing gavit of the Abbot Hamazasp built in 1257 with grand bell tower and a library built in 1262. It was a major literature center of Armenia. Haghpat complex is rich in khachkars (more than 80 are survived). The exact date of the foundation of Haghpat is unknown, but monuments of material culture suggest it date back to the middle of the X century. One of the greatest poets of Armenia Sayat-Nova spent here 20 years far from the civilization. The complexes are constructed in harmony with the surrounding environment.
The Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin (1996, 2000) is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Stepanavan town is located to the north from the Bazum ridge. Stepanavan town - unique mountain-climate health resort, noted for its pine forests. In the environments of town are located the recreation centers and Dendropark.
Hnevank monastery, is located not far from Stepanavan town is situated in the beautiful gorge Kurtandzor, the canyon of the Dzoraget river. This monastery was built in VII c., but totally rebuilt by Lord Smbat, but later Armenian Orbeli family in 1144. The preserved ruins of this cloister complex to this day are seen from the tall grass. The restoration of monastery is conducted at present.
Lori fortress or Lori-Berd is one of the feudal Armenia’s capitals. David Anhoghin founded it as an inaccessible fortress town in the Gougark region in 989-1048 and moved the Kingdom capital here. The town stretched on a mountain plateau of triangle shape, bordered by ravines of Mishhan and Dzoraget rivers. Like other medieval towns of Armenia, the defensive complex had a main purpose-to safeguard the town. But the history of this town is tragic. Almost 200 years Lori was transferred from one hand to another and the last of the populace during 1925-1931 moved west to the present towns of Lori in it’s new place.
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| Haghartsin |
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| Khachkars |
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| Goshavank |
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Tavoush
The Tavoush province of Armenia is situated in the north of the country. Rocky hillsides and flat peaks are typical, and most of the region is located at between 800 and 1700 meters above sea level. The region is rich with mountainous springs, lakes, mineral waters, small rivers and the larger rivers of Aghstev. Dense forests are situated 600-2900 meters and contain over one hundred different types of tree. Fauna is rich in Tavoush also, with over 240 species of bird complementing an assortment of wildlife from bears to foxes. The medieval settlements, fortresses and monasteries prove that the valley was densely populated in the early middle ages. The monastery complexes are hidden in the clouds above Tavoush, or in the forested valleys below.
The center for the region is Ijevan town, inhabited since the II-I millennium BC according to excavations of fortresses and tombs in the near vicinity. In more recent years, Ijevan has been noted as an industrial center and for its craftsmanship, and particularly carpets. Ijevan is also popular as a resort. There are nearly twenty mineral springs in close proximity to Ijevan and Dilijan town.
Dilijan is also known as little Switzerland of Armenia. This is a worthwhile place to see and spend the rest. Dilijan is rich in mineral spring waters, green forests and mountains, covered by Alpine meadows. Armenians say “If there are mountains, woods and spring waters in paradise, it must be look like Dilijan “.The town of Dilijan is particularly famous as a health resort and cultural center, boasting several resorts and hotels.
Haghartsin monastery is nestled in a temperate rainforest on a mountain-side. It is one of those spots in Armenia that feels like you are walking through a huge, unreal movie set. St.Astvatsatsin church in Haghartsin deserves special mention. This is the biggest building of all, the artistic dominant of the ensemble. Among the memorial khachkars of Haghartsin there are unique and highly artistic ones: the best of them is a 1291 khachkar with the maker’s name carved in the bottom left star.
Goshavank monastery is situated in dense oak woods, in the gorges of the small, but turbulent mountain rivers. That religious and monumental civil buildings show that in the XII-XIII cc. monastery was throbbing with life. Mkhitar Gosh, a statesman, writer, an author of numerous fables and first criminal code, took part in monastery’s building, which was known as Goshavank in his honor. In Goshavank he founded a school. On the territory of the monastery complex are located churches of XII-XIII cc.: St.Grigor Lusavorich, St. Hripsime chapel and others. Goshavank is surrounded by khachkars; most of them are memorial and unique. Khachkars created by the carver Pavgos in Goshavank stand out among the rest.
The complex of Makaravank in the north of Armenia occupies small high- altitude area of forested slopes of the Bazum mountain ridge. The most ancient structure of all is X c. church, which differs from others by rich carved ornamentation. Complex includes main temple of Astvatsatsin, a gavit and a chapel of XII-XIII cc.
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| Lake Sevan |
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| Sevanavank |
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| Lake Sevan |
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Sevan (Gegharkunik)
The province Gegharkunik is situated in the eastern part of Armenia. Lake Sevan is situated in the center of the region. Every visitor to Armenia admires Sevan and its divine beauty. Evan is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world, and while three rivers flow into it, only the Hrazdan flows out. There are a number of resorts, hotels and motels set among the scenic beaches, and the Sevan basis is rich with archeological and other historical monuments. Lake Sevan in ancient times was known as the Geghama Sea. On the shores of the lake, in Lchashen, archeological expedition has discovered traces of a highly developed (Urartian) civilization dating back to the III-II Millennium BC. The field of Masrik is famous for the gold mines that have been exploited since ancient times, and the work of Armenian jewelers are still recognized as masterpieces. It is hard to imagine Sevan without the Sevan Monastery.
Sevan Monastery is situated on Sevan peninsula. Sevan monastery was found in 874 AD by King Ashot Erkat and his daughter Mariam. The complex consists of two small churches: St. Astvatsatsin and Arakelots.
On the left of the main road leading to the town of Gavar is the Church of Hayrivank (IX-X cc.) with a XII c. gavit and khachkars. Churches and monasteries of Gegharkunik region are samples of excellent monuments of architecture. Hayrivank church is a unique example of Medieval Armenian architecture and is a perfect example of harmonizing architecture with nature.
On the north east of Gavar is the ancient village of Noradus or Noraduz. It was the residence of Armenian Meliks (rulers of the country). In the center of the village is located Astvatsatsin church, which was built at the end of IX c. On the top of a hill is the Heghi Par cyclopean fortress with a large tomb and two big inhabited caves. Noradouz is also famous for the largest collection of Armenian Khachkars dating back to the VII-XX cc.
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| Tsakhkadzor |
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| Garni Temple |
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| Geghard |
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Kotayk
The Kotayk province of Armenia is situated on the north of Yerevan. The regional center is Hrazdan town, and the river of the same name flows across the entire territory. Hrazdan town is an industrial center and the large hydroelectric power plant of the country is located here. The Kotayk region is famous for its mineral waters (Arzni, Bjni). There are many health resorts, rest houses and hotels.
Tsakhkadzor town is situated 8 km from Hrazdan; it is popular resort for summer and winter sports. Tsakhkadzor is famous Armenian’s mountain-skiing resort with its comfortable resting houses and great funicular railway which transporting skiers up to the peak of the Tekhenis Mount. The town is also recognized as an Olympic Training Center. Tsakhkadzor means “valley of flowers”. It is often called “Armenian Switzerland” due to its high mountains, calm climate, fresh mountain air and beautiful fields with millions of flowers.
Kecharis is the monastery complex of Medieval Armenia in Tsakhkadzor. In the XII-XIII cc. Kecharis was a major religious center of Armenia, which had a higher school also. The main group of complex consists of three churches, two chapels and a vestry. The main temple, church of St. Grigory is monastery’s first structure erected by Grigor Magistros Pahlavuni in 1003. Another church is Surb Nshan erected in XI c. and the cathedral church, which was built under Prince Vasak Proshyan by the architect (varpet) Vetsik.
The fortress Garni is situated in the village of the same name. When you get to Garni, it will remind you of somewhat plain Parthenon. It was built in I c. BC by king Trdat. The temple was destroyed in 1679 in an earthquake, but was reconstructed in Soviet times. The palace complex included several disconnected buildings: a temple, a presence chamber, a residence block and a bath-house. Garni was devoted to one of the Armenian Pagan Gods - Mitra. But after converting to Christianity in 301, rulers of the country began to use it as their summer residence. The monuments of Garni show that Armenia’s Hellenistic architecture was connected with the architecture of Hellenistic countries. On the fortress ground archeologists found fragments of various works of art, which are dating back to the end of II c. BC and beginning of I c. BC.
Geghard is the pearl of medieval architecture. Cave monastery of Geghard is ancient Armenian monastery, partly caved out of a mountain. Carved deep into the surrounding rock, the Monastery is as much sculpture as it is a place for worship, and is considered one of the most eminent spiritual and cultural centers of medieval Armenia. The cathedral was built in 1215. The exact date of Geghard’s foundation is unknown. It is simply known as Ayrivank. The most ancient structure of monastery is chapel of Grigory Lusavorich. It is partly hewed in massive rock. On the territory of complex there are some caves. In one of the caves cells there lived in the XIII c. Mkhitar the Ayrivanetsi, well-known Armenian historian. The Monastery of Geghard is perhaps one of the most magnificent and unique examples of churches found anywhere in the world.
The Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley (2000) is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
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| St.Etchmiadzin |
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| Zvartnots ruins |
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| Zvartnots ruins |
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Armavir
The province of Armavir is located to the south east of the region of Aragatsotn and was named after one of the first capitals of Armenia. Armavir is physically part of the Ararat valley; the largest and most fertile territory among the forty valleys of the Armenian highland. The architecture of region developed since prehistoric times and has a history of 7000 years. Out of a total of thirteen capitals, four have been located here: Armavir, Yervandashat, Bagaran and Vagharshapat. Vagharshapat (known as Echmiadzin after 1945) is located some 25 km. from the present day capital, Yerevan. Vagharshapat was founded by King Vagharshak in the place of Vardkesavan. After the adoption of Christianity in 301AD, King Trdat III destroyed the pagan temple in Vagharshapat and founded the Cathedral of St. Echmiadzin. The name Etchmiadzin mean (“descent of the only begotten”) comes from legend. According to folklore, St. Grigory Lusavorich, founder of Armenian Gregorian church, saw Christ descending and indicating the location for the cathedral in a dream.
Cathedral of St.Etchmiadzin is a center of Armenian Church. Cathedral is the main Christian temple and was built in 301-303 by Grigor Lusavorich. Many other buildings have also been added here, including the residence of the Armenian Catholicos, where the Catholicos of All Armenians lives, the museum or treasure-house, where the Christian relics are stored, the seminary, library, hostel, refectory and others. The Churches of Hripsime (618), Gayane (630) which were built in Etchmiadzin also related to Cathedral and are perceived as important components of a single architectural ensemble.
The temple of Zvartnots is the masterpiece of Armenian architecture near Echmiadzin. The complex consisted of St. George temple or “Zvartnots” – (“Temple of the celestial angels”) and the palace of Catholicos NersesIII, known as “Builder”. Zvartnots was built in 641-661. The plan of Zvartnots is based on the composition of the central nucleus of Armenia’s cross-winged, dome-type structures of the previous times, which is the Greekcross. The rich and extraordinary interior decoration of the temple is evidenced by the pieces of varicolored smalt and tufa mosaic ornaments. Zvartnots was ruined as the result of an earthquake in 930 and was never restored. Unfortunately, today you can see here only ruins of this unique temple. The International airport of the same name is in a few km from the Zvartnots.
The Cathedral and Churches of Etchmiadzin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots (2000) is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
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| mt.Ararat |
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| Ararat |
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| Khor-Virap |
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Ararat
The Ararat province is situated in the western part of Armenia. According to the Bible, Ararat is connected with the name of Noah, and the impressive panorama have had a great influence on Armenians, and become the subject of cult and mythology. The region is rich in ancient and architectural monuments.
Artashat is the capital of Ararat region. It is located at the confluence of the Araks and Metsamor rivers. Artashat was ancient capital of Armenia. It was built by king Artashes I around 180 BC. The center is situated in the southern part of the capital of historical Armenia, and according to written sources and excavations, was one of the biggest centers of Hellenic civilization and culture, surviving until 370 AD. The capital was richly decorated. The present day town is more notable for its sizeable Assyrian community. You can also find another ancient capital of Armenia, Dvin (now only ruins and museum) that dates back to 332-338 BC.
Khor-Virap monastery is one of the most popular destinations in Armenia for Armenians all over the world. In 301 Armenia became the first officially Christian nation in the world. Grigor Lusavorich was the first Catholicos of all Armenians. The founder of Armenian Gregorian church Grigor Lusavorich, spent 13 years in a cave which became known as khor virap (deep cave). The chamber where he was imprisoned is located in St. Gevorg Chapel. Khor–Virap monastery is the closest point to Biblical Ararat Mountain from territory of Armenia. It is the most convenient place to observe and take pictures of Ararat.
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| Yeghegnadzor |
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| Noravank |
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| Jermuk waterfall |
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Vayots Dzor
The province Vayots Dzor is situated to the south of Armenia, and most of its territory consists of uplands at 1000-2300m above sea level.The province center Yeghegnadzor town is situated on the bank of Arpa River. In Yeghegnadzor there are monuments preserved from I millennium BC to XVII c. and there is a museum of regional ethnography and art gallery.
You can make your way to Yeghegnadzor used the highway across Selim pass.
This road is part of ancient “Great Silk Road”. You will also find several remnants of ancient settlements here. One of them is Caravanserai of Selim was built in 1332 by Prince Chesar Orbelyan. This caravanserai offered hospitality to travelers who used the highway across Selim Mountains. According to the Armenian inscription on the right side of the door , prince Chesar Orbelyan and his brothers built this rest- house in the reign of Abu Said II Khan, “the ruler of the world “, who died in 1335.
The village Areni, near Yeghegnadzor, is famous for its wine, majorities of which is produced in Areni and Getap winery. The local inhabitants say: “As wines from Yeghegnadzor make their way into shops around the world, people from all over the world are making their way toYeghegnadzor”. There is also Areni church (1321), old bridge (XIII c) on the Arpa River and in Areni was found in 1981 an altar with a Greek inscription of AD “163 dedication of the Olympian Goddess on behalf of a Roman officer Aemilius Ovalis, of the XV c. Legion Apollinaris”.
Noravank (new monastery) was founded by Bishop Hovhannes, Abbot of Vaganavank. The monastery became the center of the Syunik bishopric. The grandest church is the Astvatsatsin (“Mother of God”) was built in 1339 and reconstructed in 1999. The second church is the S. Karapet built in 1227, just on the ruins of the original S.Karapet. During the XIII-XIV cc. a series of princes of the Orbelyan clan built churches which served as the burial site for the family.
The village of Gladzor is one of the religious and educational centers of Medieval Armenia. The famous University of Gladzor was built in XII-XIII cc. It was the most important scientific center of Armenia. Many foreigners came here to study at the book depository. In present day here is only the Museum of Gladzor University. The University recently celebrated its 700th anniversary.
Jermuk is a great place to spend as much time as you can spare to relax and get away from it all. It is a mountain village, which is rich with waterfalls, hot mineral waters and spring waters. Jermuk is 2100 m above sea level. This resort town has a lot of parks and forested areas. There are a few places called sanatoriums in Jermuk, which have facilities to bathe in the piping hot mineral water. There are about 40 springs with a temperature ranging from 57 to 64 degrees. Jermuk mineral and hot waters are recommended for curing a lot of diseases.
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| Karahundje |
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| Syunik |
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| Tatev monastery |
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Syunik
Syunik is one of the most beautiful provinces in Armenia, offering a variety of dramatic sceneries and picturesque towns and villages. Overall, the province is mountainous, rich with caverns, alpine meadows, and high mountains chains. The region is also known as the southern gate of Armenia, surrounded by the mountain-chain of Zangezour, Meghri and the Syunik highland, allowing access to Iran through the border at Agarak.The highest point of the province is the peak of Kaputdzhukh (3908 м) while the lowest point is located in the valley of the Araks River (400m). The high-water Rivers Meghri, Voghdji, and Vorotan flow across the region.The province capital is Kapan, the nice town built along two rivers that join in southern Armenia. This area has a lot of deep green forests, a few nice monasteries and fortresses. On the edge of Kapan are the ruins of Halidzor fortress, which was built in XVII c. as a nunnery. But later it became the headquarters of Davit Bek, XVIII c. freedom fighter.
Sisian town is famous for it’s Sisian temple (VII c.) and Cyclops erections of Karahundje (Zorakarer), believed to be an ancient observatory, just like Stonehenge in England. The 204 stones near Sisian have been ascribed with mystical and cosmic powers. Sisian is situated in the Valley of Vorotan River. Here is the highest waterfall of Armenia – Shaki. There is also an ancient monastery of VII c. – Sisavan. It is the oldest architectural monument of Sisian.But by the main adornment of province and the pearl of Armenia is the Tatev monastery.
Tatev monastery was founded in the IX c. It stands out for high quality of building work. At one time Tatev was the political center of Syunik. In the XIII c. it owned 680l ages, but the earthquake in 1931 caused considerable destruction. The main monument is the church of Pogos and Petros built in 906. It reproduces the type of dome basilicas of the VII c. Special attention was paid to the interior decoration of church. In 930 the walls were decorated with frescoes, but now they are almost lost. The monument Gavazan is a unique work of Armenian architectural and engineering art. This is an octahedral pillar, built of small stones, eight meters tall with an open- work khachkar towering on it.
Goris has some of the nicest overall architecture in Armenia. The small town of Goris lies in the middle of Armenia in province of Zangezour. Ancient settlement of Khndzoresk with it’s thousands of dwellings carved into rock. In 401 BC Xenophon passed through Armenia and in his account of the expedition he mentions the Armenian troglodytes of Goris. There are many caves, signs of past settlement throughout the valley, which are just waiting for discovery. However, both Goris and Sisian make excellent choices for visitors wishing to break up their journey to Kharabakh or the far south of the country. Museums of regional ethnography dating to the Bronze Age are particularly interesting, and the region offers cheap but comfortable hotels, and a welcome assortment of appetizing and newly constructed Armenian restaurants.
Meghri is situated at the southernmost tip of Armenia, overlooking the Iran border. It is famous for being the hottest place of Armenia. Meghri is also famous for it’s amazing lush fruits and vegetables, especially figs. There is a fortress on the hills of town, known X c., district below the fortress is a XVII c. church with wall paintings and St.Sargis basilica church with XVII c. frescoes.
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Artsakh
Karabakh was the tenth province of the Kingdom of Armenia from 189 BC until 387 AD. In 821, it formed the Armenian principality of Khachen and in around 1000 was proclaimed the Kingdom of Artsakh (1000-1261), which was one of the last medieval eastern Armenian kingdoms and principalities to maintain its autonomy following the Turkic invasions of the 11-14th centuries. Artsakh covered the north-eastern range of the Armenian Plateau and was mostly mountainous and afforested. In medieval Armenian sources it is styled as a strategically and fortified region. It was bounded by the following Armenian principalities: Utik to the east, Sodk and Gegharkunik (the southeastern shore of the Sevan Lake), Gardman to the northeast, and Syunik to the southwest. The river Araks formed the southern boundary. According to anonymous 7th century «Geography» (Ashkharatsoyts).
The Gandzasar Monastery is the most popular destination for anyone visiting the Karabakh. It attracts a growing number of tourists from all over the world. The foundations of the Cathedral were laid in 1216 by Prince Hasan Jalal Vahtangian, a powerful Armenian feudal lord who referred to himself as Grand Prince, Prince of Princes and King. Prince Hasan Jalal relates to one of the most ancient aristocratic families in world history—the Arranshahiks—who ruled eastern Armenian lands since early medieval times, if not well before.
The Gandzasar Monastery is by far not the only religious and historical landmark of note in the country. There are many other spectacular destinations in Karabakh.
The Ancient City and fortress of Tigranakert (1st century BC) was one of four cities that were founded in the first century BC in opposite corners of Armenia and named after King Tigran II the Great—ruler of the short-lived Armenian Empire.
Amaras Monastery (4th century AD). The monastery was established by the foremost Armenian saint, St. Gregory the Enlightener, who baptized Armenia into the world’s first Christian state in 301 AD. Amaras also hosted the first school where St. Mesrop Mashtots, the inventor of the Armenian alphabet, taught the new script to pupils, in the fifth century.
Dadivank Monastery (1214-1237). Dadivank is named after St. Dadi, a disciple of Apostle Thaddeus who preached Holy Gospel in Artsakh in the first century. The western facade of Dadivank’s Memorial Cathedral bears one of the most extensive Armenian lapidary (inscribed-in-stone) texts. St. Dadi’s tomb was discovered by archeologists in 2007.
Cathedral of the Holy Savior “Ghazanchetzotz” (1868-1888). The Cathedral is one of the largest Armenian churches ever built in the historical Armenia and the Caucasus. The Cathedral is located in the city of Shushi.
Fort Mairaberd (10th-18th centuries). The Fort served as the primary bulwark against Turko-nomadic incursions from the eastern steppe. The fort is found to the east of the region’s Capital city of Stepanakert.
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| Gandzasar |
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| Dadivank |
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