15 Reasons To Visit Armenia

Ever thought about visiting Armenia? Need some inspiration? Hasmik Grigorian outlines her 15 reasons to visit this historical European country.

15 reasons to visit Armenia:

1. Mount Ararat

To see the most beautiful mountain in the world – biblical Mount Ararat, the highest mountain in the world from its base (not sea level), where the Noah’s ark landed after the Great Flood!

2. First Officially Christian Country

Armenia is the first officially Christian country in the world since 301A.D. It means here you’ll see the world’s oldest churches and monasteries located in stunning natural settings. And all those wonders of architecture are located around Yerevan in a diameter of 200km.

3. Armenian Hospitality

To experience the uncommon hospitality of the Armenian people! The Armenian mythology is the only one in the world having a God of Hospitality named VANATOOR. No wonder here the people may invite you into their houses to share food with you even if they don’t know you.

4. World’s Oldest Shoe

To see the world’s oldest shoe (5500years old), as well as world’s oldest winery found in Areni Cave!

5. Taste the Armenia Wine and Cognac

To taste the Armenian pomegranate wine and the most sophisticated Armenian cognac which is the visit card of Armenia.

6. Taste the Apricots of Ararat Valley

To taste the sun-kissed apricots of Ararat Valley. “Prunus armeniaca” in Latin means “Armenian plum” as Armenia is the homeland of the apricot, the only fruit containing gold in its composition.

7. Beautiful Ancient Rugs and Carpets

To buy the world’s most beautiful ancient rugs and carpets. Some carpet showrooms offer ancient carpets. The world oldest carpet is an Armenian carpet located at a museum in Vienna.

8. Taste the healthy Armenian Cuisine

To eat healthy, organic and delicious food as the Armenian cuisine is one of the oldest and tastiest in the world.

9.Ride The World’s Longest Aerial Tramway

To ride the world’s longest aerial tramway (5.7km), “Tatev wings” which will take you to the huge monastic complex of Tatev (10th century), indeed a fairy-tale fortress – monastery nestled on a promontory surrounded by deep gorges.

10. To see UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

11. To Stand on the Silk Road

To stand on the old Silk Road, its bridges and see caravanserais (hotels of antiquity). The Silk Road was about 7000km long, and 500km passed through Armenia.

12. Diversity of Landscapes

You will be amazed by the diversity of landscapes of this small, yet ancient country with over 5000 year history. From semi deserts up to the alpine meadows, snow-capped peaks and white sand beaches of the Lake Sevan, the lush forests of Dilijan or the huge red rocks of Noravank Canyon.

13. Visit Yerevan

To visit one of the world’s ancient continuously inhabited cities – Yerevan, the pink-colored capital of Armenia founded in 782 B.C. It’s called so because most of its building were built by the local pink rock (tuff) quarried in Armenia. Erebuni (Yerevan) fortress is 29years older than Rome.