Regions, Marzes, Towns
| Explore Armenia’s uniqueness through its regions, each a special place to explore a bit of our history, spirit, and nature. Each region is more than a distinct set of dramatic landscapes; it also a unique culture; with its own history, traditions and mythology. Houses may be made of wood or stone, and each area has its own handcrafts, food, customs, songs and dance to go along with the local “barbar” (dialect). But common among all regions is Armenia’s legendary hospitality, and the desire to make your visit a pleasant one. |
|
|
Aragatsotn is named after the massive mountain (4095m / 13,435 ft.) that hovers over the northern reaches of Armenia. The name itself means ‘at the foot of’ or ‘the legs of’ Aragats, a fitting title if ever there was one for this rugged land that wraps around the dormant volcano. The marz consists of three distinct geographical areas that made up previous administrative centers: Aparan, Ashtarak and Talin. More... |
|
| |
Ararat marz is a mythical land; the site of the biblical descent of Noah and his sons after the Flood, the valley is part of Armenia’s Crescent Valley, a rich alluvial land of farms and vineyards. The marz has the birthplace of Armenia’s Hellenistic era, at the 2nd century BC capital at Artashat (“Joy of Artashes”), and the site of the birth of the kingdom’s conversion to Christianity, at Khor Virap. More... |
| |
Armavir is home to the world’s oldest known forging of bronze, and its first Christian state. Both are just a few miles from each other, exploring a region that is among the oldest in the world. The district includes a number of excavations illustrating some of the Near East’s first cultures, and the large complex of 4th-7th centuries pilgrimage sites at Echmiadzin, the Seat of the Apostolic Church. More... |
|
Gegharkunik is one of the most spectacular regions in Armenia, its stunning landscape shaped by millions of years of volcanic eruptions and Armenia’s largest lake; a summer magnet for thousands of locals who bask on its manmade beaches and party in one of its booming resorts. More... |
|
| |
Kotaik has a glory of history and nature, tracing Armenia’s development from Stone Age settlements (Karashamb, Argel) in the Hrazdan River Gorge, which snakes north and south through the region like a craggy spine and 12,000 year old petroglyphs on the rocks of the Geghama Mountain Range (Seghanasar, Geghmaghan, Nalsar & Azhdahak). More... |
|
Lori is one of Armenia’s most enchanting regions, second perhaps only to Siunik for its stunning landscapes and rugged forests. Lori is home to some of Armenia’s most beautiful locations, set into one of the country’s largest old-growth forests and wilderness areas. More... |
|
|
Shirak Image |
Shirak is one of Armenia’s most diverse districts, with semi desert “wastelands” leading to the snowbound crests of Mt. Aragats. First recorded in Urartian inscriptions found on stone cliffs near Giumri, the region reached it heyday when it was a part of the Bagratuni kingdom (8th-11th centuries) and then again in the 19th century when Giumri, its capital, became the most important city in the country; capital of the “Armenian Belle Époque”. More... |
| |
Siunik (also transliterated as Syunik, Siwnik, or Syunig) is the southernmost marz of Armenia. It borders Vayots Dzor marz to the north, Nakhichevan autonomous region of Azerbaijan the west, Nagorno Karabakh to the east, and Iran to the south. Its capital is Kapan. Other important cities are Sissian, Goris, and Meghri. More... |
| |
Tavush lies in the far northeast of Armenia, and is considered by many its most remote area. A tiny portion of the North-South corridor connecting Georgia with Iran passes through the marz, leaving the rest served by rugged mountain roads connecting remote mountain hamlets. More... |
| |
Vayots Dzor has one of the most rugged landscapes in Armenia, with towering rock cliffs and stands of trees clinging to rocky hillsides. The upper slopes of the --- mountains are alpine meadows, once teeming with forests, now a carpet of seas of grass and wildflowers in the spring that turn into shades of burnt umber in the summer. More... |
