Ancient Astronomical Sites

Ancient Armenia

Armenia is one of the cradles of ancient science and astronomical knowledge. There is much to see and learn about the development of astronomy in Armenia and how it impacted scientific knowledge throughout the world today.

One of the Cradles of Ancient Science

Contrary to its small territory and relatively small population, Armenia was always active and advanced in astronomy. There is evidence of ancient astronomical observatories in Armenia from a few thousand years ago. Among the astronomical activities that have left their traces in the territory of Armenia are: the rock art, ruins of ancient observatories, the ancient Armenian calendar, astronomical terms and names used in Armenian language since II-I millennia B.C., sky maps from Middle Ages, and most important, one of the largest modern observatories in the region, the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (BAO) with its 2.6m and 1m Schmidt telescopes.

Karahunj Observatory

Known as the "Armenian Stonehenge," Zorats Karer is a prehistoric archaeological site near the town of Sisian.

Sevsar Ancient Astronomical Observatory

Armenia’s star gazing tradition is as old as recorded time. In Sevsar one may see an ancient observatory with a unique image of bolide carved on a huge stone block, astronomical calendars and pictograms from 3rd - 1st Millennia BCE.

ARMENIA IN THE MEDIA

An Insider's Guide to Yerevan: The City Where Kanye Likes to Swim in Swan Lake

The Guardian | Yerevan is one of the easiest places in the world to meet people and make connections. It’s a small town in many ways, and Armenians are extremely hospitable by nature, so the degrees of separation are more like two instead of six. It often takes a just few minutes at a bar for strangers to become friends and the endless drinking toasts to commence.

Star-Studded Photos Reveal the Beauty of Armenia’s Ancient Landscapes

Smithsonian.com | Widely known for his close-up images of human and animal eyes, Manvelyan brings a sense of a wonder to all of his photography projects—from macroscopic portraits to faraway galaxies glistening above historic ruins.

Armenia’s Cave Village, Old Khndzoresk Beckons with Spectacular Hikes

Argophilia Travel News | Once upon a time, Khndzoresk was Eastern Armenia’s jewel, a large, prosperous village, with a particular character given by its artificial caves built into the rock as homes, stables, and warehouses. These dwellings were inhabited till late in the 1950s, and today they stand as a reminder of the past and a tourist attraction unlike any other in this part of the world.