Places to Go
UNESCO Sites
UNESCO
Armenia, a hidden gem of all kinds of treasures, holds a rich history as one of the oldest nations on earth, with traditions that have transcended time and survived to this day. Armenia has had three tangible heritage sites included on the UNESCO list since 1996. Armenia may be a small country geographically, but it is a cultural powerhouse that welcomes everyone to explore and discover all it offers.
01
The Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley
The pristine nature of the Azat Valley embraces Geghard Monastery under the gaze of its giant cliffs. With some of its parts smoothly carved into rocks, this medieval beauty was formerly named Airivank (monastery in the rocks).
It was renamed Geghard in the 14th century because the monastery was used to keep the Spear of Destiny (also known as the Holy Lance) that pierced the ribs of Christ under its roof for over 500 years.
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02
The Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin
Nestled in the picturesque natural area of Lori, the Haghpat and Sanahin monastic complexes are a brilliant example of the revival of Armenian architecture in the 10th and 11th centuries.
These complexes acted as spiritual, cultural, and educational centers, focused on philosophy, medicine, rhetoric, and music.
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03
The Cathedral and Churches of Etchmiadzin and The Archeological Site of Zvartnots
The churches of Etchmiadzin and the Zvartnots archeological site witnessed the birth of Christianity in Armenia and are extraordinary examples of unique Armenian architecture. They showcase some of the typical Armenian architecture features, yet also show how they introduced new approaches that were one step ahead and different from other monuments of that time. The Cathedral of Etchmiadzin is, in fact, the oldest cathedral on earth.
The site has been in use since ancient times, as archeological findings from the Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages indicate that this was a holy site even before the arrival of Christianity.
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UNESCO Sites
1.
The Monastery of Geghard
2.
The Monastery of Haghpat
3.
The Monastery Sanahin
4.
The Zvartnots Cathedral
5.
The Cathedral and Churches of Etchmiadzin
