The best Christian heritage sights of Armenia

In Armenia, the most ancient is the mysterious monuments of Urartu, national cuisine, precious carpets, and ornate toasts.

Armenia is the first country to adopt Christianity as the state religion (in 301). Religious tours in Armenia allow you to get acquainted with the many churches and monasteries of the Ancient and Medieval era that can be found throughout the country. There are monuments of the pre-Christian era: the ruins of the Urartian Erebuni, Teishebaini, ancient Armenian capitals of Armavir, Artashat, the pagan temple of Garni and others. Armenia is especially rich in Christian monuments. Let’s find out the best churches and monasteries in Armenia.

Famous monasteries in Armenia

Vahramashen church

Vahramashen church was built in the 11th century near the Armenian fortress Amberd on the slope of Mount Aragats. The fortress and the church stand on stony terrain, the Amberd and Arkashen rivers flow nearby. The buildings belonged to the princes of Pahlavuni in the 10th century. Buildings were burned by the Mongols in 1236 and were not rebuilt after that.

Noravank Monastery

No less gorgeous views open from Noravank Monastery, which hid from everyone in a winding gorge. On two sides, steep red rocks guard him, and the emerald foothills add color to this vibrant landscape. In addition to the three ancient churches in the monastery, unique stone slabs with crosses and carvings attract attention – these are khachkars, works of ancient art, traditional for Armenia.

Khor Virap Monastery

One of the best monasteries in Armenia is the ancient monastery of Khor Virap on a cliff against the backdrop of the snow-covered giant of Mount Ararat. The history of these places is very significant for the country. Once upon a time, there was an ancient capital, and under the current monastery, there was a royal prison. St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned here, who subsequently converted Armenia to Christianity.

Geghard Monastery

Geghard Monastery is an incredible symbiosis of the creation of human hands with nature as an apprentice: apart they would not have created anything like that. A good half of the monastery’s churches with bas-reliefs, ornaments and columns that are mandatory for such structures are cut down in textured porous rocks. It seems that the ancient architects created this miracle with the same ease as the main non-cave church, which proudly rises above the entire monastery complex.

Tatev Monastery

The most persistent tourists also reach the remote and therefore the best monastery in Armenia – Tatev. This large temple complex is located on a wide cape, as if on a podium with the invisible title of the largest shrine in Armenia. In addition to the land route, the monastery can also be reached by air, “flying” along the world’s longest cableway “Wings of Tatev”. In addition, it is worth descending to the natural wonder of the world, the Devil’s Bridge, under which karst caves and thermal baths with mineral springs are hidden.

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