Garni, Tatev, Karahundj, Zvartnots, Echmiadzin/ 4 days in Armenia from Yerevan

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Garni, Geghard⌄

   The pagan temple Garni was built in the 1st century AD by the armenian king Trdat. The temple Garni is the only monument connecting with the era of paganism and Hellenism, dedicated to the sun god Mithra.

   The Monastery Geghard was built in the 4th century by The First Armenian Catholicos - Gregory the Illuminator.

2. 2Noravank, Tatev, Karahunj⌄

   One of the wonderful monuments of medieval Armenia - the Monastery of Noravank dates back to XIII—XIV centuries.

   Karahunj or Karahunj Observatory is also known as Zorats Karer or Zorats Kar is a megalithic composition of Bronze Age tombs (cists, dolmens or tumuli) and over 220 standing stones (menhirs).

   The Wings of Tatev is the longest cable car in the world (5.7 km)

   The pearl of medieval Armenian architecture Tatev Monastery was built in the 9th-13th centuries. In translation from the old Armenian (grabar) "tatev" means "give wings". Indeed, located at a great height, it seems that Tatev stretches upward to the sky. The walls seem to be a natural extension of the rock that raises it so high.

3. 3Yerevan - Echmiadzin⌄

   The word “Echmiadzin” means a place where “the only begotten son of the God descended”. According to a legend, Jesus Christ descended from heaven and indicated the spot for a church to be built. Echmiadzin is the residence of the Supreme Catholicos of all Armenians and the center of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

   7th century church in Echmiadzin. Is listed in the UNESCO World’s Cultural Heritage Sites.

   7th century church in Echmiadzin. Is listed in the UNESCO World’s Cultural Heritage Sites.

   One of the brightest landmarks of medieval Armenian architecture – the magnificent Zvartnots Temple is constructed in the 7th century. Is listed on the UNESCO World’s Cultural Heritage Sites.

4. 4Tsaghkadzor - Lake Sevan⌄

   Translated from Armenian the word “Tsakhkadzor” means the Gorge of Flowers. In the north-western part of Tsakhkadzor one can find the 11th century monastic complex of Kecharis.

   In the northwest part of Sevan Lake, on a narrow rocky peninsula, there stands one of the most prominent examples of medieval Armenian architecture – Sevanavank Monastery. It was founded in 874 AD by princess Mariam.