Garni pagan temple is the only surviving monument of the country, referring to the Hellenistic era. The temple is located in the picturesque gorge of the Azat river, 28 km. away from Yerevan. In the I st century AD, Trdat I ordered to build a magnificent temple in honor of the Sun God - Mitra in the fortress, located on a triangular hill. After adopting of Christianity in Armenia, the pagan temple was not destroyed, it has became the summer residence of kings. In 1679 the temple was badly damaged by an earthquake and decayed slowly. Restoration works were proceeded for 10 years from 1966 to 1976, and the temple was miraculously restored. Now, tourists coming to Armenia, can see not only the temple, but also the remains of the ancient fortress, the royal palace, and even the royal bath, decorated with colorful mosaics and the mysterious inscription " worked for nothing"
ArmeniaArmenia is the eldest Christian state in the world. Numerous cultural monuments, beautiful mountains and good wine make the country attractive for tourists |
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YerevanAccording to a number of museums Yerevan can be compared with leading museum cities of the world. Buildings of the city are saturated with national motives |
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Ararat, brandyArarat brandy is the most popular Armenian drink, which history has more than one millennium. Tourists can visit almost all brandy factories, taste and buy wine |
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Armenian barbecueArmenian barbecue is the main dish at all Armenian feasts. It is made of different kinds of meat, pre-pickling in wine |
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Armenian folkloreArmenian music and dance can never be confused with any other. Armenian music instruments preserved since the early Middle Ages |
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Armenian lavashVisiting Armenia, try Lavash - an ancient Armenian national bread, baked in a thin strip up to 50 cm width and length up to meter. It has almost no crumb |
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Echmiadzin CathedralEchmiadzin Cathedral, one of the most ancient monuments of Christianity, was built in IV century, after Christianity has became the state religion of Armenia |
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Geghard MonasteryThe monastery complex built in XII-XIII centuries and originally called the cave monastery, was later renamed into Geghard. All of the ancient buildings are open for visitors |
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Haghpat MonasteryBuilt in X century, the Haghpat Monastery includes: the Church of the Holy Virgin, the Church of the Holy Nshan,the ancient book depository and some other buildings |
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Khor Virap monasteryThe Khor Virap monastery is of the same age with Christianity in Armenia. Being located at the foot of Biblical Mount Ararat it is the place of pilgrimage of believers |
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Lake Sevan, resortDuring the last 15 years new comfortable hotels and hostels have been built in Lake Sevan environs. The lake attracts tourists with its natural beauties and fishing |
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Noravank monasteryThe significant religious and cultural center of medieval Armenia - Noravank monastery complex is the unique monument of architecture of XIII-XIV centuries |
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Ohanavank monasteryThe Church of the Holy Virgin with the remarkable bas-relief above the entrance and the chapel have preserved in the Oganavank monastery complex(V century) |
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Saghmosavank MonasterySaghmosavank Monastery or Monastery of Psalms was built in XII-XIII centuries by Vachutyan family. All buildings were restored after the earthquake of 1988 year |
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SevanLake Sevan is the pearl of Armenia and a natural site of worldwide standard. The lake is located about 2000 meters above sea level |
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Yerevan, souvenir marketThe best place to buy souvenirs in Yerevan is a huge market - "the Vernisage". There are all sorts of handicraft wares of clay and stone, carpets and jewelry |