This is a destination where you will be intrigued by history, awed by monuments, amazed by the landscape, and charmed by down-to-earth locals. It’s not an easy place to explore – roads are rough, transport is often hard to navigate and those who don’t speak Russian could be lost – but travelling here is as rewarding as it is revelatory.
Near the town of Stepanavan, on a promontory between the gorges of the Dzoragets and Miskhana Rivers, is a ruined fortress with huge towers and massive stone blocks along its exposed side. Originally the base of David Anhogin, who ruled the region of Tashir-Dzoraget from 989 to 1048, it...
It was not easy to drive from Sanahin to Odzun. We arrived there late, so we decided to overnight on the cliff before the village. In the morning, we bought locally made bread, and then we visited St Astvatsatsin Church. It was built on the site where legend tells us St Thomas buried...
Sanahin is another famous monastery listed by UNESCO, packed with ancient graves, darkened chapels, and medieval study halls. The inner sanctum of the cross-shaped Surp Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God Church) is the oldest structure, dating back to 934. Its adjoining gavit was built in...
Our first stop in Armenia was a beautiful monastery occupying a commanding position overlooking the Debed gorge. Founded around 976 by Queen Khosrvanuch, who funded the construction of the domed Church of the Holy Cross (Surp Nishan) at the center of the complex, it saw a building boom in...