Visiting various countries tourists firstly get acquainted with its most significant cultural objects. Many discoveries await travelers in Armenia from this point of view because there is a large number of historical architectural monuments that are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Etchmiadzin Cathedral
The city of Etchmiadzin (Vagharshapat) is important for believers not only from Armenia but also pilgrims from around the world because there is the spiritual and administrative center of the Armenian Apostolic Church, as well as the residence of the Supreme Patriarch.
Echmiadzin Cathedral was built in the IV century after Armenia adopted Christianity as an official state religion. The cathedral restored and rebuilt over the centuries has become the embodiment of the best architectural traditions of Armenia. Today this unique monument of Christianity is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The churches of St. Hripsime, St. Gayane, as well as Shoghakat, which, like the Cathedral, were erected on the territory of Etchmiadzin, are also protected by the international organization.
Zvartnots temple ruins
There is another valuable architectural object located not far from Vagharshapat – the ruins of the Zvartnots temple. In the Middle Ages a grandiose building stood on this place, due to which a new style was born in world architecture. The majestic Zvartnots was destroyed by an earthquake three hundred years after its foundation. However, its ruins still amaze connoisseurs of beauty from around the world.
Echmiadzin Cathedral and Zvartnots Church are quite close to Yerevan. Staying in the center of the capital you can easily find a vehicle that will take you to these unique places. The best option for staying in Yerevan during a short trip is Umba hostel, which despite reasonable prices offers its guests the best conditions for stay.
Pagan Temple of Garni
The ancient temple of Garni dedicated to the pagan god Mithra can rightly be called one of the most visited sights of Armenia. Garni is the only building made in the Hellenistic style, which has been preserved in the territory of the countries of the former CIS.
Visually it resembles the legendary temple of Athena built in Greece. Every year this picturesque place is visited by thousands of tourists who are bewitched by the beauty of local nature and the uniqueness of the architectural monument itself. The temple of Garni was awarded the UNESCO-Greece Melina Mercouri International Prize in 2011.
Umba company will help you to visit this fabulous place saturated with the spirit of antiquity and will organize for you a private tour to the most interesting places in Armenia.
Geghard Monastery Complex
During a trip to Armenia it is worthwhile to pay attention to another significant cultural heritage site – Geghard Monastery carved directly in the rock. The name of the architectural complex is translated from Armenian as “spear”. This is due to the fact that, according to legend, a spear was kept here that pierced the body of Jesus Christ and which was delivered to Christian Armenia by the Apostle Thaddeus. Geghard Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There are many other historical monuments that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage on the territory of the centuries-old country. You need to visit Armenia at least once to see their uniqueness and originality by yourself. Here you and your loved ones will be able to get in touch with antiquity and make a pilgrimage to the country that first adopted Christianity.
It’s recommended to stay in the convenient Umba Apartments N1, Umba Apartments N2 and Umba Apartments N3 located in the heart of Yerevan to make your trip comfortable and carefree.
