Khor Virap is arguably the most amazing sight in Armenia. It is an ancient monastery, shrouded in mystery and stories. After all, it is here that, according to legend, St. George the Illuminator was tortured and kept in the dungeons for 14 years. The complex of the monastery is located above the cave that tourists today have access to, and offers stunning views of the wide fields at the foot of Mount Ararat. Full of legends, Khor Virap is a cult place for the Christian history of Armenia. After the events unfolding here, Armenia became the first country (301) to adopt Christianity as the state religion.

Noravank

In the gorge of the Aspa River, among the red rocks “burning” at sunset, is located one of the essentials of Armenian architecture, namely, the Noravank monastery complex. Built in the 13th century, Noravank was a religious place for the entire spiritual world of Armenia, and it also carried the role of a cultural and educational center. The whole complex consists of two churches and one chapel. They are Surb Astvatsatsin, Surb Karapet and Surb Grigor, but the most memorable and unique among them is the Church of Surb Astvatsatsin. The church is decorated with special splendor. It is a structure of three floors including the dome, fully decorated with subtle patterns. The interior looks more modest, yet you can’t stop wondering about the courage of the architect and miniaturist Momik, who completed the church structure in 133. The church is believed to be his most tremendous work. The main element of the church is the narrow cantilever staircase that leads to the second floor, yet has no handrails. They say your faith helps to keep balance. It is impossible to convey the feeling of rising above the world into words

Jermuk is a leading Armenian spa city, divided into two parts by the splendid gorge of Arpa River. The mineral waters of Jermuk have been used by both ordinary people and Armenian princes to treat various diseases. This statement is supported by the remains of the medieval pools uncovered there and reconstructed in the 19th century. The name Jermuk comes from the Armenian word “jerm”, meaning “warm”. The Jermuk region is rich with unique springs of both sweet and mineral water. Another tourist attraction in this region is the Jermuk waterfall, 72 m high, which flows into the river Arpa. The waterfall reminds girly hair. Hence the other name of the waterfall: mermaid's hair.

Have you ever seen vivid canvases of Armenian artists? The abundance of colors, the complexity of the landscape and endless mountains. All this is not a figment of imagination, but the amazing nature of the edges of Armenia. The village of Areni, near the river Arpa, which flows right through the center of the village, is one of the instances of such an amazing entity of colors and memorable places. Its fascinating nature has been creating gorges, high mountains and endless hills. Areni is a living picture that can make you fall in love with this land forever.