The place would you guess was the primary Christian nation on earth? Italy maybe? Nope! It was Armenia.
This small nation within the Caucuses was the first nation to undertake Christianity as its state faith in 301 AD. In actual fact, Christianity started to unfold all through Armenia quickly after the demise of Jesus Christ. Consequently, there are millions of non secular buildings and artifacts scattered throughout Armenia.
Armenia has been described as an ‘open-air museum of Christianity’, and we expect that’s a reasonably correct description!
One of many most important causes we travelled to Armenia was to go to the gorgeous monasteries dotted throughout the Armenian countryside. Many of those monasteries date again lots of of years and are sometimes positioned in distant gorges or atop mountains. Some are even carved into rocky cliff faces.
There are such a lot of monasteries to select from in Armenia, so we have now listed our 5 favourites under to get you began. The very best half? Entry to all of those monasteries is free.
1. Geghard Monastery
Geghard Monastery is probably the most accessible monastery in Armenia, positioned lower than one hour’s drive from Yerevan. This rock-hewn monastic advanced is an unbelievable instance of the constructing abilities of Armenia’s medieval architects.
The principle buildings have been accomplished within the 13th century, however some sections of the monastery date again so far as 1177 AD. A whole neighborhood of monks have been housed within the advanced and the monks lived, studied and labored right here.
The monastery included a faculty, scriptorium and library, but additionally held necessary non secular relics. Probably the most well-known relic was the spear that wounded Christ on the Cross, however that is now lacking.
Attending to Geghard Monastery
There are many tour corporations providing moderately priced day journeys to Geghard Monastery. You may additionally catch a minibus from the Gai bus station in Yerevan (close to the Mercedes Benz store) to Garni, then catch a taxi or stroll to Geghard.
The primary bus leaves Yerevan at 11am. We employed a automotive in Armenia, and managed to get two rushing tickets and hit a number of potholes on the way in which to Geghard! Take a look at this reasonably priced day journey from Yerevan to Geghard.
2. Noravank Monastery
Noravank Monastery is about amongst jaw-dropping pink cliffs in a distant gorge off the Yerevan-Goris freeway. Excessive-profile bishops and princes have been housed within the Thirteenth-century monastery.
The Mongols raided the monastery in 1238 AD, however the monastery has been capable of retain its medieval allure. Noravank is a well-liked day journey from Yerevan, so get right here early to beat the vacationers. Noravank has a small museum too, which has a number of medieval artifacts and artworks.
Attending to Noravank Monastery
Noravank Monastery is positioned 116 kilometers southeast of Yerevan. We advocate visiting Noravank Monastery on a day tour from Yerevan or with your individual automotive. Take a look at this reasonably priced day journey which takes in 2 monasteries and a vineyard.
Marshrutky (minivans) from Yerevan or Yeghednadzor may drop you off on the turn-off simply exterior Areni (at Edem Restaurant). From there you may stroll or hitchhike the 6km to the monastery.
3. Tatev Monastery
The Tatev Monastery is among the most far-flung monasteries in Armenia. Consequently, many travellers sadly skip this gorgeous spot. However we promise it’s well worth the drive!
The monastery is about excessive upon a clifftop overlooking an enormous valley. This working monastery was constructed within the 9th century and has an eerie medieval really feel. Monks nonetheless stay right here, so if you happen to’re fortunate you will note them wearing full garb wandering the grounds.
Attending to Tatev Monastery
Tatev Monastery is positioned 250 kilometers southeast of Yerevan, however the journey can take as much as 6 hours. The best strategy to go to Tatev is by tour or your individual automotive.
You can even catch a mashrutka from Yerevan’s Kilikia bus station to Goris, or a shared taxi. Most individuals rent a taxi from Goris to the ‘Wings of Tatev’ cable automotive in Halidzor village (22 kilometres).
The cable automotive runs between Halidzor and Tatev Monastery. There are additionally a few mashrutkas to Tatev that depart from the market on Syuniki St in Goris. Examine along with your guesthouse for present timetables. We additionally met a few backpackers who had efficiently hitchhiked across the space.
4. Sevanavank Monastery
The hilltop monastery of Sevanavank shouldn’t be the most important in Armenia, nevertheless it arguably has one of the best views. The monastery is located on a peninsula simply north of Sevan, and affords panoramic views of Sevan Lake and the encircling snow-capped mountains.
Princess Mariam based the church in 874 AD. She was a real romantic, having constructed quite a few church buildings throughout Armenia in reminiscence of her late husband. By the 19th century, errant monks have been being reformed on the remoted monastery.
Sevanavank was initially constructed on an island, however after the bogus draining of Lake Sevan throughout the Soviet period the island turned a peninsula. Maybe not remoted sufficient for errant monks anymore.
Attending to Sevanavank Monastery
Sevanavank Monastery is positioned 82 kilometers northeast of Yerevan. There are many tour corporations and hostels in Yerevan organising day journeys to Lake Sevan, which incorporates Sevanavank Monastery. This highly-rated tour is reasonably priced and affords nice worth.
You can even catch a marshrutka from Yerevan’s northern bus station to Sevan. Arrive by 10am to order your seat. From Sevan, you may catch a taxi to the monastery.
5. Sanahin Monastery
The Sanahin Monastery is positioned within the stunning Debed Canyon. The monastery is in a distant a part of northern Armenia, however had an enormous affect on medieval structure throughout the nation. Sanahin is now a UNESCO World Heritage web site attributable to its architectural significance.
The monastery was constructed throughout the Byzantine period between the tenth and 13th centuries, together with close by Haghpat Monastery. It served as an necessary centre of studying throughout medieval instances. Consequently, you may nonetheless discover medieval libraries and secret hiding locations for manuscripts within the advanced.
We advocate paying a small tip for the official tour that’s provided. The information will provide you with a sneak peek into rooms which can be normally locked, and might provide a captivating perception into the historical past of Sanahin.
Attending to Sanahin Monastery
Sanahin is positioned close to the village of Alaverdi within the Debed Canyon, 165 kilometers north of Yerevan. We drove to Alaverdi in our trusty Nissan Micra rent automotive, however I don’t advocate it.
Your best choice is to take a tour or catch a marshrutka. Marshrutkas depart Yerevan’s Kilikia bus station each day for Alaverdi. Should you can’t discover a direct connection, you may also catch a marshrutka to Vanadzor then catch one other to Alaverdi.
In Conclusion
Armenia is a vacation spot that isn’t totally on vacationers’ radar. However, the gorgeous monasteries alone ought to make you need to plan a visit. Should you’re within the area, don’t miss close by Tbilisi in Georgia, and if you happen to’re in a position, head into Turkey and see the Armenian ruins of Ani, that are simply throughout the border between Armenia and Turkey.
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