5 Can’t-Miss Historical Sites When Visiting Armenia, the Crown Jewel of the Caucasus Region

Armenia may be one of the most underrated travel destinations in the world. This country, found in the mountainous Caucasus Region between Asia and Europe, has thousands of years of history, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and history buffs alike. In the fourth century, Armenia became the first nation in the world to adopt Christianity as its official religion. The country is home to many ancient monasteries and other fascinating historical sites. Here are some must-see historical attractions for travelers in Armenia.

1. Monastery of Geghard

The Monastery of Geghard is a perfect combination of Armenia’s natural beauty and rich history. The monastery includes several ancient churches and tombs, many of which are cut directly into the rock. This complex of structures is surrounded by the imposing cliffs of the Azat Valley and represents the pinnacle of Armenia’s medieval architecture.

The structures of the monastery span several hundred years of Armenian history, between the fourth and 13th centuries. According to legend, the monastery was founded by St. Gregory the Illuminator and built shortly after Armenia adopted Christianity as the official state religion in the early fourth century.

The main complex consists of numerous jaw-dropping structures, including the cathedral, two rock-cut churches, a family tomb of Proshyan princes, and various other buildings. According to UNESCO, the site is extremely well-preserved and complete, due partly to the fact that it has been in continuous use since its construction.

2. Noravank

Built in the 13th century, Noravank is another monastery in a stunning natural setting—a narrow gorge formed by the Amaghu River. The gorge is famous for its towering, brick-red cliffs, which make for a breathtaking backdrop for the complex of religious buildings.

Noravank was a residence for bishops in the 13th and 14th centuries and a major religious center of the country. It would later become a major cultural center as well, with connections to local learning centers, including the famous Gladzor University and library.

The complex was founded in 1105 by Bishop Hovannes near the present-day city of Kapan in the province of Syunik. The complex's many historical structures include Surb Karapet Church, Surb Grigor Chapel, and Surb Astvatsatsin Church. Fortress walls were added to the complex in the 17th and 18th centuries.

3. Temple of Garni

As the only standing Greco-Roman colonnaded building in Armenia, the Temple of Garni is one of the country’s oldest sites and a prime example of Armenia’s pre-Christian history. Most historians believe the structure was built by King Tiridates I in the first century CE as a temple for the Armenian sun god Mihr.

The temple was converted into the royal summer home of King Tiridates III’s sister, Khosrovidukht, after Armenia converted to Christianity in the fourth century. Some scholars believe that the structure was not a temple, but a tomb, which is why it may have survived when most other pagan structures were destroyed during the conversion to Christianity.

Garni collapsed during a massive earthquake in 1679 but was excavated in the early to mid 20th century. It was eventually rebuilt between 1969 and 1975 using the anastylosis method of restoration, in which a historical structure is restored to the greatest degree possible using the original architectural elements.

4. Old Khndzoresk

Old Khndzoresk is a historical village that fuses Armenia’s natural beauty with its fascinating ancient history. It is famous for its large canyon with stunning rock formations and ancient caves carved into the rock. These caves were used as dwellings until the 1950s, and some of them are currently used as warehouses and stables.

By the end of the 19th century, Old Khndzoresk was the largest village in Eastern Armenia. There were about 8,300 inhabitants at the beginning of the 20th century, with 27 shops, seven schools, three dye houses, and several tanneries.

The village is home to two stone churches and over 2,000 former cave dwellings, which are open to visitors.

5. Tatev Monastery

Tatev Monastery is a ninth-century Apostolic monastery located in yet another picturesque setting, a large basalt plateau near a village of the same name. The monastery also overlooks a massive gorge of the Vorotan River. This site is especially beautiful during the sunrise and sunset, as the colorful light paints the structure and surrounding gorge and plateau.

The monastery was home to the University of Tatev, one of the most important Armenian medieval universities in the 14th and 15th centuries. Students and faculty at this prestigious university made major contributions to the advancement of science, religion, and philosophy.

The complex features a wide variety of historical buildings, including three churches (Saints Paul and Peter, Saint Gregory the Illuminator, and the Holy Mother of God), a library, a refectory, a mausoleum, a bell tower, and several auxiliary and administrative buildings.