Country guides
Asia
Things to do in Armenia
Despite some truly heavy-hitting historical and cultural attractions, Armenia remains an underappreciated tourist destination. As the first country in the world to adopt Christianity it is no surprise that Armenia is dotted with ancient churches and monasteries, making the country primarily a religious tourist destination. Being off the radar of package tours and a little hard to get to only adds to the mysterious biblical allure of the region.
The biggest tourist attractions include the 17th-century Khor Virap Monastery, an important pilgrimage site loomed over by the iconic Mount Ararat, where Noah is said to have landed the Ark; the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, reputed to be the oldest state-built church in the world; the 2,000-year-old Garni Temple, a gloriously well-preserved Pagan temple; the archaeological site of Carahunge, called the 'Stonehenge of Armenia'; and the UNESCO-listed Monastery of Geghard, built in 1215.
Visitors will also enjoy making their way along the scenic Debed Canyon, past old villages and monasteries such as Haghpat and Sanahin. The Erebuni Archaeological Museum dates back to before the establishment of Rome, giving insight into the lives of the great kings of Urartu. Sunset over Norovank ('New Monastery') is said to be one of the most spectacular sights in the country.
In the global imagination Armenia is also strongly associated with the horrific Armenian Genocide of 1915, during which Turkish troops killed about 1.5 million Armenians. This tragic history is memorialised at Tsitsernakaberd, part museum and part memorial, where travellers can learn about the Armenian holocaust and pay their respects.
Garni Temple
The Greco-Roman Garni Temple is a popular tourist attraction, putting the small, rural village of Garni on the map. This 2,000-year-old building was constructed out of basalt on th…
Tsitsernakaberd (Genocide Museum and Memorial)
Tsitsernakaberd is a memorial honouring the memory of the victims of the 1915 Armenian Genocide that took place in the Ottoman Empire. It is estimated that over one million Armenia…
The Monastery of Geghard
The Monastery of Geghard, or 'Monastery of the Spear', is perhaps Armenia's most memorable attraction. Partially carved out of an adjacent mountain, and surrounded by the spectacul…
Cafesjian Center for the Arts
Yerevan's Cascade Complex is an enormous white stairwell built into the hillside, replete with flowing water fountains to mimic a natural cascade. It links Yerevan's CBD with the M…
Carahunge
Carahunge is an ancient astronomical observatory complex consisting of over 200 stones huddled on a hilltop. Often referred to as 'Armenia's Stonehenge', this description may be un…
