Top 6 unique things to experience in Armenia
Are you an aesthete starved for mesmerizing landscapes, an art connoisseur or may be a fervent hiker? We have a good news fo you: Armenia located in the Southen Caucasus is an excellent place for combining all preferences mentioned above. Just take your backpack and come to Armenia, and you’ll make sure that this country is really worth visiting. And for those who choose to travel independently without the help of tour agencies of Armeniahere is a useful list of top 6 thingsyou should necessarily experience in that lovely country.
- Hospitality and kindness of locals
Do you know how does sound one of the most famous Armenian proverbs? – “Guest is a gift from God.” Indeed, since ancient times, Armenians have treated their guests with great respect, trying to create all the necessary conditions for their comfort and convenience. At this time, the fame of the Armenian hospitality has already spread around the world. And almost all of the tourists after their trip enthusiastically mention the kindness and carefulness of locals. If for any reason in the course of your stay in Armenia you’ll need any help just approach to any passerby on the street and be sure you will be kindly provided be the assistance you need. And not surprisingly, if complete strangers will invite you to their house and wish to treat tasty local dishes. Do not be afraid: for the Armenians it is a completely natural act of respect and hospitality. And at the end of your journey you will most likely make a lot of good Armenian friends who will look forward to your return to their beloved homeland – Armenia!
- The tastiest water ever
Generally Armenians have a very special attitude to water considering it as the most valuable gift of nature. And probably you have already heard that sometimes they even say that Armenian water is the tastiest in the world. Do not believe? Then stroll around Yerevan streets and taste the water from interesting stone fountains which provide passersby with excellent drinking water. They are called «pulpulaks» – the word that is similar to the gurgling water sound. What concerns the tap water it’s also clean and absolutely safe, and can be drunk straight from the tap without boiling. And it’s not only safe but also delicious as it comes from mountain springs.
- The majesty of mountainous landscapes
Armenia is a real mountainous island – an excellent place for hiking and trekking lovers. Conquer the highest Armenian Mount Aragats (4090 m) or Mount Ajdahak with its amazing small lake in the crater, make trips to the sides of Kaputjugh, Arai-ler, Tsaghkunyats, visit Khustup and Trasare. Unique and majestic Armenian mountains would hardly leave anyone indifferent.
- The amazing beauty of lace cross stones
Whenever you go in Armenia you’ll meet khachkars – unique stone steles with the depiction of a cross and lace pattern. Khachkars or cross-stones are real national symbols of Armenia that appeared exactly after the adoption of Christianity in 301. And now they cover the territory of the country as the stars cover the sky. Just imagine: there are about 50000 khachkars in Armenia. Khachkar is not only the testimony of the faith of Armenian people but also a kind of a prayer to God, which explains their style and endless variety of ornamental solutions. Without exaggeration you won’t meet khachkars with a similar design, all of them are unique! Want to see? Visit the most famous monastery complexes, the village Noraduz with its cemetery containing 900 cross stones, or go to the National History Museum and enjoy some masterpieces.
- The touching sounds of duduk instrument
Probably, no other musical instrument so firmly identifies the soul of Armenian people as a modest-looking duduk. Made of an apricot tree (this is another national symbol!), it has an unusual sound – soft, soulful, almost unbearably aching. For many years, this music was played only in its native land. It accompanied any significant events in people’s lives: birth, baptism, weddings, and funerals. But thanks to the genius performer Jivan Gasparyan the duduk for the last 20 years has entered the musical mainstream. Now, the native Armenian instrument can be heard even in Hollywood movies, such as in the film “Onegin”. And if you’re lucky and your visit will coincide with the concert of Gasparyan, be sure to buy tickets in advance – it should not be missed. Some years ago the music of duduk was listed as the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.
- The impressive architecture of medieval creations
One of the oldest Christian countries of the world Armenia will certainly impress you by the greatness and strict majesty of its medieval religious creations. Armenian monasteries are wonderful. By exploring any of them your heart will be filled with peace and reverence. The construction of churches and monasteries in Armenia began in 301 years, when the country officially adopted Christianity as the main state religion. To this date, these religious monuments attract tourists from all over the world. During your trip, visit the main Echmiadzin Cathedral, the cave monastery of Geghard, Tatev Monastery, Noravank, located in the valley of red rocks, Sevanavank offering a beautiful view of Lake Sevan, Khor Virap where visitors go for the most stunning views of Mount Ararat, Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin which are under the protection of UNESCO. And this is not even a half complete list of all the amazing architectural masterpieces of the country!
