Sanahin Monastic Complex

The Sanahin Monastic Complex was founded in 966 with the support of King Ashot III the Merciful. This ancient site became not only the dynastic mausoleum and administrative center of the Kyurikians, but also the spiritual seat of the kingdom. The name Sanahin is believed to derive from the phrase “this is older than that”, referring to the fact that it was built after the Haghpat Monastery. The complex consists of sacred and civil structures built in different periods. It includes churches, narthex halls, scriptoria (libraries), and mausoleums. The oldest structure, the Holy Mother of God Church, established Sanahin’s position as a spiritual center. Next to it developed seminaries and scriptoria, which later evolved into a university and an academy. The dominant structure of the complex is the Church of the Holy Redeemer with its cross-shaped layout and massive dome. Adjacent to it is St. Gregory Church—circular from the outside and cruciform with four apses on the inside. It is built on a strong stone foundation, and its library is attached to its northern side. The Sanahin library, the largest and oldest among medieval Armenian scriptoria, served not only as a repository for books and manuscripts but also as a treasury for sacred relics and remains. The academy is situated between the Holy Mother of God and Holy Redeemer churches and is attributed to Grigor Magistros Pahlavuni. Symbolically, its floor is covered with tombstones, and three khachkars (cross-stones) stand in the eastern part of the hall. Outside the main complex are preserved the mausoleums of the Argutyan-Yerkaynabazuk and Zakarian families, as well as the churches of St. Jacob, St. Resurrection, St. Karapet, and the Chapel of St. Sarkis. The Zakarian mausoleum is located in the southeastern cemetery, and St. Resurrection Church is unique for its double apses on the eastern side.

Amberd Fortress

Amberd is one of the most remarkable medieval fortress-cities of Armenia. It is located on the southern slope of Mount Aragats, about 7 km northwest of the village of Byurakan, on a triangular promontory formed by the confluence of the Arkashen and Amberd rivers. The fortress was built according to the principles of ancient and medieval Armenian fortress construction, surrounded on all sides by deep gorges, forming a natural and powerful defensive system. The exact founding date of Amberd is unknown. It has been attributed to the Cyclopean, Urartian, or early medieval periods, but archaeological research indicates that the fortress was constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries. Construction began in the 7th century by the Kamsarakan family. In the 10th century, it came under the control of the Pahlavuni princes, becoming a key defensive stronghold of Bagratid Armenia. Later, it passed to the Zakarians, and then to the Vachutians, who turned the fortress into an administrative center. The Amberd fortress-city includes a castle, bathhouse, chapel, the Cathedral of Vahramashen, an oil mill, and a strong defensive system with high and thick walls. The chapel is located about 9 meters from the bathhouse and dates to the 10th century. The Katoghike Vahramashen Church was built in 1026, sponsored by Vahram Pahlavuni, and is located at the highest central point of the fortress. Excavations at Amberd have uncovered metal objects, weapons, silver jewelry, bronze candlesticks, pottery, glassware, copper and gold coins, and candleholders.

Garni Temple

The Pagan Temple of Garni is located in Garni village, Kotayk Province. It represents a unique fusion of Hellenistic and Armenian architecture and culture. Scholars believe the temple was dedicated to the pagan sun god Mihr (Areg), the patron god of King Trdat I. After his enthronement in Rome, Trdat built this temple in Garni in honor of Mihr. The term ""mehean"" (used for pagan shrines) derives from Mihr’s name. After returning to Armenia in 66 AD, Trdat initiated large-scale construction, including restoration of the Garni Fortress, the temple, and the royal baths. In the 7th century, St. Sion Church was also built nearby. With the adoption of Christianity in the 4th century, the temple was converted for Christian use. Its cella (inner chamber) was demolished and replaced with a church, and its pagan elements—altars and idols—were removed. The temple, built in Hellenistic style, belongs to the peripteral type (surrounded by columns), a hallmark of Ancient Greek religious structures. The nine steps leading up to it are also typical of pagan temples. The 1679 earthquake destroyed the temple completely. It was rebuilt between 1969–1975, restoring its original form.

Jermuk waterfall

"Jermuk Waterfall, also known as “Mermaid’s Hair,” is one of Armenia’s most beautiful waterfalls, located in Jermuk city, Vayots Dzor province. A fascinating legend is associated with the waterfall’s name. According to the tale, a noble Armenian family once lived on the cliffs, and their beautiful daughter fell in love with a shepherd’s son. Every night, she would lower a long rope to help him climb up for a secret meeting. When her father discovered their love, he cursed her, saying: “If you meet him again, you will turn into a mermaid and never leave the water.” On their next meeting, the curse came true—the girl transformed into a mermaid, and her flowing hair became the cascading waterfall. This is why Jermuk Waterfall is sometimes called ‘Mermaid’s Hair’."

Tatev Monastery

Tatev Monastery is located in the village of Tatev, in Syunik Province. In the Middle Ages, it became a major center of spiritual, cultural, and political life. The princes of Syunik, closely connected to the Arsacid royal family, greatly supported monastic life by donating estates, lands, and villages, and by building churches. The first structures of the monastic complex were built in the 4th century, shortly after the Christianization of Armenia. Starting from the 9th century, Tatev developed into a full-fledged monastic complex. It was officially founded in 844 by Bishop David in the village of Tatev. The Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator was built in 848, followed by the Church of Saints Peter and Paul (895–906), which is noted for its size, architectural design, and rich interior decoration. Relics of Saints Peter and Paul were placed in the foundations of the church during its construction. In front of the church’s southern entrance stands a unique architectural monument known as the Gavazan (pillar), which had the ability to sway due to its movable base. The monastery was fortified with walls and included a narthex, treasury, scriptorium, hiding places, refectory, workshops, monastic cells, and burial vaults. In the 9th to 11th centuries, the monastery housed about 500 monks, and operated a spiritual seminary, which later became a university. In 1170, the Seljuk-Turkish invasions led to the fall of the Kingdom of Syunik, and Tatev Monastery was devastated. Its library was burned, and about 10,000 manuscripts were lost. The clergy relocated to Noravank in Vayots Dzor. Later, in the 13th century, under the Orbelian princes, the monastery was rebuilt. From the 1280s, Tatev Monastery became a center of resistance to foreign religious influences, preserving the Armenian Church’s identity against external religious currents. The University of Tatev, officially established in the 14th century, became a pan-Armenian intellectual and educational center. Prominent theologians, philosophers, astronomers, miniature artists, and musicians worked there. Its library remained active until the early 20th century. A two-story arched belfry (14th century) and a school of miniature painting were also built in the monastery courtyard. During Timur’s (Tamerlane’s) invasions in the late 14th century, the monastery was again destroyed, and Bishop Shmavon was forced to move to Sanahin. However, in the 17th–18th centuries, the monastery saw a revival due to the active involvement of the church and noble elite. From the late 19th century, Tatev also became a significant site in the Armenian national liberation movement. During the Zangezur self-defense struggle (1919–1921), Tatev Monastery served as one of the main strongholds of Garegin Nzhdeh. Two pan-Zangezur congresses were held here, proclaiming the independence of Mountainous Armenia, followed by the Republic of Armenia, in opposition to Soviet rule. The 1931 earthquake caused major damage to the monastery. During the Soviet era, it was mostly abandoned and neglected by the state. Only in the 1970s did restoration begin, during which the churches, main dome, and the lower level of the belfry were reconstructed.

Haghpat Monastic Complex

The Haghpat Monastic Complex was founded in 976, during the reign of King Ashot III of the Bagratuni dynasty, and was built on the elevated southeastern part of the village. The complex consists of cathedrals, narthex halls, chapels, a scriptorium, a bell tower, a refectory, and mausoleums. The main church, Surb Nshan (Holy Sign), was built between 970 and 991 by Queen Khosrovanush. It is a domed cruciform church, rectangular on the outside and cross-shaped on the inside. Among the preserved frescoes are a depiction of Christ and some Gospel scenes. The main narthex is attached to the western side of Surb Nshan and was built in the 13th century by Princess Mariam. It stands out for its volume and stone inscriptions. To the south and north of the main church are the St. Gregory and Holy Mother of God churches, both cruciform and domed in design. North of the cathedral is Hamazasp’s chapel, which includes a small chapel and, to the south, a rebuilt scriptorium. The scriptorium was considered an important center of manuscript writing, where ancient manuscripts were preserved and recopied. The most notable structure in the complex is the three-story bell tower, a tower-like structure with a cruciform layout and crowned with a dome. It is remarkable for its architectural harmony and elegance. To the north lies the refectory, a vaulted hall with two columns. The complex also contains arched halls that served as mausoleums, with floors covered in tombstones and housing the famous Amenaprkich Khachkar (Holy Savior Cross-stone).