Armenian Alphabet Monument, Lake Kari, Amberd Fortress, Vahramashen

1. Armenian Alphabet Monument

The last stop of the tour is the Armenian Alphabet Monument. After all, there are no more than 70 alphabets in the world, one of which is Armenian. Created in 405, Armenian letters and the Armenian people have been inseparable for around 1,600 years. Being a nation with its script, Armenians have created and distributed thousands of manuscripts, books, and journals throughout their history. And so, in 2005, marking the 1600th anniversary of the creation of letters, the Alphabet Monument was built. The 38 letters are in the form of sculptures, standing on a small field on the slope of Aragats Mountain, and behind the letters are the most famous figures of the culture of the Armenian people: Mesrop Mashtots and Grigor Lusavorich.

2. Lake Kari

There are many ponds on Mount Aragats, one of which is Kari Lake, located at an altitude of 3207 meters. Kari Lake, formed by ice formations, has a depth of up to 8 meters and very cold water. The surface of the lake is 0.12 km/square. The Arkashen River starts from the western side of the lake.

3. Amberd Fortress

Amberd, located 2300 meters above sea level, has been inhabited since the Stone Age, and today's castle was built in the 10th century. Located at the confluence of two rivers, the castle remained exceptionally impregnable for many centuries and fell only in the 14th century, after which it reached the present day with minor changes. The castle consists of a fort, St. Astvatsatsin Church, 1026, a chapel, a bath, and otherworldly buildings.

4. Vahramashen

Vahramashen Church is a medieval Armenian church located in the village of Vahramashen, near Aparan, in the Aragatsotn Province of Armenia. It was built in the 10th century by the Vahramid family, which gave the church its name. The church is an example of classical Armenian architecture, with a large central dome and a cruciform design. It is renowned for its distinctive stone carvings and elegant interior, which includes a well-preserved khachkar (cross-stone). Vahramashen is a significant cultural and historical site and serves as a testament to Armenia’s architectural heritage from the medieval period.