There is a unique monument of the Armenian alphabet on the western slope of Mount Aragats, in Artashavan village. The sculptural group is located directly under the open sky and includes 39 elements repeating the shape of the letters of the Armenian alphabet. The figures of letters, almost reaching the height of human growth, are carved from local tuff in different shades: pink, orange, gray, black. The letters are also expertly decorated with carved ornaments. Stonecutters from all over Armenia took part in the creation of the monument. The monument is a favorite place to visit for tourists. And among local residents it is considered almost mandatory to have a photo with the first letter of their name.
The well-established transport infrastructure of Armenia allows to get to Armenian Alphabet Monument by a private car or with the help of various travel companies which offer regular excursions and tours to different sights of the country. Due to the geographical location of Armenian Alphabet Monument the trip will not seem long.
The high season in Armenia lasts for a long time due to the pleasant climate conditions. Warm days in Armenia start in March and last until late autumn; winter is usually snowless and not long. The high precipitation season is variable. The tourist season for Armenian Alphabet Monument depends on the weather conditions.
Rich literature has been created with Armenian language. It is a writing of old, middle and new civilizations․ The alphabet is used in Armenia, Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), Javakhk, in communities of Armenian Diaspora, in different armenological and cultural centers.
To make the Bible available to Armenians and spread Christianity, Armenian letters were developed by the linguist and statesman Mesrop Mashtots. Originally Mashtots created 36 letters. The alphabet was completed in the Middle Ages and it has survived to this day, almost unchanged since then.
The Holy Cross, which has 33 meters high, is located just above the complex. It symbolizes Jesus Christ's age, when he was crucified. An unusual monument consists of more than 1700 big and small metal crosses, the number of which symbolizes the years of Christianity in Armenia. Each year, one new cross is added to them.
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