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ArmeniaHistorically, culturally and scenically the Republic of Armenia is a captivating attraction place. Not only has it been acknowledged as a cradle of civilisation with centuries of ancient history to discover, but it also boasts natural attractions aplenty and is spoilt for beauty.

Armenia was one of the first countries to adopt Christianity as its official state religion in 301 AD and many of the countrys surviving ancient monuments are Christian churches and monasteries. Mt Ararat, in Turkey, was once within the borders of Armenia before the area was divided between Turkey and the USSR, and is believed to be the site of Biblical Noahs landing of the ark following the great flood. Armenians still consider the mountain, the highest in the region at 16,946 (5,165m), to be a symbol of their land, and it features on their national emblem today. The story of Noahs Ark is important in Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

The tiny landlocked country is part of the Southern Caucasus region sandwiched between Europe continent and Asia and between the Black and Caspian Seas. Present day Armenia occupies but a fraction of the ancient Armenia, and was once a republic of the Soviet Union. Its capital, Yerevan, is one of the worlds oldest cities, founded years before the founding of ancient Rome.

Armenia is largely mountainous, with the alluring Mount Aragats its highest peak at 13,435ft (4,095m). The countryside is riddled with small lakes, and also boasts one of the worlds biggest mountain lakes, Lake Sevan. The hills are also home to health spas and treatment centres, and the Tavush region is known for its healing mineral waters where resorts for example Ijevan and Dilijan are recognised treatment centres.

The Kotayk region boasts some of Armenias most spectacular sights and is a popular attraction place for local and foreign tourists. The resort of Tsakhkadzor (canyon of flowers) is most popular in winter with excellent skiing. Visitors to the Syunik region will find lovely sights and natural springs, as well as sights like the Tatev Monastery, the Stonehenge of Armenia (Karahunj), Goris and the Shake waterfall. To the north, the Lori region is sought out by campers and hikers, but also boasts two Unesco World Heritage sites, the monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat, as well as the Odzun Cathedral. East of Yerevan lies the spiritual centre of Armenia, the Holy See of Echmiadzin, the most significant cathedral in the worlds oldest Christian nation.

 Armenia Cities and Highlights  Armenia Cities, Highlights and Hostels

  Alaverdi Hostels : Alaverdi is an industrial and mining town at the bottom of the Debed gorge in the northern part of the northern province of Lori, quite close to the border with Georgia. At the sit..
  Amberd Hostels : Amberd is an old (X century) church and fortress on Aragac mountain. Tha landscape, mountains and this all togather are just amasing by its nature and construction. There is also a..
  Ani Hostels : Earliest History Bronze and Iron age settlements have been excavated on the site, so have possible Uruatian buildings. There is re used classical masonry in the citadel walls and t..
  Dilijan Hostels : Nestled in the heart of the forests of northern Armenia, Dilijan is the epitome of quaint. Home to many well known composers, artists and cinematographers, this reclusive town of 2..
  Echmiadzin Hostels : Echmiadzin is the site of one of the oldest churches of Christianity. The city was the capital of the country for almost two centuries. Today, Echmiadzin remains the spiritual capi..
  Garni Hostels : The main reason to come to Grani is the two thousand years old basalt Temple of the Sun. The location of the temple is impressive, with a gorge that is 300 meters deep just below i..
  Geghard Hostels : The monastery of Geghard was named after its most well known religious artifact, the lance that was said to have pierced the side of Christ. Although the lance has been moved, ther..
  Gegharkunik Hostels : Zanazan is an exquisite restaurant in Tspatagh village, with breathtaking view to Lake Sevan. A tasteful blend of historical and modern, showcasing Armenias proud heritage. Perfect..
  Khor Virap Hostels : Khor Virap is settled some 30 kilometers south of Yerevan and can be seen as a daytrip from there, possible combined with Garni. The monastery of Khor Virap has a amazing setting: ..
  Syunik Hostels : The south marz (province) of Syunik is high plateau, and very ancient. Entered from the west through the Gates of Syunik (dont forget to honk), the road descends past an alpine res..
  Talin Hostels : Turning from the main road toward Talin (4981 p), the right turn just before the fountains in the town square leads to a large cemetery in which are the impressive remains of an si..
  Tathev Monastery Hostels : Dating from to the IX th century, the Tathev Monastery is one of the most impressive examples of Armenian religious architecture. The monastery is settled in a rugged landscape of ..
  Tzakhadzor Hostels : Tzakhadzor is the location to go skiing. It is settled some 60 km from Yerevan, just off the main road to Sevan. From the mountain you have amazing views over the valley and on a g..
  Vanadzor Hostels : The train to Vanadzor from both Georgia and Giumri passes through some of the most beautiful terrain in Armenia, and Vanadzor is a terrific location logistically for exploring Lori..
  Yerevan Hostels : Yerevan is the capital of Armenia. It is a very old city, but it has been scarred quite a bit by history. You will still find it the best location to start exploring Armenia, and t..
  Zvartnots Hostels : Zvartnots is the name of the airport of Yerevan, but also the site of one of the oldest cathedrals of the Armenian church, Zvartnots cathedral. It was built in the seventh century ..

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