Ancient architecture, rich history, incredible beauty landscapes are waiting for you in Armenia. Local residents are kind-hearted and hospitable people, will do everything to make dear guests feel at home. If you still have not thought about a trip to this amazing country, sit back - we will tell you what is worth visiting, be sure to try and taste.
Let's start acquaintance with the capital - the city of Yerevan. Did you know he was older than Rome? At such a venerable age (more than 2800 years!) the city does not lag behind modern life and is full of contrasts, here the past meets the future. Poor areas with Khrushchev and other typical Soviet buildings, dusty roads, which sweep the local on old cars of the domestic automotive industry, harmoniously coexist with the well-groomed central part of the city, where most of the buildings are built of pink tuff, which looks fabulously beautiful, especially at sunset hours. Yerevan is loved by everyone who has ever met it - according to them, "the city is always on vacation."
In addition to hiking through the streets of the city and visiting the main attractions, be sure to visit the cognac factory. There are two of them in Yerevan: "Noy" and "Ararat". To come on an excursion to the brandy factory and skip the tasting is an unthinkable thing! In addition, the cost of tasting is included in the cost of the entrance ticket. Guests are greeted by a table with chocolates on a saucer and cognac. The choice is offered a drink of different aging and when, finally, all the formalities are met and the glasses are filled: "Well, for Armenia!" - the first toast is unchanged.
In addition to tasting, the plant conducts interesting excursions, which show cellars, talk in detail about the production of the drink, how one type of cognac differs from another. The pride of the collection are barrels put on aging in honor of the visits of the presidents, the most popular is Shustovsky cognac. It is associated with a funny story about how resourceful Armenians conducted a real PR campaign to increase the recognition of the drink and glorify it abroad. Specially hired young people were dressed in beautiful expensive clothes and sent on a business trip abroad. Coming to the restaurant, the sent Cossacks demanded to serve Shustovsky cognac and professionally played out the reaction of disappointment when they did not find it in the wine list. Since then, the drink has become famous.
So, for a pleasant conversation and fragrant tasting, it is difficult not to lose track of time, so let's go further.
To properly snack drunk, be sure to go to get acquainted with the local cuisine - the oldest in Transcaucasia. Recipes for many dishes first appeared 2500 years ago and have not changed much since then. Greens, spices and a lot of meat are the basis of the diet of local residents. The main dish on the table is pita bread,no meal can do without it. Incredibly, the secret of the recipe for Armenian lavash is guarded by UNESCO!
On a full stomach it is pleasant to visit the local market. Color is everywhere, sellers are friendly, and prices are very democratic. You want to buy literally everything, but first of all we recommend you to taste the main local dessert - snickers in Armenian - churchkhella a meter long! As well as dried fruits, nuts, honey, spices and fruits and vegetables stuffed with all this splendor. The fragrance is stunning!
Among the museums, locals recommend visiting the Museum of Armenian Writing. Its creator is Mesropa Mashtots, whose sculpture meets at the entrance to the museum. Favorite joke of guides about how "Georgians write letters upside down". Seeing the Armenian alphabet, georgians considered it ideal for themselves and simply "flipped" the letters, which explains why they look so similar.
In addition to ancient manuscripts and documents, the museum stores a map of Greater Armenia - a state with a history of six centuries. It included the lands of Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Iran. It is interesting to listen to the story of the ark of Noah, who during the Flood found refuge near Mount Ararat.
Dearly loved by Armenians and the most popular symbol of the country abroad , Mount Ararat - today belongs to Turkey. The Turks are indifferent to the mountain, which cannot be said about the Armenians who dedicate poems and compose songs to it. If you are lucky and Ararat decides not to hide in the clouds, but to appear in all its splendor and power - unforgettable impressions of the meeting are guaranteed. By the way, the best place to view from a height and Yerevan and Ararat - Cascade,consisting of five terraces. 600 steps up and you are rewarded with stunning views.
The pride of the Armenians is Christianity,which they adopted first in the world. 95% of the population is Christian. The country has preserved many ancient temples, which are located in picturesque places, but at the same time devoid of pomposity, their internal and external decoration is very restrained. The main shrine - Tatev Monastery - is located high in the mountains, and to get there is a whole adventure and 6 hours on the way. Here is the longest cable car in the world,in connection with which it is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. The funicular with the breeze will carry you over the abyss at a speed of 37 km / h.
In addition to Christian shrines, there is an ancient pagan templein Armenia, which is located in the Garni Reserve. The temple to the sun god was built two thousand years ago.
After enjoying the mountains, go to the "Armenian Sea" - Lake Sevan,the largest in the Caucasus. Here you can swim or have a picnic with local delicacies: kebab from cancer necks, whitefish or ishkhan.
It is difficult to fit the whole of Armenia into one story. Hurry up to visit and see with your own eyes, but be careful - Armenia takes a piece of the heart.
