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In
the valley of Biblical Mount Ararat lies the beautiful ancient
city of Yerevan, the 12th capital of Armenia. Yerevan was built
around the city-fortress of Erebuni established by the King Argishti
the First the king of Urartu in the year 782 BC.The ruins of Erebuni
still stand in the southeastern part of the city.
A
large part of the Erebuni fortification had been reconstructed
by 1968 when the city celebrated the 2750th anniversary of its
foundation. The well-preserved walls permitted the complete reproduction
of the layout of Erebuni.
Yerevan
is situated in the north-eastern part of the Ararat Valley. Mounts
Aragats, Azhdaak, and Ararat can be seen from the city. With its
rugged terrain, Yerevan displays a 400m disparity between its
lowest and highest points. The city is divided by Hrazdan River
that flows in a picturesque canyon.
The
climate in Yerevan is dry and sharply varied with temperatures
in summer peaking over 35 C and falling below -15 C in winter.
Yerevan
is a cultural city with a great number of museums,
theaters and concert halls.
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For
more information about Yerevan:
The
whole history of Yerevan from prehistoric times unitll now by
Armenian
Highland
Yerevan
in pictures by Yerevan
Physics Institute
Renowned
and memorable places of Yerevan by Armenian
Highland
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The
Holy City of St. Echmiatsin
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The
Mother See of Holy Echmiatsin is the pre-eminent center of authority
in the worldwide Armenian Apostolic Church. It is where the Katholikos
of All Armenians lives. Echmiatsin located near the capital of
Yerevan in the Republic of Armenia, it is composed of
(a)
the Mother Cathedral of the entire Armenian Church;
(b)
a monastery and monastic brotherhood;
(c)
the residence of the Catholicos of All Armenians; and
(d)
various religious and cultural institutions, such as the Kevorkian
Theological Seminary and a museum.
The
cathedral dates back to the 4th century, and is reckoned the oldest
Christian cathedral in world. The church, built in 480, is located
in a walled compound with gardens and various structures. Echmiatsin
means The coming of the only begotten because it was built
were people said Jesus Himself descended from heaven to show where
He wanted a church built.
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Report
on the prehistoric and historic excavations at the city by
Armenian
Highland
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Lake
Sevan
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The
largest and highest lake in the Transcaucasus, Sevan holds a special
place in the heart of the land-locked Armenian nation. With its
cool azure waters and fresh mountain air, it a popular place to
which Armenians escape in the summer when the heat of Yerevan
becomes oppressive. It is a popular holiday resort with numerous
beaches, hotels, restaurants and sports facilities dotted around
the lake. Lake Sevan is famous for its 'ishkan' trout and other
freshwater fish.
In
recent times Lake Sevan has shrunk due to the tapping of the Razdan
river, used for hydroelectricity and irrigation.
Sevan
monastery built in 874 on a small peninsula overlooking the lake,
is a wonderful example of Armenian architecture and is especially
picturesque. In the spring the mountainsides are covered in a
carpet of wild flowers.
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Garni
Temple
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The
only pagan temple existent in Armenia, the 2nd century pagan temple
of Garni
was reconstructed from ruins. This pre-Christian structure,
with its classical Hellenist lines, is situated in a picturesque
mountain locale, offering a breathtaking panorama of the valley
below. The structure of the temple with its columns and dimensions
was created to please the gods and protect the people from their
wrath. Garni temple was destroyed by an earthquake in 1679 and rebuilt
during the Soviet era. The ruins include a bath-house, where you
can see remnants of beautiful mosaic work.
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Geghard Monastery
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The
monastery of Geghard
(4-13th cc.) contains a number of churches and tombs, most of
them cut into the living rock, which illustrate Armenian medieval
architecture at its highest point. The rock-hewn structures reproduce
the motifs and building techniques of traditional architecture.
The complex of medieval buildings is set into a landscape of great
natural beauty, in the Azat Valley, and is surrounded by towering
cliffs.
Monastery
of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley was added to Unesco's World
Heritage List in 2000.
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Haghartsin
Monastery (10-13th
cc).
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Tatev
Monastery (9
-13th cc.)
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Haghbat
Monastery (10-13th
cc.)
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ZVARTNOTS
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The ruins of the outstanding temple at Zvarnots,
built in 7th century , are still being found not far from Echmiadzin.
The temple stood for 300 years, and was destroyed in a disastrous
earthquake. However, the ruins of this luxurious building speak
of its majestic beauty and richness.
The
complex consisted of St. George temple or Zvartnots ("vigil
forces", "celestial angels") and the palace of
Katholikos Nerses Ill, known as "Builder".
Zvartnots,
buiIt as Armenia’s main cathedral in 641—661, was to
suppress Echmiadzin cathedral by its grandeur.
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To
learn about other notable places in Armenia please visit the folowing
sites:
www.armeniainfo.am
www.visitarm.com
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