Small Armenia connects Europe with Asia. Once upon a time, Armenia was one of the largest states in the Middle East and Transcaucasia, which competed with the Parthian kingdom and Ancient Rome. Now Armenia is a modern country with hospitable people, ancient history, a huge number of historical monuments, rich culture, delicious food, beautiful nature. In addition, there are several ski and balneological resorts in Armenia.
Geography of Armenia
Armenia is located in the Transcaucasus. Armenia borders Turkey in the west, Azerbaijan and Karabakh in the east, Georgia in the north, and Iran in the south. The total area of this country is 29,743 sq. km., and the total length of the state border is 1,254 km. Armenia has no access to the sea.
Armenia occupies part of the territory of the Armenian Highlands. We can safely say that Armenia is a mountainous country. The most high peak Armenia - Mount Aragats, whose height reaches 4,095 meters. Previously, Mount Ararat belonged to Armenia, but now this peak is located in Turkey. The most beautiful mountains of Armenia are adjacent to numerous valleys. The largest of them is the Ararat valley.
There are more than 9 thousand rivers in Armenia, of course, most of them are small. But the largest river in Transcaucasia, the Araks, flows through the territory of Armenia.
Lake Svan is a 2-hour drive from Yerevan. This lake is the pride of every Armenian.
Capital
Since ancient times, the capital of Armenia has been Yerevan, which is now home to about 1.2 million people. Archaeologists claim that people lived on the territory of modern Yerevan already in the 8th century BC.
Official language of Armenia
The official language in Armenia is Armenian, belonging to the Indo-European language family.
Religion
Most of the population of Armenia are Orthodox Christians (they belong to the Armenian Apostolic Church).
State structure of Armenia
According to the current Constitution of 1995, Armenia is a parliamentary republic. Its head is the President, elected for 5 years.
In Armenia, the local unicameral Parliament is called the National Assembly (131 deputies). Deputies of the National Assembly are elected by popular vote for 5 years.
The main political parties in Armenia are the Republican Party of Armenia, Prosperous Armenia, the Armenian National Congress, and the Land of Law.
Climate and weather
Almost the entire territory of Armenia is located in a continental, high-mountain climate. Only in the south of Armenia the climate is subtropical. In the mountains in summer the average air temperature ranges from +10C to +22C, and in winter - from +2C to -14C. On the plains in January, the average air temperature is -5C, and in July - +25C.
The amount of precipitation depends on the height of the location of one or sometimes the region of Armenia. On average, from 200 to 800 mm of precipitation falls annually in Armenia.
Best time to visit Armenia - from May to October.
Rivers and lakes of Armenia
More than 9 thousand rivers flow through the territory of Armenia. Most of them are small. The largest river in Armenia is the Araks, which is considered the largest in the entire Transcaucasus.
Relatively close to Yerevan, about 2 hours drive, is Lake Svan. Every Armenian is proud of this lake, almost as much as Mount Ararat, although it now belongs to Turkey.
History of Armenia
People on the territory of modern Armenia lived already in the Bronze Age. In the VIII-VI centuries BC. e. on the territory of modern Armenia there was a state of Urartu.
In the II century. BC e. several Armenian states were formed - Sophena, as well as Greater Armenia and Lesser Armenia.
In 301 BC Christianity became the state religion of Armenia. In the era of the early Middle Ages, Armenia was part of the Arab Caliphate.
In the 9th-11th centuries, several states existed on the territory of modern Armenia - the kingdom of Ani, the kingdom of Vaspurakan, the kingdom of Kars, the kingdom of Syunik, and the kingdom of Tashir-Dzoraget.
In the XI-XVI centuries, Armenia was part of the empire of the Seljuk Turks, the Georgian kingdom, and the Oguz tribal union. In the XVI-XIX centuries the territory of Armenia was divided between Iran and the Ottoman Empire.
According to the Turkmanchay Peace Treaty of 1828, most of Armenia was included in the Russian Empire. It was not until 1918 that the independent republic Armenia, which then became part of the Transcaucasian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic. In 1922, Armenia became part of the USSR.
In the late 1980s, sentiments about secession from the USSR became strong in Armenia. As a result, in September 1991, Armenia declared its independence.
In 1992, Armenia became a member of the UN.
culture
Armenia only in 1991 became an independent country. Prior to that, for many centuries it was part of the USSR, the Russian Empire, the Ottoman Empire, Iran, the Kingdom of Georgia, and the empire of the Seljuk Turks. All these states tried to “blur” the Armenian culture, to impose their cultural traditions on the inhabitants of Armenia. However, despite this, the Armenians managed to preserve their identity, their customs and traditions.
Every winter, Armenians celebrate the holiday of lovers Trndez. On this day Armenians need to jump over the fire to be happy.
Another interesting Armenian festival is the summer “water festival” Vardavar. On this day, Armenians splash water on each other, it is believed that in this way girls and boys attract each other's attention (that is, this is the holiday of lovers). The origins of the Vardavar holiday go back to the times when Armenia was not a Christian country.
Kitchen
Armenians are very proud of their cuisine, and it should be noted that it is quite deserved. The main food products are meat, vegetables, dairy products (especially salty cheese), fish, fruits, lavash bread. In Armenian cuisine, great attention is paid to spices.
When the Armenians have nowhere to hurry, they dine for a very long time. The main reason for this tradition is table talk.
In Armenia, we definitely (along with barbecue) recommend tourists to try the following dishes:
- "Tolma" - lamb in a grape leaf;
- "Putuk" - lamb soup;
- "Khash" - beef soup;
- "Kyufta" - meat balls;
- "Basturma" - dried beef meat.
In addition, in Armenia they cook very tasty trout from Lake Svan - try it. In general, fish dishes in Armenia are all very tasty.
Very tasty fruits and berries are grown in Armenia - peaches, plums, apples, pears, cherry plums, cherries, cherries, cornelian cherry, grapes.
Traditional non-alcoholic drinks in Armenia are Tarragon, fruit juices, mineral water, milk drinks (kefir, yogurt).
Armenia makes excellent wines and cognacs. Try it and you will see for yourself.
Sights of Armenia
According to official data, there are now about 26,000 historical and architectural monuments in Armenia. Since 2005, a national program for the restoration of architectural and historical monuments has been implemented in Armenia. So, only in 2012 in Armenia, at the expense of the state budget, 9 monuments of the Middle Ages were restored (for example, the church of St. Hovhannes and the monastery of Kobayravank of the 12th century were restored). The Top 10 best Armenian attractions, in our opinion, may include the following:
Cities and resorts
The largest Armenian cities are Gyumri, Vanadzor, and, of course, Yerevan.
There are a lot of mineral springs in Armenia, and, as a result, balneological resorts. The most popular of them is Arzni, located 10 kilometers from Yerevan. Among other balneological and mountain climatic resorts of Armenia, Hankavan, Vanadzor, Arevik, Jermuk, Arevik, Tsakhkadzor, and Dilijan should be noted.
Since Armenia is a mountainous country, it is not surprising that it has several ski resorts. So, 40 kilometers from Yerevan is the ski resort of Tsaghkadzor, which has 12 kilometers of slopes for skiing. By the way, the season of skiing on ski resort Tsakhkadzor lasts from mid-November to mid-April.
Souvenirs/Shopping
Tourists from Armenia usually bring folk art products, Armenian musical instruments (zurna, tar, shvi, dool, duduk), Armenian headdresses, wine horn, backgammon (for example, backgammon made of walnut), and, of course, Armenian cognac, as well as wine.
Office Hours
“Bring me cognac” - this is probably how your friends will see you off to Armenia ;-) Yes, they are right - this country is famous for cognacs, but it is rich not only in them. What to bring from Armenia as a gift for relatives and friends? Today we will answer this question. We walked around the markets and figured out what souvenirs you can buy. We took some, of course.
Bring a piece of this hospitable country home. Here we will not talk about magnets and T-shirts with the inscription "I love Armenia" ;-)
What to bring from Armenia?
1. Cognac and wine
Armenian cognac is famous all over the world, and this is the main thing that you can bring from a trip to Armenia. Grapes are specially grown in the country for the production of cognac, and Ararat, Noy, Shustov are considered the best brands.
In Yerevan, be sure to go to the cognac factory, you will be given a tour with a tasting of the best samples, and you can also buy the best souvenir from Armenia there.
In any supermarket you will also find cognac, but there is a risk of running into a fake, in this case, choose branded stores.
Wine "Areni" is also a very good gift made from certain grapes that grow only in the valley near the village of the same name. Very delicious!
2. Gold and silver
Since ancient times, Armenian craftsmen have been famous for their art of making silver jewelry and other items made of silver and gold. In souvenir shops and markets you can find earrings, rings, chains and much more. Moreover, the prices for silver and gold in Armenia are low, besides, it is customary to bargain on the market.
In addition to silver, precious stones can be found in the markets: obsidian, agate, jasper….
3. Carpets
Carpets are very popular not only in Armenia, but also neighboring countries: Turkey, Iran, Azerbaijan. Woolen thread is dyed with natural dyes, and the main difference between Armenian carpets is the images of animals and people on the pattern.
Carpet weaving has developed in Armenia since ancient times, it was practiced in almost every family, and carpets adorned the floor, walls, and chests. A real large carpet may well cost 2-3 thousand dollars, but you can buy a small one for a more tolerable price.
Sale of carpets at the Vernissage
4. Duduk
Who has not had goosebumps when listening to the music played by Jivan Gasparyan, a famous duduk master. This is a national Armenian instrument that looks a bit like a flute, but with a mouthpiece on top. Please note that playing the duduk is very difficult, you need some skill and training.
This instrument is made from apricot wood, and if you bring it home, you can say that you have brought the soul of Armenia. Of course, not professional tools are sold on the market, but ordinary ones, but the price is low.
5. Handbags, wallets, tablecloths in national style
Weaving is another traditional craft in Armenia. You can bring home purses, bags, tablecloths and even a bottle case embroidered in the national Armenian style, brightly decorated with angular ornaments.
6. Antiques - books, coins, cameras and more
If you have friends who are fond of books, coins, stamps, then there is something for them to choose from. In Yerevan, there are several ruins with antiques: here you can find anything you want. Everyone asked us to buy old Soviet lenses for the camera (they are of very good quality) and you will not find such lenses in our city. But we don’t understand what suits what, so we abandoned this business ....
antiques
7. Handmade chess and backgammon
The art of wood carving has been developing in Armenia for a long time, and the craftsmen are famous for their work. The most striking example of their skill is carved chess and backgammon, this is a piece of "goods", a work of art. The carving is made in the national style with patterns, even temples are sometimes carved.
8. Goodies
Oh, the choice is simply huge! Be sure to take Armenian sweets with you: baklava (Armenian analogue of baklava), sujukh (Armenian snickers), homemade halva, boiled fruit juice - doshab.
Buy home spices and dried herbs like basil. Closer to departure, take Armenian cheese, such as Lori or Chanakh in a pigtail, they have a very unusual taste.
Be sure to bring dried fruits and fruits from Armenia if you come in season.
Sweet gata, sujukh, jam
What other souvenirs to buy from Armenia? Pewter, leather goods, ceramics (glasses, jugs, teapots) and much more that can be found.
Most of the iconic sights of Armenia can be divided into the following groups:
- cultural objects;
- monuments of ancient architecture;
- natural objects (resorts, wildlife sanctuaries, picturesque places).
It is better to get acquainted with the past of the country and look for the roots of the national mentality in the capital's museums. For example, in the Museum of History on Argishti Street, where the most ancient archaeological finds of Armenia are collected. Only here you will find an ax that is 100,000 years old and, thanks to miniature models, you will get an idea of the appearance of ancient Yerevan.
On Mesrop Mashtots Avenue there is another interesting institution - Matenadaran. The funds of the repository of ancient manuscripts and early printed books include about 17,000 valuable manuscripts and more than 100,000 important historical documents.
If there is time left, you can drop by the Sergei Parajanov Museum on Dzogaryukh Street. By the way, the museum was opened by a close friend of the famous director. It is not a sin to look into the National Art Gallery, where, in addition to ancient frescoes, miniatures and samples of modern Armenian fine art, you can see the canvases of the legendary seascape painter Aivazovsky.
A tour of the Armenian Genocide Museum leaves a depressing impression. The interior of the object goes underground, symbolizing the entrance to the afterlife. It is never empty here, but the silence in the museum is piercing: it is not customary to speak loudly here so as not to offend the memory of brutally tortured compatriots.
A diametrically opposite atmosphere reigns in the Megeryan Museum, located on Madoyan Street. Once in this realm of carpets and tapestries, it is impossible to resist exclamations of admiration. Invest in a full tour that will walk you through the basic steps involved in making these beautiful pieces.
Armenia is a state that was one of the first to adopt Christianity, so if you are drawn to wandering around holy places, consider that you are in the right place. In the vicinity of the town of Alaverdi there are two very interesting object included in the UNESCO World Heritage List: Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries. Built in the 10th century, these massive stone buildings have withstood more than one earthquake.
Be sure to visit the singing fountains in Republic Square. Transparent water jets rise and fall to mesmerizing classical, pop and rock compositions, forming whimsical cascades. Each performance is accompanied by a light installation (at night) and ends with the legendary hit of Charles Aznavour "Eternal Love".
There are only two outstanding monuments that can be considered symbols of the Armenian capital in Yerevan: the “Mother Armenia” monument, depicting a stern woman with a sword at the ready, and the sculpture of David Sasuntsi, the hero of the folk epic, the invincible hero. The latter enjoys universal love and for a long time was the official emblem of the "Armenfilm" film studio. If the traditional monuments seem too regular and boring, you can return to the Cascade and stare at the avant-garde creation of Jaume Plensa - "The Man of Letters". It is not difficult to visually determine the location of the monument: groups of tourists with photographic equipment always hang out near it. Right there, at the foot of the main staircase of Yerevan, there are other monuments full of expression. Some of them look a bit outrageous, and this attracts attention.
All sights of Armenia
Traditions and national flavor
The people in Armenia are impulsive, sociable and responsive. Although official language in the country - Armenian, Russian is perfectly understood here, so in the case when you need to clarify the route, you can safely contact the locals. It is possible that not only will they show you a more convenient way, but they will also volunteer to guide you.
Smoking in public places in Armenia is not welcome. And although in most local catering points a lit cigarette is overlooked (as a rule, there are no non-smoking areas in city cafes), a tourist who smokes while driving runs the risk of being fined.
The feeling of national pride is not alien to Armenians. They know how to criticize other Caucasian peoples and stick out their own significance here. But the history of their nation in Armenia is revered sacredly.
And of course, what kind of Armenian would refuse the opportunity to slightly cheat an unlucky tourist. So, when going to local markets, do not hesitate to bargain: moreover, the more emotionally you do it, the more chances you have to win the favor of the seller.
But you should not abuse the sympathies of the locals: if in the capital some liberties are forgiven to a foreign guest, then in the provinces inappropriate actions can ignite an unpleasant conflict. You should be especially careful in church and monastery premises. They do not like idle talk about the Armenian genocide and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, so try not to delve into politics. And of course, in no case do not sunbathe topless on local beaches if you do not want to cause open condemnation of others: Armenia, although it looks towards Europe, continues to be a purely Caucasian state in its soul.
Armenian Cuisine
Nothing offends Armenians more than the identification of their national dishes with Georgian and Azerbaijani counterparts. Here, for example, they quite sincerely believe that dolma is a primordially Armenian invention, which other peoples of Transcaucasia shamelessly borrowed. What is interesting: in addition to the traditional dolma stuffed with meat, onions and spices, in Armenia there is its lean analogue, which is stuffed with peas, beans or lentils. They eat this dish on New Year's Eve.
Khorovats (barbecue) is served here at every step. The main feature of the local recipe is the daily pickling of meat before frying. For vegetarians, an excellent substitute for an animal product will be "summer khorovats" - grilled vegetables (peppers, potatoes, tomatoes). And do not try to arm yourself with a fork, be simpler: a real khorovats is eaten exclusively with the help of hands.
You can dilute the abundance of meat food in the stomach with a rescue - a soup based on the fermented milk product of yogurt with the addition of wheat grains, eggs and greens. Fans of strong and hearty broths should opt for khash, a soup made from beef or pork legs. The dish is symbolic, so if your Armenian acquaintances invited you to khash, you can consider the test for unconditional trust passed. Khash is eaten with crushed garlic, which is spread on crispy pita bread. By the way, about lavash: flat cakes are baked in the tandoor and completely replace bread for Armenians. You can wrap whatever your heart desires in pita bread: barbecue, seasonal vegetables, chopped herbs.
In autumn, the whole of Armenia gorges itself on ghapama, which is a pumpkin stuffed with rice, almonds and dried fruits. For sweets, you can take gata - a hybrid of a bun and a layer cake stuffed with sugar and butter. Each region of the country adheres to its own recipes, so do not be surprised that the Yerevan and Karaklis ghats can differ significantly in taste characteristics.
For the incorrigible sweet tooth, there is sujukh (sharots), which the ignorant often confuse with churchkhela. Sausages made from grape juice stuffed with nut kernels differ from the Georgian version of sweetness in a rich taste of spices and soft texture. Popular types of Armenian delicacies are traditionally nutty and fruity: peaches poured with honey and stuffed with nuts, dried apricots, candied almonds.
As for drinks, there are plenty to choose from. Even ordinary tap water in Armenia is cleaner and tastier than anywhere else. Connoisseurs of strong alcohol should not leave without trying Yerevan cognac, which has been produced here for more than 125 years. Excellent quality and local wine production. It is better to take it in stores, because it is incredibly difficult to run into a fake in them. On occasion, you can knock over a glass of apricot or mulberry vodka.
Tourists who do not like alcoholic drinks should turn their attention towards fermented milk products: tana and matsoni. Tea is not very popular in Armenia, it is everywhere replaced by fragrant strong coffee, which they know a lot about here.
Transport
You can move between regions of the country either by bus or by train. Indeed, claim high level comfort is not worth it: vehicles in Armenia, as a rule, are battered and not tied to such benefits of civilization as air conditioners. Most of the buses going to big cities(Vanadzor, Gyumri, Sevan), departs from central station Yerevan. From here you can also go on an exciting shopping tour in Georgia or Turkey. To get to Ararat, Yeraskhavan and Atashat, you must first get to the Sasuntsi David railway station, from where the above-mentioned routes depart.
The option of traveling by train usually turns out to be more comfortable just because the drivers strictly adhere to the schedule (unlike the drivers of Yerevan buses).
Traditional public transport capitals are metro, buses, minibuses and taxis. The first does not cover all areas of the city, so locals prefer to use land transport. By the way, instead of conductors and turnstiles, hand-to-hand payment is still in use here.
If you have arrived in Yerevan for the first time and do not know where to go first, take a taxi, not forgetting to hint to the driver about your own ignorance. In 99 cases out of 100, you will have a fascinating tour of the streets of the capital, interspersed with emotional stories from a taxi driver.
Renting a car in Armenia is not the cheapest pleasure, but if you desperately want to steer, a Russian license is quite suitable here. And do not forget that the notorious Caucasian hospitality does not work in situations on the road. They love to cut, overtake and break all existing rules here. By the way, parking in Yerevan is mostly paid.
Money
Shops in Yerevan accept the only currency, the Armenian dram (AMD). 1 dram is equal to 0.14 rubles.
There are a sufficient number of exchange points in the capital, but if desired, money can also be exchanged with private individuals (shop owners, street vendors). Usually they offer an exchange at a more pleasant rate than a bank. The most unprofitable option for exchanging money is the capital's airport. Large chain stores accept card payments, in addition, in any city in Armenia, you will definitely find an ATM for cashing out funds.
shopping
Tourists who love to bring purchases with an indispensable national flavor from their travels have places to roam in Armenia. Souvenirs and handicrafts are best looked for at Vernissage, an open market. Silver jewelry, folk musical instruments, pottery, stone and wood crafts, handmade carpets - the choice of national attributes here, as in the oriental bazaar from the fairy tales "1000 and one night". It is better to come to Vernissage on weekends, as all tents and stalls are open on these days.
Flea market "Vernissage" in Yerevan 
Ladies should raid cosmetics stores in search of products from the local organic brand Nairian. Cosmetics are not cheap, but how can you resist the promising “natural product” labeling?
Be sure to stock up on local delicacies: cheese, honey, coffee (it is much better here than what is sold in our coffee boutiques), sujukh, chocolates produced by the Grand Candy confectionery factory in Yerevan. And of course, take a bag of spices and at least a bottle of Armenian cognac with you.
If your passion is national jewelry, feel free to look into the jewelry departments. Prices for jewelry in Armenia are quite reasonable. Leather is also well made here, so you can often find decent leather goods in the markets.
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| Armenia |
Country Description
Armenia is one of the most ancient states of Transcaucasia and the first country to adopt Christianity as the state religion. Centuries-old Christian traditions are displayed in numerous monasteries, churches and khachkars (stone sculptures with crosses carved on them), the oldest of which date back to the 4th century AD. No less interesting are the ancient cities of the state, whose age reaches 3000 years, ancient fortresses and, of course, picturesque mountain landscapes abounding in deep gorges, turbulent rivers, waterfalls and lakes, among which is the largest lake in Transcaucasia - Sevan.
Geography
Armenia covers an area of 29.74 thousand square kilometers. It borders on Georgia in the north, Azerbaijan in the east, and Turkey in the west and south. Armenia is a mountainous country located on the Armenian Plateau, the average height of which is about 1800 m above sea level. In the South-West is the intermountain Ararat valley.
Time
An hour ahead of Moscow.
Climate
Continental dry. In the foothills, the average temperature in July is from +24 C to +26 C, in January +5 C, precipitation is 200-400 mm. per year, in mountainous areas the average temperature in July is from +18 C to +20 C, in January from 2 C to +14 C, severe frosts are frequent, precipitation falls up to 500 mm. The country is located in a zone of increased seismic hazard. More than 90% of the territory of Armenia lies at an altitude of over 1000 meters above sea level, which determines the climate of the country. In summer, tropical continental air masses invade from the Iranian Highlands, and in winter the air is very cold. In the Ararat Valley, the average monthly temperature in July is +25 +27 degrees, in January - -5-7. The best time of the year in Armenia is autumn.
Language
Armenian (state), Russian.
Religion
The main part of the believers are Christians (monophysites) of the Armenian Apostolic (Orthodox) Church, as well as the Russian Orthodox Church, Muslims and other faiths.
Population
About 96% of the country's population are Armenians. Also, Russians, Yezidis, Kurds, Assyrians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, Georgians, Greeks and Jews live in Armenia.
Electricity
Voltage - 220 Volts, frequency - 50 Hertz.
Emergency Phones
Fire Department - 101
Police - 102
Ambulance - 103
Connection
On the streets of cities, you can see pay phones that work with coins or phone cards, but you can make an international call only from specialized pay phones installed at public telephone offices, in large shopping centers and banks, as well as from hotels. In order to call from Russia to Armenia, you need to dial 8 - 10 - 374 (country code) - area code - subscriber number. Yerevan code - 1. In order to call from Armenia to Russia, you need to dial 00 - 7 (Russian code) - city code - subscriber number.
Currency exchange
The currency of the country is AMD. Banks work from 9.00 to 16.00 on working days, on Saturday some banks accept clients from 10.00 to 14.00. Currency exchange offices are usually open from 9.00 to 22.00-24.00, often work on weekends and holidays.
Visa
Entry to Armenia for citizens of Russia and the CIS is visa-free. You must have a passport with you, valid for at least 3 months from the date of completion of the planned trip. When traveling with children, you must take a birth certificate, the child must be entered in the parent's passport or have their own passport, if the child is traveling accompanied by one of the parents or third parties, a notarized power of attorney from the second parent or from the parents is required to export the child .
Customs regulations
There are no restrictions for the import and export of foreign currency from the country, only a customs declaration is filled in (must be kept until departure). Any amount over $10,000 (or the equivalent in another currency) must be transferred through a bank. Import and export of local currency is prohibited. It is recommended to declare the imported cash, especially if the equivalent amount exceeds $2000. And this is to avoid possible complications when leaving the country. It is allowed to import personal items, as well as goods and other items, with a total value of the equivalent of 500 US dollars, without paying customs duties. Duty-free importation of alcoholic beverages - up to 2 liters, as well as tobacco products - up to 50 packs is allowed. For all imported goods and items, which total value exceeds the above amounts, customs duty is paid. The import and export of any antiques, including precious stones, coins, manuscripts and other works of art, without the permission of the relevant authorities is prohibited. The transit of narcotic, poisonous and explosive substances, as well as weapons and ammunition is prohibited (with the exception of hunting weapons, for which a permit is issued by the RA Ministry of Internal Affairs).
Holidays and non-working days
January 1st - New Year
January 6 - Christmas
January 28 - Army Day
March 8 - International Women's Day
April 24 - Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Armenian Genocide of 1915
May 1 - Labor Day
May 9 - Victory and Peace Day
May 28 - First Republic Day
July 5 - Constitution Day
September 21 - Independence Day
December 7 - Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the 1988 Earthquake
The holiday of Vardanank (the day of St. Vardan) is celebrated on a wide scale throughout Armenia. Celebrations are held on February 15 in memory of the battle of the Armenian troops with the Persian army on the Avarayr field in 451. Armenians are a religious people with ancient Christian traditions, so the main religious holidays are celebrated in the country.
Transport
The transport network includes railways 830 km long. (90% of them are electrified) and car roads with a total length of 7700 km. A dense network of bus routes connects almost all settlements countries, many flights are operated by private carriers. Many buses do not have a clear schedule and depart as the passenger compartment fills up. Traveling by car requires certain skills and preparation. The roads are in a worn condition. In mountainous regions and in the provinces, they are often simply absent, all transportation is carried out along gravel and gravel roads, which are quite difficult to pass without the help of local residents. Compliance with traffic rules local residents- a separate problem. Often cars move without any sign of organization at all. But pedestrians who cross any road (even relatively good highways of national importance) where and how they please, "do not lag behind" them. Lighting on the streets is poor, and often non-existent. Good quality gasoline can only be found in the capital. In the provinces, they often offer fuel of dubious quality, and often simply of unknown origin, selling it in cans and bottles right from their hands.
Buses are the main type of passenger transport in the country due to the difficult mountainous terrain and difficult relations with neighboring Azerbaijan, which hinder the implementation of a full-fledged railway connection. There are two main bus stations in Yerevan. The main bus station of the city, on Admiral Isakov Avenue, from where buses and fixed-route taxis leave, both in Armenia and abroad: Tbilisi, Istanbul, Akhaltsikhe, Stepanakert, Goris, Meghri, Jermuk, Sisian, Vanadzor, Gyumri, Sevan, Dilijan. There is a subway - 1 line.
The transport network includes 830 km of railways (90% of them are electrified). Passenger traffic is carried out along the line Yerevan - Etchmiadzin - Gyumri - Vanadzor (twice a day). In addition, commuter trains run daily from Yerevan to Yeraskh, Sevan (only in summer). As a rule, trains and electric trains are much slower than buses and fixed-route taxis. In addition, electric trains are in disrepair, extremely worn out and often lack even windows (for example, on the Yerevan-Yeraskh and Yerevan-Gyumri lines).
There is no domestic air service in Armenia. Air transport is much less developed (only 10 local airports and 3 international ones operate), since the size of the country is small, and the mountainous terrain seriously complicates air travel.
Tips
In restaurants, it is customary to leave "for tea" up to 10% of the amount indicated on the bill.
The shops
Shops are open Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:00. Most often, in the markets, tourists are offered goods at inflated prices, so it is better to bargain before buying.
National cuisine
Armenian cuisine is greens (a lot of greens!), cheeses, vegetables, meat and, of course, lavash! Hundreds of types of herbs that any Armenian housewife with rare art uses for cooking are simply considered weeds in the rest of the world. And here, without them, neither an appetizer, nor cheese, nor a meat dish is inconceivable. And at the same time, the recipe is at first glance extremely simple - the products are minimally processed, vegetable oils are practically not used, and, of course, ready meals are accompanied by a huge amount of herbs and seasonings. From time immemorial, they have been eating sour-milk "matsun" and its version diluted with cold water - "tan", all kinds of salted vegetables and herbs, twisted cheese "chechil" and soft cheese "zhazhik" with herbs and green garlic, all kinds of salads using legumes, greens of all types and meat products, plov "plav", as well as a wide variety of seasonings from garlic.
Meat dishes are especially respected - shish kebab from large pieces of meat "khorovats" ("karsi" - cooked on the grill, "khazani" - in a saucepan), shish kebab from beef and fat tail fat "iki-bir", meat balls from beaten in a special way and boiled meat - "kufta", round meatballs in the broth "kokolik", the famous "tolma" and its lean version - "pasuts tolma", the thinnest strips of boiled beef "baskyrtat", a porridge-like mass of chicken meat and wheat "arisa", boiled lamb with peas and greens "bozbash", "putuk", "basturma", fried chicken with eggplant and matsun "borani", meat "sujukh", an absolutely unimaginable assortment of liver and vegetables "tisvzhik", "kchuch" from lamb, "shepherds "," Amich ", various pilafs - with pomegranate ("nrov plav"), with smoked fish ("plav aphtats dzkov") or dried fruits ("chrov plav"), etc. One of the "most Armenian" dishes is fried on a spit Sevan trout "ishkhan khorovats". Also good are "kutan", "fish kchuch" and "ishkhan in wine". Preliminary preparation of meat is complex and multi-stage, so all Armenian meat dishes have a completely unique taste.
An important place on the table is occupied by soups - beef tail stew "poch", matsyun soup "spas", the famous soup "khash", beef soup with dried apricots "yayni", chicken soup "tarkhana", rice soup with onions "chulumbur apur ", mushroom soup with rice "sunki apur", dried apricot soup "anushapur", cereal soups "vospnapur" and "khrchik", fruit soups "anushapur", "chirapur", etc. Boiled meat, greens and indispensable pita.
Local sweets and confectionery are good - a traditional wide flatbread made of puff pastry stuffed with "gata" (kyata), "nazuk", "yugatert", cookies "nshablit", "bagarj", "shpot", "sharots", candied apricots " shalakh", dried apricots and figs, homemade halva, peaches stuffed with various nuts, sweet "sujukh", numerous types of cookies with nuts and fruit jams, pies and various jams.
The country's national drink is cognac. Since ancient times, Armenians have been able to make good wine, but nowadays its production has been significantly reduced, and it is mainly used only within the country. But the Armenian mulberry vodka, which is produced both industrially and artisanally (in almost every yard), is considered a healing drink, which also has a great taste. Of the non-alcoholic drinks, without a doubt, the most famous is "tarragon" (not at all what you can buy in a plastic bottle). Also very popular are excellent mineral water countries and fruit juices. Coffee and tea - on every corner and excellent quality.
Attractions
Yerevan located in the middle reaches of the Hrazdan River, at altitudes from 850 to 1300 m. in the heart of the Ararat plain. Ancient Erebuni is mentioned in chronicles as early as the 8th century. BC e., and then, for many centuries, it was a major center of Eastern Armenia and one of the key shopping centers Transcaucasia. After the collapse of the USSR, Yerevan became the capital of independent Armenia. The center of the city is the Republic Square (it houses the Museum Complex, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a number of other buildings) and Mashtots Avenue, which goes from the Matenadaran to the city market. The radial layout of the center makes it easy to navigate in this small area full of attractions, bounded by a ring of boulevards. Numerous squares are interesting in the city center (primarily the Opera Square with the Conservatory), the Yerevan Fortress (XVI century), the famous Institute-repository of ancient Armenian manuscripts - Matenadaran (more than 16 thousand manuscripts of the 5th-10th centuries) with a monument to Mesrop Mashtots in front of the facade, the memorial complex Sardarapat (1968), the monument to the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide Tsitsernakaberd with the Genocide Museum (1995), etc. There are a huge number of churches in the city - St. Katoghike (XV century), St. Sargis (1835-1842). ), St. Hovhannes-Mkrtich (1710), St. Akop (XVII century), St. Astvatsatsin (XVII century), St. Gevork (XVI-XVII centuries), St. Zoravor (1693, one of the oldest churches in Yerevan), the huge Yerevan Cathedral (built to celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the adoption of Christianity), a mosque (XVIII century), etc. 
30 km. northwest of the capital lies the city Ashtarak, which houses the Karmravor Church (VII century). And nearby, on the southern slope of Mount Aragats, rises the Amberd fortress (X-XIII centuries), the former family property of the Pahlavuni princes and one of the few surviving castles in the country. Interesting churches Karmravor, Tsiranavor, St. Marina (1281) and St. Sarkis, Surb Mesrop Mashtots in Oshakan (here lie the relics of the creator of the national alphabet Mesrop Mashtots and Prince Vahan Amatuni), as well as the monasteries of Khor Virap (one of the shrines of the Armenian Church), Hovhannavank and Saghmosavank (V-XIII centuries). The extinct volcano Aragats itself is delightfully good - the most high point Transcaucasia.
On the left bank of the Araks is the first capital of Armenia and ancient city country - Armavir, founded as a fortress in the 8th century. BC e. At the confluence of the Metsamor River in the Araks lies the second capital of the country - Artashat, "Armenian Carthage", founded in the II century. BC e. Nearby is the medieval capital of the country - Dvin, who performed the functions of the capital from the 4th to the 13th centuries. Almost completely destroyed by the conquerors and merciless time, these ancient cities are gradually opening up to the world thanks to the efforts of archaeologists - here you can see the excavations of citadels, palaces, estates and individual houses that have seen the birth of civilization.
Gyumri(former Leninakan) - the capital of Shirak Ashkhar and one of the oldest cities in Armenia (known from the 2nd century BC), located 126 km. northwest of the capital of Armenia, on the Shirak mountain plateau. The city is known as a center of traditional crafts, Armenian architecture, science, healthcare and tourism. A terrible earthquake in 1988 almost destroyed the city, wiping its many sights off the face of the Earth. At present, the city is almost completely rebuilt.
AT Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) more than 1700 historical and architectural monuments have been recorded, including about 600 monastic complexes and more than 500 churches, such as the church of Hovhannes Mkrtich in the Gandzasar monastery complex (1216-1238), the cathedral church of the Dadi monastery (1214), the main church of Gtchavank (1241-1248), the cathedral church of Hadavank (1204) and the unique temple frescoes of Khutavank. It is worth seeing the ruins of the palace of Khachen (XIII century) north of Hokhanaberd, the Avaptuk monastery (1163) 5 km away. south of Gandzasar, the Vachara cemetery with a church made of hewn basalt stones, the Mamakan church in Tsmakahogh, the Kachaghakaberd fortress (IX century), the famous monastery of Surb Hakoba (presumably the VI century), the monastic complex of Koshik Anapat (XII-XIII centuries), etc.
Resorts
Resorts Hankavan, Arevik, Arzni, Vanadzor, Jermuk, Dilijan, Tsaghkadzor and others are famous throughout the Transcaucasus for their beautiful landscapes, mineral springs and healing mountain air. Only 10 km. to the north of the capital lies the famous balneological resort Arzni, famous for its carbonic hydrocarbonate-chloride sodium mineral waters.
40 km north of Yerevan, in the picturesque valley of the Marmarik River, at an altitude of more than 1700 m above sea level, lies the once famous mountain resort Tsaghkadzor(1900-2100 m). There are about 12 km ski slopes, several lifts, a large sports complex, several swimming pools (including a 50-meter indoor one), an athletics stadium, a stable, a sauna and many other sports facilities, as well as bars, restaurants and cafes with Armenian and European cuisine and original folklore programs. Nearby is the monastery complex Kecharis (XII-XIII centuries).
Many have heard the following phrase: “Armenia is a museum under open sky". And it's hard to disagree with this. This is true, since it is in Armenia that there are architectural and historical monuments of various eras, ranging from the primitive communal system to the present. Of course, to tell about all the monuments is a truly impossible task.
The most interesting and striking sights of Armenia
A trip to Armenia is called a trip to the origins. The main attractions of Armenia are located in its capital, Yerevan, where you can see a huge number of the oldest Armenian churches. It is no secret that Yerevan, one of the oldest cities in the world, is a city that has preserved a huge number of interesting architectural monuments. Of particular interest are the temple of Zvartnots, the Institute of Ancient Manuscripts - Matenadaran named after. Mesrop Mashtots. Yerevan is also famous for its chic botanical garden and zoo, the ruins of a Roman fortress, the Turkish fort of the 16th century and the mosque of the 18th century. Hundreds of tourists tend to visit the churches of Zoravar (XVII-XVIII centuries) and Katoghike (XIII century) and, of course, various museums (there are more than fifteen of them in Yerevan).
One of the most beautiful cities in Armenia is Etchmiadzin - the "heart of Armenia", the center of the Armenian Gregorian Church.
Garni is an ancient Armenian settlement and fortress. Here is the temple of the sun god Mitra (I century). Approximately 7 kilometers from this place you can see the famous rock monastery Geghard (XII-XIII centuries). Ayrivank is a cave monastery founded in the 4th century in the gorge of the river. Garni. Inside the fence is the cross-domed church of St. Astvatsatsin (1215).
Thirty kilometers from Yerevan is the city of Ashtarak. Here you can visit such sights of Armenia as the Amberd fortress (X-XIII centuries) and the extinct volcano Aragats.
Particularly beautiful are the sights that are located in the southeast of Armenia, Vayots Dzor and Zangezur. There are many valleys and plateaus, narrow gorges, turbulent rivers, alpine pastures, small lakes and colorful settlements.
Alpine rivers and lakes, dizzying canyons, majestic rocks, ancient castles, churches and many other sights of Armenia keep thousands and thousands of mysteries and stories. To visit those places where the greatest civilizations once flourished, where cruel and bloody battles took place, where important world historical events took place - this is the dream of a modern traveler.
There is nowhere in the world such beautiful mountains, such ancient history, such divine cognac and such thin bread as in Armenia. “The most delicious meat is on the bones, the best earth is on the stones,” this is how the Armenians say about their country, and they say it right.
