Armenia, adorned with monasteries and cross-stones across its landscape, elevates the aesthetics of Christian architecture to heights that are difficult to rival. Three months after returning from the South Caucasus, looking at photos of Armenia still stirs my heart, much like falling in love with Shanxi in August; I fell in love with Armenia.
This piece focuses on Yerevan, exploring the natural and architectural landscapes of the south in a two-day trip. The route and transportation guide are as follows:
Day 1: Deep Pit Monastery ➠ New Monastery ➠ Areni ➠ Winery ➠ Deep Pit Monastery; Joining a day tour operated by the Yerevan street travel agency is convenient and time-saving, recommended hyurservice.
Day 2: Lake Sevan, take a minibus near the Yeritasardakan metro station in Yerevan to Sevan town, 500 drams, taxi to Sevan Lake about 700 drams.
Virap Monastery:
In Armenian, Virap means a deep dungeon, where it is said that Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for preaching in Armenia. The dungeon is located next to the southeast corner of the church altar, and it is still possible to descend along the iron ladder. According to legend, after Saint Gregory was imprisoned, the king was cursed and turned into a pig. After being healed by Saint Gregory, the king converted to Christianity, marking Armenia as the world’s first Christian country. The relief on the east wall of the main cathedral tells the story of the king’s healing. The monastery, with the backdrop of Mount Ararat, is also breathtaking.
Noravank Monastery:
The most beautiful Christian architecture in Armenia, built in 1205. What we see today has been carefully restored. The beautifully shaped cross-stones are stunning. The second floor of the main cathedral is a cemetery, speculated by historians to be an early Christian burial tower. The main entrance is carved with a statue of Jesus, with Saint Peter and Saint Paul on the sides. The view under the setting sun is particularly captivating. Not far away is the Areni Cave No. 1, the discovery site of the world’s oldest leather shoes (about 5000 years old) and the oldest winemaking facility.
Tatev Monastery:
Also known as the Cliff Monastery, it can only be reached by taking the longest cable car in the world, the Wings of Tatev. Built in the 9th century, the monastery, standing on the edge of a cliff overlooking a deep abyss, is truly awe-inspiring.
Lake Sevan:
Four seasons, four landscapes. The blue color of Lake Sevan changes with the seasons, and the view from the nearby mountain top is breathtaking. The monastery hosts weddings daily. The nearby Noratus is one of the world’s largest public cemeteries with over 900 cross-stone tombstones, all facing west, creating a stunning sight under the setting sun. Chartering a car costs about 8000 drams.
