Armenia isn’t on the radar of many people when it comes to planning a trip abroad – but perhaps it should be. A year prior to my visit, I belonged in this group, unaware of what it offered. Then one day, I began a ‘research every country in the world as a potential travel destination’ project. Armenia was naturally one of the first I came to!
What I discovered was a nation steeped in cultural heritage and natural splendour, located in a region I’d never even set foot. Somewhere exuding a degree of edginess while being generally safe, off the tourist trail but not overly difficult to reach.
In total, I spent 5 days in Armenia, using Yerevan as a base. In the adventures that followed, my preconceptions were delightfully superseded by reality. It was unlike anywhere I had travelled previously – not quite Europe, not really Asia; not even of the current time in some respects. It may have been a bit rough around the edges, but what a joy to uncover!
Ruins of the 7th-century Zvartnots CathedralReligious relic inside the Treasury of Etchmiadzin CathedralImposing entrance to the Etchmiadzin Cathedral ComplexStreet mannequin showcasing traditional Armenian attire with a turtleneck twistModern art in YerevanThe iconic Armenian view of Khor Virap Monastery and Mount Ararat in the background (though Ararat is actually in Turkey)13th-century Noravank monasteryRoad through the Amaghu GorgeSurb Astvatsatsin Church of NoravankKhorovatz (Pork BBQ with Potatoes) at Tatni Restaurant in southern ArmeniaWings of Tatev - Guinness World Record holder as 'the world's longest non-stop reversible aerial tramway'Tatev MonasteryAn Armenian Apostolic service inside Saint Gregory the Illuminator CathedralOffshoot of Saint Gregory the Illuminator CathedralThe stark but imposing Armenian Genocide MemorialFlowers encircling the eternal flame of the Armenian Genocide MemorialSnow falls through the open roof of Saghmosavank MonasteryArmenian Alphabet Monument, an hour north of YerevanMatenadaran, YerevanAn antique of Soviet times - the Yerevan CascadeTemple of GarniMonastery candlesPraying woman inside Geghard MonasteryAn old lady tends a market stall outside Geghard MonasteryBusking trio outside Geghard MonasteryThe medieval Jamatun chamber inside Geghard MonasteryLake Sevan, frozen overSevanavank Monastery with the frozen Lake Sevan behind
