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Top things to do in Armenia
See the historical and spiritual heart of Armenia, explore the Temple of Garni and view Zvartnots Cathedral. To continue the sacred journey, visit Geghard monastery and observe a unique prayer procedure. Mount Aragats awaits, perfect for eager climbers or simply those who appreciate a stunning mountainous view.
Here are the top things to do on an Albania holiday, as chosen by our Europe specialists.
Visit Geghard monastery
An Unesco world heritage-listed building, the Geghard monastery was founded in the fourth century in a steep canyon and contains a number of churches and tombs, many of which are cut into the rock. Surrounding trees are dotted with strips of cloth in the belief that saying a prayer and tying cloth to a tree near to the monastery will make sure it is answered.
Explore the Temple of Garni
The site of this Hellenic temple, built in the first century and dedicated to Mithra, the Roman god of the sun, includes a Roman bathhouse with intricate mosaics and a seventh-century church.
Admire the view of Mount Aragats
On a clear day, the views of this volcanic summit are beautiful from the countryside below. The peaks of the surrounding mountain range are usually snow-covered all year round. You can even climb to the crater at the top. Mid-summer (July to September) is best for this as there is permanent snow cover at the top.
See the spiritual heart of Armenia
The town of Echmiadzin, just west of Yerevan, is seen by Armenians as the spiritual centre of their country and the main focus of any visit is the Echmiadzin cathedral. Listed as a Unesco world heritage site, the cathedral is the oldest in Armenia and features a vaulted basilica dating back to the fourth century.
View Zvartnots Cathedral
Located 10km west of Yerevan, the outstanding feature of Zvartnots is the cathedral, which was constructed in 652AD and buried by an earthquake about three hundred years later. It was only rediscovered in the early part of the 20th century. Built by Catholicos Nerses III, the cathedral is dedicated to St George and is formed in the shape of a Greek cross. In 2000, the cathedral was listed as a Unesco world heritage site.
