Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, one of the most ancient cities in the world is located in the North-Western part of Ararat Valley, which is widespread in the central part of Armenian Plateau.
On a clear day you can see both the Biblical Mount Ararat (5165 meters) where according to Old Testament Noah’s Ark came to rest and Mount Aragats (4090 meters), the highest Mountain in Armenia.
The landscape of Yerevan is very different, variations of the altitudes reaches 500 meters. River Hrazdan passes through the city in a picturesque gorge.
Many scientists say that the name of Yerevan, which is as old as Rome, Carthage or Nineveh, comes from the name of ancient city-fortress Erebuni, which was built by Argishti I, the king of Urartu in the first quarter of VIII century BC.
In spite of the impressive age of Yerevan, the central part of the city is situated from buildings, which were built in the 20th century (1920-1970); many precious architectural buildings were ruined as a result of planned development in the Soviet times. Yet present-day Yerevan has many modern buildings and constructions which are worth visiting even for the most versed tourists.
Garni Pagan Temple dates back to the first century A.D. and is dedicated to God Mithras. The Armenian kings had built their summer residence close to the temple. The temple was completely destroyed during the earthquake in 17th century and was reconstructed in 1970s. Today Garni Temple is the only remaining pagan temple in Armenia. The temple stands atop the spectacular Azat River Gorge.
Geghard Monastery is included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. This unique Monastery is carved out of rock; many of its structures are in caves. The name Geghard means “Spear” in Armenian and comes from the spear that pierced the body of Christ during Crucifixion. The relic was kept in the Monastery for centuries and now it is displayed in the Echmiatsin Treasury.