Armenia - acknowledged as one of the cradles of civilization - is a
beautiful country with a sophisticated people and a long and cultured
history. As a result, Armenia is an intriguing tourist destination.
Numerous monuments and masterpieces of the Ancient era and Middle Ages
can be found throughout the country. Tourism in Armenia is rooted in the
country's historical landmarks and natural attractions such as the water
resorts of Lake Sevan,the hot springs of Arzni and Jermuk, the forests
of Dilijan, Aghveran, Tsaghkadzor, Bjurakan and Gugark, and the
mountainous natural caves and cliffs of the Southeast region. The 5165
meter Mount Ararat, geographically located in Turkey, is a national
symbol of Armenia and is visible from much of the Southwest region.
The majestic peaks of Mount Ararat provide a stunning backdrop to
Yerevan. The monastery of Khor-Virab and the ruins of the ancient city
of Dvin (dating back to the second century BC) are located in the
mid-distance Aerial view of Yerevan, capital of Armenia Statue of
Komitas, one of Armenia's most loved composers, outside the Komitas
Conservatory. Apart from writing many original composition, Komitas
traveled the country noting down folk songs for posterity Yerevan, which
is nestled in the shadow of the snow-capped heights of the majestic
mount Ararat, where the Biblical Noah's Ark first landed escaping the
Great Flood, is the capital city of Armenia. With a population numbering
over 1.2 million, Yerevan is a bustling city. The central plaza,
Republic Square, is designed in the Armenian national style and houses
the Government House, the Cabinet and other governmental offices as well
as the Erebuni and Armenia hotels.
Also situated on Republic Square are the Armenian History Museum and
the Art Gallery of Armenia. Here, one finds informative and interesting
models and artifacts of ancient Urartu and Armenia. In the Art Gallery
one finds a worthy section on Armenian art from the seventh century AD.
Amongst the many other museums in the capital city, the two most
interesting house museums are those of landscape artist Martiros Saryan
(1880-1972) and twentieth century composer Aram Khatchaturyan.
Yerevan, the ancient capital of Armenia, extends you a warm and
friendly welcome. It is one of the oldest cities in the world. The
earliest recorded settlement there dates back to 782 BC. King Argishty I
founded a fortress city in the north-eastern part of present-day
Yerevan, with the following cuneiform inscription, "With the majesty of
God Khald, Argishty, son of Menua, built up this inaccessible castle and
named it Erebuni..." You can still see relics from this part of our
history at the Erebuni Museum in Yerevan.
As you explore the many interesting sights in Yerevan, you will learn
about the culture and history of one of the world's oldest nations.
Reproduced with permission from the Embassy of the Republic of
Armenia, Washington D.C.
CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION
