 CULTURAL HERITAGE
You can gain further insights into Armenian cultural achievements at
museums, theaters and concert halls. Theater in Armenia has a
tradition dating back more than 2,000 years. You can attend a wide
choice of performances ranging from concerts to puppet theater and
jazz music.
At the top of Mesrop Mashtots Avenue, the main artery of the capital
city Yerevan, you will find the Matenadaran - the Institute of Ancient
Manuscripts. Matenadaran boasts the world's largest collection of
ancient manuscripts (over 16,000). The collection includes many
valuable works of foreign philosophers, some of which have survived
only in their Armenian translation.
Among these are works by
Aristotle, Eusebius of Caesarea and many others. Art aficionados can
visit the National Art Gallery displaying its rich collections of
works by European and Russian artists. This impressive building
located in the Republic Square is also home to the largest national
collection of paintings by famous Armenian artists such as Ayvazovsky
and Sarian. The spirit of creativity is fostered and promoted in
Armenians from the young age. Hence, the Children's Art Gallery, which
was the first permanent exhibition of its sort in the world. It is
conveniently located at 13 Abovian street, one of the better preserved
streets of old Yerevan.
The Alexander Spendiarian Opera and Ballet Theater, one of the
principal features of Freedom Square, the design of which is based on
the seventh century Cathedral at Zvarnotz consists of a splendid
concert hall in addition to the opera house The homes of many famous
Armenian writes, poets, and artists are now open to tourists. Their
hours of operation vary, so please phone in advance.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll around Yerevan and take in its unique
architectural vistas. Yerevan's architectural character stands out in
that of the most of the buildings are constructed of various colors of
tufa and basalt, both of them products of volcanic nature. This makes
Yerevan one of the few cities with no painted buildings.
The city is enshrined with many internationally acclaimed statues by
famous sculptors, such Yervand Kochar, Levon Tokmadjian. Most of the
statues depict Armenian national heroes or glorify events of national
importance. It is advisable to check out the following:
Sasuntsi Davit, the symbol of collective Armenian character Vardan
Mamikonian, hero of the battle of Avarayr fought in 451 AD eighteenth
century bard, Sayat Nova Khachatour Abovian, renowned for
revolutionizing modern Armenian language and climbing Mount Ararat in
search of Noah's Ark.
Outstanding Armenian poets, Hovhannes Toumanian and Avetik Issahakian
artist Martiros Sarian, famous for his vivid colors and unique
interpretation of Armenian landscapes.
In the evening you can relax at the Parisian style cafes of the city
or stroll by the singing fountains of the Republic Square.
Bee keeper's hut set in the idyllic countryside around Dilijan in
Northern Armenia Armenia is often referred to as a museum in the open
air. There are about 40,000 historical monuments spread across
Armenia.
In 301 AD, Armenians were the first nation to make Christianity their
state religion. As a result, much of Armenian cultural heritage is
shaped by symbols and values associated with the Christian faith.
Many of the 40,000 surviving ancient monuments in Armenia are
Christian churches and monasteries, most of which were built over
demolished pagan temples. Hence, only one pagan temple remains in
Armenia, Garni.
In building their churches, Armenians made a significant contribution
to the world's architectural tradition. They developed the concept of
laying out the floor plan of a church in the shape of a cross. This
early Christian basilica style was later incorporated into the Gothic
architecture of European cathedrals.
Armenian khatchkars are a unique part of the national heritage.
Intricately decorated crosses are carved on monolithic rocks. There
are over 4,000 khatchkars in Armenia, and every one of them has a
singular pattern.
Etchmiadzin is the religious center of Armenia. It is the Holy Seat of
the Armenian Apostolic Church. Its Cathedral was built in 301 AD on a
site of a former pagan temple.
The mountainous terrain of Armenia is rich in mineral water sources,
renowned for their healing powers. Although Armenian mineral water
from such sources as Jermouk, Arzni, Bejni, Hankavan, and Dilijan is
bottled and widely available throughout the country, it is advisable
to make the most of their healing powers by visiting the sources
themselves, all of them being picturesque and popular resorts.
For instance, Dilijan, with its rolling hills and lush forests is
ideal for hiking, back-packing and camping. Its beauty has inspired
many famous composers and musicians. such as Benjamin Britten, Aram
Khachaturian, Dimitri Shostakovich, Mstislav Rostropovich, and many
others who stayed here at a vacation resort for musicians.
Reproduced with permission from the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia, Washington D.C.
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ARMENIAN CULTURE
 Armenia and Armenians
Armenian Dance
Cradle of Civilization
Cultural Heritage
Musical Instruments
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