
Discover Armenia’s 15 Best Kept Secrets
Armenia is a small country that doesn’t find itself on the list of popular tourist destinations. But for tourists who like to explore nature, learn about history, drink and eat delicious food, Armenia is the right choice. It’s a rustic ancient land with amazing countryside where people take great pride in their traditions, culture, religion and cuisine.
Armenia is getting more attention since Kim Kardashian’s recent visit. She came to visit her ancestral homeland and pay respect to the Armenian genocide.
There are many popular places to visit in Armenia, but as always, there are some hidden beauties not many people know about.
Follow us through this wonderful journey and discover the 15 best-kept secrets in Armenia.
1 – Karahunge

This place is also called the Armenian Stonehenge. [source]

The holes were drilled on most of the stones and pointed out to different stars. [source]
2 – The Gök (Blue) Mosque

The name came from the blue tiles on the mosque. [source]

The mosque is hidden by apartment buildings surrounding it. [source]
3 – Areni-1 Cave Complex

This cave complex is an important archeological site. [source]

The oldest shoe ever found was discovered in Areni Cave. [source]
4 – Alphabet monument

The monument is dedicated to the Armenian alphabet. [source]
5 – Garni Gorge

Cliff walls of Garni Gorge. [source]

Climbers enjoy this natural wonder. [source]
6 – Umbrella waterfalls

This waterfall looks just like an umbrella. [source]
7 – Armenian illuminated manuscripts

An example of Armenian manuscript. [source]

Matenadaran building is where the manuscripts are held. [source]
8 – Vernissage Flea Market

This diverse market offers many traditional carpets. [source]

A part of the market with spices. [source]
9 – Wine Republic

You can choose what to drink from the shelves.

Try some of the best dessert wines here. [source]
10 – Crystals of Refrain

The stones are a part of an art installation. [source]

Different stories are carved on the stones. [source]
11 – Lovers park

This park is a calm and quiet place in Yerevan. [source]

The statue was made by Jean-Michele Othoniel. [source]
12 – Jean-Paul existential café

If you want to have an intelligent conversation and enjoy good wine, this is the place to visit. [source]

In this cafe you can see different art exhibitions. [source]
13 – Levon’s Devine Underground

All the caves were made using just hand tools. [source]

There are several underground rooms. [source]
14 – Sergei Paradjanov museum

Some of the art made by Sergei Paradjanov during his imprisonment. [source]

A recreated room of his flat. [source]
15 – Wines and Cognac

Karasi wine is one of the finest Armenian wines. [source]

Ararat cognac is something you should definitely try when visiting Armenia. [source]
The most popular tourist destinations in Armenia
If you decide to visit Armenia, these are the places you should definitely see as well, as suggested on WaveUpTravel.
1 – Khor Virap Monastery
Near Mount Ararat, is one of the most popular destinations in Armenia. This is the place where Centuries back St. Gregory the Illuminator, the Baptist of Armenia, was imprisoned for 13 years. He restored sanity to King Tiridates III which caused both the king and the entire country to convert to Christianity, making Armenia the first country in the world to be declared a Christian nation. You can see the church and the pit where Gregory was imprisoned and witness many cultural events, performances, weddings.

This monastery plays an important part in Armenian history. [source]

In this church is a pit where Gregory the Illuminator was held for 13 years. [source]
2 – Tatev monastery
Dates back to 9th-century and it is fortified among Armenian cliffs. It was built on an ancient pagan worship site and later turned into the most important Armenian medieval university that played the notable role in preserving Armenia’s culture. Apart from centuries-old structures you can also see a pear tree planted in the churchyard around 110 years ago. To get there, you can enjoy the unique beautiful landscape riding in the world’s longest cable car.

Take the world’s longest cable car ride to see this monastery. [source]

Ceiling in Tatev monastery. [source]
3 – The complex of Geghard monastery
The monastery founded in the 4th century and was carved into the side of the mountain. This complex has significant historical and cultural value and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside the complex, you can see many small caves, chapels, carvings and enjoy in the peace and tranquillity of a beautiful rocky mountain landscape.

One part of the complex was carved into the mountain. [source]

Inside of the church. [source]

Columns and ceiling of the Geghard monastery. [source]

Jamatun was the first rock-cut chamber in Geghard complex. [source]
4 – Temple of Garni
Garni was a pagan temple dedicated to the sun goddess Mithra. It was built in a classical Hellenistic style, and it resembles the Greek Parthenon. The entire temple is a reflection of sacred geometry with symbolic meanings behind its structure. The altar, the ornaments, the stairs and columns were made according to geometrical laws. You can see famous Roman Baths with mosaic floor and witness the amazing natural setting of this ancient temple.

Garni temple looks just like the Parthenon in Greece. [source]

It was designed to follow the rules of geometry. [source]
5 – Lake Sevan
Sevan is the largest lake in Armenia and one of the largest freshwater mountain lakes in the world. The name Sevan actually means black. There is a medieval monastery located in what used to be an island, and now is a part of Sevan peninsula. The area includes many beaches, campgrounds and picnic areas where you can go skiing, windsurfing, and sailing.

This huge lake is a perfect place for camping. [source]
Daily Newsletter
Subscribe to Jebiga for a dose of the best in gear, design, rides, tech and adventure.