The ruin of the Amberd Fortress is 2300 m above sea level; it is a symbolic monument perched on top of a stony setting and at the foot of Mount Aragats. Just next to the Vahramashen church (11th century) is another architectural and scenic gem.

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Amberd

Aparan, a small town that is as severe as it is picturesque, lies at the foot of Mount Aragats, Armenia's roof. A small town in the high plateaus, buffeted by the winds, dry and freezing in winter, it is an ideal point of departure for climbing Aragats.

Aparan

The symbol of a country which recalls the riches of its history and the bitterness of its defeats.

Mount Ararat

Areni's excellent red wines  are produced in a small village in the south west of the country on the border with Azerbaijan

Areni

Etchmiadzin Cathedral is one of the most important Armenian cultural and religious sites. Many also consider it to be the oldest cathedral in the world.

Etchmiadzin Cathedral

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Etchmiadzin is one place that won't leave anyone indifferent. As you wander around the complex here, which consists of monasteries, chapels and various other holy places, you often encounter the unexpected. When I visited, for example, I came across a group of young people from the seminary practising a polyphonic mass. I also found myself in the middle of a baptism at one point, and my presence didn't seem to bother anyone. What tends to surprise the foreign visitor is that Etchmiadzin Cathedral is actually a living place, in daily use by the local community. Couples go for walks in the grounds; students come to work in the shade of the trees; and families meet up here for special occasions. In short, I came to see a building classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ended up observing all kinds of scenes of daily life, each just as real and authentic as the next. Recounting these anecdotes is not to ignore the beauty of the cathedral itself however: the building is replete with architectural details characteristic of Armenian religious architecture and dating from various periods. As you've no doubt already gathered, Etchmiadzin is quite definitely one of the essential places to visit during your <a href="/armenia/">trip to Armenia</a>.

The Armenian Apostolic Church is a branch of the Eastern Orthodox Church. The Saint Etchmiadzin Cathedral is its most important site. It takes up a large part of the town and is open to visitors. Architecture fans will love it. Women should remember to cover their hair before entering the church. If you have the time, the monastery museum is well worth a visit and you'll learn a lot about the country's religious culture. I met a group of young people who offered to give me a guided tour of the town. The Armenians, whatever their age, are proud of their culture and happy to share it with foreigners. Suffice to say I had a great time in their company. I took the time to explore the entire monastery complex, which was not only refreshing but also gave me the chance to learn about a new religious culture. To round off your day, I suggest you head to the market and sample some local specialities. 'Kufle', a delicious meatball dish, is an Etchmiadzin favourite that you should try!

Etchmiadzin is a small town at 25 minutes (by mini bus) from Erevan Considered to be Armenia's 'Vatican', it's the seat of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

There was no way you could be anything but impressed by the beauty and history of Etchmiadzine Cathedral, whch we were looking at. It was originally built in the 3rd century C.E. and then rebuilt in the 4th century as the church you can see today which makes it quite simply the oldest cathedral in the world. It has been destroyed and restored over the centuries until being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000. Etchmiadzine Cathedral is an absolute must-see during a <a href="/armenia/">trip to Armenia</a>. First because of its architectural beauty, but also because of how important it is in Armenian culture, especially their religious culture. I remember a large, excited crowd arriving on pilgrimage at this very holy place.

Etchmiadzine Catherdral is at the heart of the country's religious life. It is the equivalent of the Vatican to the Armenian church, and one of the oldest cathedrals in the world.

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A week away in Armenia&nbsp;is the perfect opportunity to get out of your comfort zone while enjoying the incredible sites that this stunning destination has to offer. Take a walking tour and enjoy the rustic scenery as you explore monasteries, lakes and castles, or stay in the city to see incredible museums and galleries as well as soaking up the local culture. Your itinerary will be filled with amazing sights and sounds as you explore, meeting welcoming people as you go and experiencing <a data-destination-id="50" data-internal-link="destination">the best of Armenia</a>. <h3>Best things to see and do for one week in Armenia</h3><h4>What to see in one week</h4>Armenia is the perfect destination for history lovers, with so many fascinating sites, ranging from prehistoric to more modern times. Above all, Armenia is known for its incredible monasteries and other religious sites and these should certainly be on your list of things to see during a one week tour of Armenia. Start at Lake Sevan, where you can enjoy sandy beaches and countless outdoor activities before visiting the beautiful monastery that has stood here for centuries. Next, visit <a data-place-id="14467" data-internal-link="place">Geghard</a>, a monastery which is set into a canyon, with part of the structure being carved out of the rock face. Tatev Monastery is another must see site and will make for an incredibly picturesque visit as it is built at the very top of a cliff. Explore the three churches and the rest of the complex before enjoying a truly breathtaking view. Armenia’s incredibly array of historical sites is so large that a one week tour would not be enough time to appreciate the scale of the rich history that has unfolded here, were it not for the History Museum of Armenia, which is a fantastic option for those without a lot of time. Whilst its no match for exploring the sites themselves, it is a fantastic, interesting and interactive way to learn about the incredible events that have taken place here over the years. <h4>What to do in one week</h4>Visiting Armenia is an experience as unique as the things you will find here. Take a day trip to sites such as The Temple Of Garni, a 1st century classical Greek design which still stands today. Imagine life in the 1st Century as you wander around this feat of human engineering and marvel at its incredibly and beautiful structure. For active visitors, travel to Mount Aragats, a volcano with no less that four peaks as well as a stunning medieval fortress to reward those who decide to hike to the summit. Not only will you get to explore this fortress, you will also be greeted with some truly stunning views out over the rural countryside. A city tour is another must on any one week Armenia tour and with so many interesting things to do in such a small area, ts by far the best way to make the most out of your week here. Visit Yerevan, Armenia’s capital, to enjoy galleries, museums, restaurants and bars as well as visits to Victory Park, Republic Square, The Blue Mosque and many more incredible locations. <h3>Best time to travel to Armenia for a week</h3><a data-document-id="4657" data-internal-link="article">Whenever you visit Armenia</a> for your one week tour, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time, with each season offering a unique reason for visiting. Plan your trip to Armenia&nbsp;during the peak season (May to August) and you’ll be able to enjoy warm, sunny weather, the international film festival in July as well as an extreme sports festival on Lake Sevan in August. Visiting during these months also means, however, that you’ll be met with more crowds and less availability for accommodation and activities. During the winter, Armenia becomes fairly cold and snowy, meaning that winter sports are possible in places such as the ski resort at Tsakhkadzor and the cities, while cold, are even more beautiful under a layer of snow. Winter trips are also often a little cheaper, with less demand for accommodation and therefore, more choice on offer.

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Etchmiadzin Cathedral Holidays

Etchmiadzin Cathedral: How to get there?

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