Republic of Armenia

Republic of Armenia Flag

Why visit Armenia?

Best known for archaeological sites, architecture, art, caves, churches, hiking, historical sites, mountains, monasteries, paragliding, religious sites, rock climbing, skiing and zip-lining.

Yerevan, Armenia. Photo Credit: Makalu/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Art, ceramics, enamel boxes, fine lace, gold items, hand-carved stone/wood, hand-knotted wool carpets, jewelry, nesting dolls, rugs, stone objects and watches. 
• Local Cuisine to Try: Bozbash (stew). Cold Cucumber Soup. Dolma (wrapped meat). Lamb Stew. Lavash (flabread). Meat Kebabs. Yogurt Soup. 
• Local Drink to Try: Armenian Coffee. Kefir (fermented milk). Pomegranate Juice. Tahn (yogurt). Tarkhun (tarragon flavored soda).

Vahramashen Church, Amberd, Armenia. Photo Credit: Makalu/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• In 4000BC, during the Bronze Age (3000BC-1200BC) elements of civilization have been found to include a shoe, skirt and wine makings. 
  
• In 301AD, the first country to declare Christianity.
• In 405AD, their own distinctive alphabet was created.
  
• In 1045, invaded by the Seljuk Turks.
• In 1925, their first silent black-and-white film debuted, Namus.
  
• In 1952, brought home their first Olympic (Helsinki) medals (two golds and two silvers) in gymnastics with Hrant Shahinyan 
• In 1992, became a United Nations Member.
  
• Home to the world's oldest national church, Armenian Apostolic Church. 
  
• Stone crosses (khachkars) is found throughout the country.
  
• Mount Ararat (in Turkey) is visible.
  
• Lake Sevan, is the second largest lake in the world.
  
• Security ties with Russia as a deterrent against Turkey.
  
• Achieves international recognition competitively in chess, weightlifting and wrestling.
• Grows over 100 varieties of grapes.
  
• Proud producers of brandy and wine. Brandy rates one of the best in world for quality and taste.

Lake Sevan, Armenia. Photo Credit: Makalu/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: Armenian Footballer of the Year (January), One Nation One Culture Festival (March), Yerevan Jazz Day (April), Dolma Festival (May), Yerevan Wine Days (May), Syunik Mulberry Festival (July), Vardavar Festival (July), Yerevan Color Run (July), Extreme Sports Festival (August), Sevan International Music Festival (August), Taraz Festival (August), High Fest International Theater Festival (October), Gata Fest (September), International Balloon Festival (September), Yerevan Tea & Coffee Festival (October), ReAnimania International Animation Film & Comics Art Festival of Yerevan (October) and Yerevan International Film Festival (November).
• Holidays: Christmas Day (January), Army Day (January), Genocide Remembrance Day (April), May Day (May), Victory & Peace Day (May), Republic Day (May), Constitution Day (July), Vardavar (July) and Independence Day (September).

Khor Virab (Monastery), Ararat Province, Armenia. Photo Credit: Taken/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• The only point of entry to Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh).
  
• Offers plenty of outdoor Cafes.
• Outside of Yerevan, English is not widely spoken and amenities are considered few.
  
• Local men don't commonly wear shorts in public.
• Rail service is known to be unreliable and unsafe.
  
• Not an ideal destination for those with health issues regarding accessibility to care and medication.
• There's zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol.
• Air, rail and road delays are common.
  
• Ranks as a developing country. 
  
• Waste Management is underdeveloped (recycling/waste sorting).
  
• Tensions run high between neighboring countries Azerbaijan and Turkey.
  
• Russian is the second language widely spoken.

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport required for entry and exit.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 18 months.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.

Yenokavan, Tavush Province, Armenia. Photo Credit: Ваагн Манукян/Pixabay 

• Best Time to Visit: May - October
• Coldest Months: December - February
• Hottest Month: July
• Peak Season: September - November

Hand Carved Cross Stone (Khachkars), Armenia. Photo Credit: Taken/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Cathedral & Churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots, Monasteries of Haghpat & Sanahin and Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley.

Zvartnots Cathedral Ruins (Armenian Apostolic Church), Vagharshapat, Armenia. Photo Credit: Taken/Pixabay 

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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.