Nestled in the southwest of Armenia lies a region small in size but immense in significance — Armavir. For any traveler exploring the country, skipping this destination is simply not an option.
A visit here is a journey through time. The Etchmiadzin Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in the world, stands as a testament to Armenia’s early Christian heritage. Nearby, the stunning churches of Saint Gayane and Saint Hripsime whisper tales of devotion and history. And no trip would be complete without stepping into the Cathedral Museum Treasury, where some of Armenia’s most sacred and awe-inspiring treasures await.
Armavir region
Armavir is not just a province; it is the essence of Armenia itself. From the whispers of ancient capitals to the echoes of battle cries, from sacred cathedrals to Yazidi temples, it is a place where history, culture, and faith intertwine. For those who seek to understand Armenia, to touch its past and witness its resilience, Armavir is where the journey begins.
To the west, Armavir shares a border with Turkey, while to the east, the vibrant capital, Yerevan, is just a short journey away. This makes Armavir’s treasures easily accessible — whether by taxi or an affordable and quick bus ride from the capital.
At the heart of the region stands the city of Armavir, its administrative center. However, the true gem that draws visitors from around the world is a town of deep spiritual and historical importance — Vagharshapat, more commonly known as Etchmiadzin.
Etchmiadzin is the spiritual capital of Armenia, a city whose roots stretch back to antiquity. Often called the “Armenian Vatican,” it safeguards an extraordinary collection of ancient artifacts and religious relics.
For those seeking a deeper connection with Armenia’s soul, Armavir is not just a place on the map — it’s an experience waiting to be discovered.
Armavir is the first impression many visitors get of Armenia, as Zvartnots International Airport — the country’s largest — is located within its boundaries. It is also a crossroads, with major highways and a railway station connecting it to the rest of Armenia.
History of Armavir
The province takes its name from Armavir, one of Armenia’s 13 historic capitals, founded in 331 BC. According to the legendary historian Movses Khorenatsi, this ancient city was built by Aramayis, the grandson of Hayk, the patriarch of the Armenian people. Moving from the distant lands of Taron, Aramayis established his settlement on the vast Ararat Plain, unknowingly laying the groundwork for a region that would become a witness to Armenia’s most defining moments.
Fast forward to 1918, and Armavir once again found itself at the center of history. Here, the Battle of Sardarabad became the turning point in Armenia’s struggle for survival. With the Turkish army advancing, Armenians fought back with everything they had, stopping the invasion and ensuring the birth of the First Republic of Armenia. More than just a military victory, it was a battle for existence — a moment when a nation refused to vanish. Today, the Sardarapat Memorial Complex stands as a solemn reminder of that triumph.
Cultural Treasures of Armavir
Armavir is more than history — it is the spiritual heart of Armenia. In the town of Vagharshapat, known worldwide as Etchmiadzin, faith has stood unshaken for centuries. The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, founded in 303 AD, is the world’s oldest cathedral and the very seat of the Armenian Apostolic Church. It is here, among the stone walls and sacred relics, that Armenia’s soul is kept alive. Surrounding the cathedral are the magnificent Saint Hripsime, Saint Gayane, and Zvartnots Cathedrals, each carrying whispers of devotion and standing as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Though predominantly Armenian, Armavir is home to a vibrant Yazidi community, with around 17,000 Yazidis living in villages such as Zartonk, Yeraskhahun, and Nalbandyan. In the village of Aknalich, stands the world’s largest Yazidi temple, Quba Mere Diwane, a breathtaking symbol of faith and cultural endurance. Meanwhile, the village of Nor Artagers hosts a small but proud Assyrian community, preserving the traditions of an ancient civilization.
Armavir is a land where every stone tells a story. The ruins of the Armavir Ancient City, the fortress of Argishtikhinili, and the Metsamor archaeological site whisper tales from millennia past. The province also boasts remarkable monasteries, such as the Targmanchats Monastery of Aygeshat, and churches that have stood the test of time, including the Holy Mother of God Cathedral and Shoghakat Church.
Beyond its history, Armavir is also a region of contrast. The Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant, near the town of Metsamor, provides energy to much of Armenia, while the fertile lands of the Ararat Plain sustain agriculture. The province’s only river, Metsamor (Sevjur), nourishes the fields, and near the village of Aknalich, the small yet serene Lake Ayger offers a rare glimpse of water in this dry continental climate.
Must see in Armavir region
Armavir is not just about the past; it is a living, breathing center of Armenian culture. The town of Vagharshapat is home to an array of museums, from the Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Manuscript Depository to the Rouben Sevak Museum. Meanwhile, the village of Musaler holds an annual celebration of the Musa Dagh resistance, where Armenians from across the globe gather to honor their ancestors’ defiance against genocide.
Top Armavir sightseeings
- Etchmiadzin Cathedral (303 AD, a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Zvartnots Cathedral (7th century, a UNESCO World heritage site)
- Shoghakat Church
- Saint Hripsime Church
- Saint Gayane Church
- The church of Bambakashat
- Targmanchats monastery of Aygeshat
- Holy Mother of God Cathedral in Vagharshapat
- Surp Harutyun Church of Parakar
- Holy Mother of God Church in Sardarapat
- The church of Shahumyan village
- Sushanavank church
- Lake of Aknalich
- Vordan Karmir Sanctuary