The Republic of Armenia is divided into 10 regions, marz in Armenian, and the capital Yerevan.
- Aragatsotn region
- Ararat region
- Armavir region
- Vayots Dzor region
- Gegharkunik region
- Kotayk region
- Lori region
- Syunik region
- Tavush region
- Shirak region
- Yerevan
Aragatsotn region
The list opens with the Aragatsotn region, whose name translates as “the foot of Aragats”, the highest peak in Armenia. Aragatsotn region is located in the west of the republic.
Its territory has been inhabited since the era of the first settlers, and archaeological excavations confirm this fact. These are historical lands, they are mentioned in the annals of Great Armenia. The administrative center of the region is Ashtarak city. Both in the central city and in little-known villages, you will find many historical sights. Medieval monasteries and temples, the tomb of Mesrop Mashtots, the creator of Armenian writing, cross-stones, ancient chapels, caravanserais. And even Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory!
There is also the famous Amberd fortress and Saghmosavank monastery complex. Among the natural beauties are interesting rivers, reservoirs, gorges, Mount Aragats with alpine meadows and stone plateaus.
Ararat region
One of the most famous regions of Armenia is Ararat region. It is located in the center of the country – both historically and geographically. Ararat region borders Turkey and Azerbaijan.
Its roads offer perhaps some of the best views in Armenia – of the legendary Mount Ararat (located in Turkey) and the textbook Ararat Valley.
The capital of the region is the city of Artashat, founded long before our era. Unfortunately, the administrative center has not preserved much of its former grandeur, but you should visit Dvin, famous for its archaeological zone.
Medieval fortresses, monasteries and temples are also interesting, the most famous of which is Khor Virap – this is where the Christian faith began in Armenia. This is a popular tourist attraction, and it will be interesting to visit it both for believers and all history fans.
Armavir region
In the southwest of Armenia is a small administrative unit, the Armavir region. Nevertheless, there is no way for a traveler to miss it.
In the west it borders with Turkey, in the east is located Yerevan. To see the sights of Armavir region is very convenient, living in the capital. You can come here both by cab and by bus – fast and cheap.
The administrative center of the region is the city of Armavir. But the most popular destination for tourists is the small town of Vagharshapat, better known as Echmiadzin. Echmiadzin is the spiritual capital of Armenia, a city known since antiquity.
It is sometimes called the “Armenian Vatican” for the number of ancient artifacts and shrines that are kept in the local temples and museum. The Echmiadzin Cathedral, the ancient churches of St. Gayane and St. Hripsime are a must-see. Don’t forget to visit the treasury museum at the Cathedral, where you will find some genuine miracles.
Vayots Dzor region
Vayotsdzor region is located in the southeast of Armenia. Its neighbors are the Ararat Valley and the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh. The administrative center is called Yeghegnadzor.
Vayotsdzor region has been inhabited since the Paleolithic era. Many unique archeological artifacts have been found here, the most unusual of which is considered to be the oldest shoes on earth. Leather boots survived 5500 years, and they even retained their laces.
The priceless find was made in the region of Areni, known to all fans of good wine. It is also home to a popular wine festival. The taste of Areni wines is all the more interesting because these vineyards grow high in the mountains.
Mountains make up a large part of the geographical relief of the area – the region is known for its picturesque landscapes. They form the waterfalls and the famous mineral springs of Jermuk. History buffs will see ancient monasteries – for example, Noravank, and the remains of medieval settlements and fortresses.
Gegharkunik region
Another popular region in eastern Armenia is Gegharkunik region. It borders the Ararat Valley, and to the east, Azerbaijan.
It is the largest region of Armenia, and one of the most visited. What is it so famous for? It is in Gegharkunik region that the legendary, world-famous Lake Sevan is located.
Moreover, Sevan occupies a solid part of the region. The region consists mainly of small towns and rural settlements. The most famous historical monuments, tourist sites and natural routes are concentrated in the area of Lake Sevan.
Tourists come here all year round, but Sevan is most popular in the warm season. There are hotels and recreation centers, and inquisitive tourists should visit Ayravank Monastery, Sevanavank complex and the medieval church of St. Gregory in Noratus village.
Kotayk region
Despite the fact that Kotayk marz was formed only in 1995, its history goes back to the depths of antiquity. Once there was a district of the province of Greater Armenia, including Yerevan.
Kotayk marz is located in the heart of Armenia. It borders the capital Yerevan, and perhaps the most beautiful and easily accessible sights of Armenia are located here.
The administrative center is located in the town of Hrazdan, and the region also includes several towns and villages. The most famous is Tsaghkadzor, a popular ski and climate resort.
By the way, in Tsaghkadzor you can not only walk in the fresh air and engage in winter sports. There are several interesting architectural objects here – medieval monastery Kecharis, wooden house where Osip Mandelstam was a guest, Orbeli Brothers Museum.
But the most interesting cultural objects of Kotayk region are the ancient temple of Garni, with beautiful columns, and the unique monastery of Geghard. It is for their sake that most tourists visit the region.
Lori region
If you enter Armenia through the border with Georgia, you will probably pass through the Lori region. This is the northernmost and “green” region of the country.
The Lori region is covered with dense forests and emerald mountains, here the rivers are bustling and deep canyons are amazing. The administrative center is the city of Vanadzor, also in the Lori region there are several towns and villages interesting for tourist sightseeing.
For example, Akhtala, with a beautiful medieval monastery and fortress. It is considered the cultural center of the region. The most popular attractions of the region are the Debed River Canyon, Lori Gorge, medieval temples and monasteries.
The most beautiful and notable ones, Haghpat Monastery Complex and Sanahin Monastery, are protected by UNESCO as World Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Syunik region
In the very south of Armenia lies the rather large Syunik region. It borders with Azerbaijan and Iran, the administrative center of the region is the town of Kapan.
People come to Syunik region to ride one of the longest passenger cable cars in the world. “Wings of Tatev” is a ropeway over the Vorotan River gorge, 6 kilometers long.
It connects the village of Alizor and the site of Tatev Monastery. Interestingly, its uniqueness is confirmed by the Guinness Book of Records. In addition to the ropeway, Syunik region is very rich in historical monuments.
The most ancient ones include the megalithic complex of Zorats-Karer, better known as Karaunj, the cave city of Hndzoresk and the ruins of Bagaberd fortress. But the most remarkable is the Tatev Monastery Complex, built more than 1000 years ago. It is one of the most popular sights in Armenia.
Tavush region
Tavush region is located in the northeast of Armenia. It borders with Georgia and Azerbaijan, and its administrative center is the town of Ijevan.
Dilijan is also a famous tourist town. It is a popular mountain, climatic and balneological resort, surrounded by the territories of Dilijan reserve. On its territory there are many rivers, lakes and mineral springs.
By the way, the city of Dilijan has been granted the status of a national park. There are also many historical and architectural monuments here. Fortresses, cave towns, churches and monastery complexes – the most famous are Agartsin and Goshavank.
Rich architectural heritage has been preserved from the Middle Ages – perhaps one vacation will not be enough to see all the interesting sights of the Tavush region.
Shirak region
Shirak region is located in the northwest of Armenia. The region borders with Georgia and Turkey, the administrative center is located in the city of Gyumri. The history of the region began in the early Middle Ages, ancient basilicas, monasteries and ruins of fortresses have been preserved since that period. The necropolis of the Kuro-Arak culture of the Bronze Age was discovered on the territory of the region.
Yerevan
Yerevan, the capital and largest city of Armenia, is considered a separate administrative unit. Despite its ancient history – and Yerevan is older than Rome itself – few ancient monuments have survived in the Armenian capital.
This is due to numerous wars, destructions, and natural disasters. Yerevan has literally risen from the ashes many times, and nowadays it is a version of the “pink city” by the Soviet architect Tamanyan. Almost all the buildings in the city center are made in the same color composition, of pink tuff.
You can make a great walking route past palaces, museums, hotels, temples. Yerevan has many squares and parks, as well as hospitable restaurants. For the convenience of tourists, Yerevan has acquired an international airport, subway and train station.
Come and visit!
