Vayots Dzor region is the least populated among the regions of Armenia. But that doesn’t mean that there is nothing to see there – quite the opposite is the case.
Vayotsdzor Region
The region is located in the south-east of the country, bordering with Ararat region in the west, Gegharkunik region in the north, Kelbajar region of Azerbaijan in the north-east, Syunik region in the east and Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic in the south. The administrative center is Yeghegnadzor, other major cities are Jermuk and Vayk.
Mountains make up a large part of the geographical relief of the region – 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.
History of Vayotsdzor Region
Vayotsdzor region has been inhabited since the Paleolithic era. Many unique archaeological artifacts have been found here: daggers, buckles, bracelets, rings and other items dating back to the Bronze Age. The most unusual of the finds is considered to be the oldest shoes on earth. Leather boots survived 5500 years, and they even retained their laces.
In the period of Great Armenia (II century BC – V century AD) the territory of Vayots-Dzor was a part of Syunik province of this state, in IX-XI centuries – a part of the Armenian kingdom of Bagratids. In the Middle Ages Vayots Dzor belonged to the princes of the Orbelian and Proshyan families. At the beginning of the XIX century the territory of the region was annexed to the Russian Empire.
Sights of the Vayots Dzor region
The region is famous for its mountainous landscapes. Mountain valleys and plateaus, gorges, rivers, caves (the largest and most famous is the Magila Cave), alpine pastures and small lakes are the sights of Vayots Dzor. Mountains in particular form waterfalls and the famous mineral springs of Jermuk, you will see this mineral water in any store in Armenia.
On the territory of the region there is Noravank monastery complex, built in XIII-XIV centuries. There is also a national park around the monastery. Remains of ancient settlements – Yeghegis (V-VIII centuries), Moz (II millennium B.C. to XV century A.D.), Proshaberd (VIII century), Smbataberd (X-XIII centuries) and fortresses Berdakar (V century) and Kechut (X-XIV centuries) were discovered here. In Vayots Dzor there are also monasteries of Gndevank (X c.), Tanaat (XIII c.) and Spitakavor (XIV c.).
The main places for tourists
- Noravank Monastery (XIII century)
- Church of Virgin Mary in Areni (1321)
- Tanaat Monastery (XIII century)
- Two-storied church-tomb of St. Mark Tsakhats
- The extinct volcano Vajoc
- Gnisic Canyon
- Gndevank Monastery
- Smbataberd Fortress
- Kapuit Basalt Bridge
- Shativank Church
- Areni Cave
- Magila Cave
Wines of the Areni region
The priceless discovery of 5500 year old shoes was made just in the Areni region, 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.
The wine is made from the unique local grape variety Areni, with the addition of Saperavi. The grapes have been growing here for several millennia, bathed in the generous rays of the sun. It is cultivated in the cozy valley of Vayots Dzor in very limited quantities, which gives the wine a special value. The vineyards are located at an altitude of 1400-1800 meters above sea level. The wine is matured in oak barrels, which give the wine a light flavor of oak wood, perfectly matching the fruity character of the wine.