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Zvartnots Temple
In 5 km from Echmiadzin, there is the brightest monument of medieval Armenian architecture - the magnificent Temple of Zvartnots, built in the VII century. Unfortunately, like the majority of other ancient Armenian temples, Zvartnots survived only in the ruins, completely destroyed by a powerful earthquake in the X century. But even the ruins of this temple give us an idea of its rare and majestic beauty.It was a three-tier round temple with a height of 49 meters, consisting of three decreasing cylinders, crowned with a spherical cone, like a pyramid. The temple towered on a platform around which there was a stepped pedestal, partially preserved. The plan of the temple resembles a cross inscribed in a circle. This cross was the basis of the inner space of the temple. The whole construction was based on four powerful columns of twenty meters in height. The round inner space was surrounded by a two-story gallery. The second tier of the church was through from three sides and its walls were supported by six powerful columns. The whole composition ended with a high multifaceted dome. There were five entrances to the temple.Zvartnots stood for more than three hundred years and about 930 was destroyed by an earthquake. As researchers have found out, the architect who was building the temple, it was not possible to transfer completely weight of the top layers on four powerful pylons serving as the main support, and as a result of a part of loading has laid down on arches and arches of a temple. It was this that proved to be the weak point of the temple, and the strong blow of the earthquake broke it...Today the territory of Zvartnots is an archeological reserve and a museum opened in 1937, where one can see models of the temple reconstruction, numerous sculptural fragments, impressive in size. Huge stone slabs with carved figures, sundial, bunches of grapes and pomegranate fruits are well preserved.The ruins of the Temple of Zvartnots are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Amberd Fortress
On the southern slope of the majestic Mount Aragats, far from bustling cities, the medieval fortress of Amberd towers. It is located on a rocky slope at an altitude of 2100 meters, protected on both sides by deep gorges at the confluence of the Amberd and Arkashen rivers. This unique sight is located 50 km away from Yerevan, and it is accessed by the only road that runs along the mountain serpentine, which makes the fortress inaccessible in winter - it is covered with a thick layer of snow for many kilometers.The history of Amberd begins in the VII century when the Armenian princes Kamsarakan began to build a fortress here. Over time, the small outpost turned into a well-protected fortress. However, the family of Kamsarakan had to pass this strategic point to another Armenian princely family Pahlavuni, who turned it into his residence. The famous Armenian commander Vahram Pahlavuni, who lived in the XI century, ordered to improve the fortification of the fortress Amberd, as well as by his decision, a church was built here, which was later named after him - Vahramashen.In addition, archaeological research in the fortress of Amberd revealed some secrets from its past. During the excavations, numerous underground passages leading down to the rivers were discovered. It became known that there was a water supply system here. But the most interesting discovery in Amberd was the Armenian lavash, which after the study was dated to the XII century, and was quite edible.Amberd Fortress is not the most popular attraction in Armenia, but it can be safely called a pearl of medieval architecture of the Caucasus!
Dilijan
Dilijan is a large city of Armenia, which has the status of a mountain climate and balneological resort. It is located in the Tavush region, in the gorge of the river Argstev, at an altitude of 1258-1510 m, surrounded by coniferous forests. Dilijan is famous for its truly magical air, full of pine fragrance and creating very favorable conditions for people suffering from lung diseases.The climate in Dilijan is mild and sunny with moderate winter (average temperature in January -2C) and cool summer (average temperature in July +20C).Dilijan is all the charms of wild nature around velvet hills and mountains covered with motley grasses and deciduous forests with an admixture of pine. The mountainous and wooded climate with weak winds, warm winters, and warm summers make this resort very popular also due to the mineral springs that flow directly from the mountain slopes and are rich in carbon dioxide. This mineral water by its properties is close to the waters of Borjomi in Georgia and Vishy in France.The center of Dilijan is located on the right bank of the Aghstev River, with its residential quarters and shops concentrated here. There is also a restored quarter of "Old Dilijan" - a historical building with architectural elements characteristic of Dilijan - attics, wooden balconies with carved railing, edges of windows and doors.
Echmiadzin
Every nation has its own saints and places of special respect. For Armenians all over the world, for almost two thousand years, such a place is the ancient Echmiadzin, stretched on the picturesque Ararat plain. The city with its rich history dates back to the ancient settlement of Vardkesavan, founded in the II century BC. Later, in the beginning of the II century A.D., the king of Great Armenia Vagharshak I (117-140) built on this place his capital, naming it after himself Vagharshapat.Faith on this land has always been and remains the main pillar of statehood, a symbol of unity and prosperity of the people. Armenia is the first country in the world to declare Christianity as its state religion in the year 301 A.D. Since then, Etchmiadzin has become a cult place for all believers: the cultural, spiritual and civilizational heart of the country. According to a long legend, this place once had a prophetic vision of St. Gregory the Illuminator, the first Catholicos of all Armenians: Christ came down from heaven and pointed to the place where the temple should be erected. So in 301 King Tiridates III founded the Mother See Cathedral - Echmiadzin, which means from the Armenian language: "It is one of the oldest in world history. Later, in 1945, the city itself was renamed after the temple.Centuries passed, new religious constructions grew around the cathedral: the Church of Great Martyr Ripsime erected in 618, the Basilica of Holy Virgin Gayane erected in 630, the Church of Holy Virgin Shokagat erected in 1634.Today, Echmiadzin is the core of the Armenian Apostolic Church and houses the residence of the Patriarch. In 1992, the ancient name of Vagharshapat was officially returned to the city, but many still use its former name. In 2000, the Mother See Cathedral was inscribed on the UNESCO cultural heritage list.
Top 3 Things To Do In Armenia
1.Treat your taste buds with aromatic fruit wines.Armenia is one of the oldest wines producing countries in the world. The highest quality grapes are grown in the fertile valleys of Mount Ararat. An interesting feature of wine tasting at Areni Wine is that you can taste not only traditional red wine but also various interesting wines such as apricot, pomegranate, and many others! By the way, apricot wine is especially sweet.2. Stunned by beautiful cross-stones at Noratus CemeteryNoratus Cemetery is famous for its collection of more than 1000 beautifully preserved cross-stones, some of which have very interesting and unique drawings. There are three distinct segments - cross-stones and gravestones, tombstones with elements of European classicism, and tombstones of modern times. On the gravestones of all these historical periods, one can see numerous symbols that are of interest to visitors.Tombstones without patterns and colorful ornamentation testify to the grave social situation of the deceased, while multistage pedestals, on the contrary, prove the solvency of the deceased.3. Explore the "pink" cityTombstones without patterns and colorful ornamentation, he said, testify to the grave social situation of the deceased, and multistage pedestals - on the contrary, serve as proof of the solvency of the deceased.The city is amazingly hospitable, it opens a lot of patterned doors for all those who want to immerse themselves in the culture of Armenia, to learn the richest history of centuries. Yerevan was built 29 years earlier than Rome, many times destroyed and rebuilt, so the general architecture has traced some eclecticism: ancient buildings are interspersed with those built relatively recently. Most of the houses are made of tuff, a pinkish volcanic rock, and less often light grey, so Yerevan is sometimes called "pink city".
Armenian Alphabetical Monument
The monument to the Armenian alphabet is located on the western slope of Mount Aragats, near the village of Artashavan. Here you can see the monuments carved in stone of each letter of the national alphabet. By the way, the place of the monument erection was not chosen by chance, the creator of the alphabet - priest and scientist MesropMashtots - was buried not far from here. Letters of the alphabet, and especially their order, have a religious shade, because Mesrop, when creating the alphabet, was based on religion. It is interesting that the Armenian letters are connected in a certain way with the Mendeleev table. For example, if the words "gold", "silver" or "tin" add up the serial numbers of the letters, the result will be the numbers that indicate the place of the corresponding element in the table. There are also many other mysterious stories related to the alphabets of Armenians. You can learn about them during a fascinating excursion to this landmark place. In the area of the monument to the Armenian alphabet is not only interesting, but also very beautiful. You can enjoy the beautiful panorama of the mountain slopes and take original photos. The unique monument to the Armenian alphabet consists of 39 elements in the form of letters, as well as sculptures of prominent Armenian thinkers. The famous Armenian tuff was used for their creation. The huge architectural complex was established in 2005, when it celebrated the 1600th anniversary of the Armenian writing according to the project of the famous architect Jim Torosyan. The Armenian alphabet was created in the years 405-406 by the linguist MesropMashtots, thanks to which unique masterpieces of Armenian literature were later born. It is still used in Armenia, Nagorno-Karabakh, Javakhk and Armenian Diaspora communities.
Garni Temple
Twenty-eight kilometers from the Armenian capital, in a picturesque place of Kotayk region above the valley of the Azat River rises the only surviving pagan temple in Armenia, Garni. Exact proportions, symmetry, ionic columns of the building, graceful carving - all this amazes the imagination and can not leave indifferent any tourist. This extraordinary monument of Armenian history was first mentioned in the first half of the first century A.D. Historians believe that the construction of the temple began by order of the then king Trdat I. The building was built in honor of the sun god. Nine thirty centimetre steps lead to the temple. Such height is not chosen by chance. After all, it will not be possible to climb them quickly. The ascent will take time and focus on the current moment. So it turns out that even a tall man, rising as if bowing in front of a majestic building. The building is framed by twenty-four pillars (pylons). As you have already guessed, this is not an accident either. Twenty-four is the number of hours per day. All pylons are decorated with images of atlantes: mighty titans are on their knees, and hands support the altars. The pagan temple is only a part of the palace-historical complex, which, apart from it, includes the ruins of the bathhouse, the royal palace and the remains of the fortress. Additional fortification of the fortress was also created by natural conditions - the Azat River, slopes and a deep gorge. The latter is notable for its slopes, which seem artificial. They even have their own poetic name - "Symphony of Stones".
Khor Virap Monastery
KhorVirap Monastery in Yerevan is located near Mount Ararat, one of the most revered Christian buildings and a famous place for Armenian pilgrimage. Ararat, although located in Turkey, is also a sacred mountain, because, as the Bible says, it is here that Noah's Ark was discovered as a result of the Flood. Excursion to KhorVirap is very popular among the guests of the country. As a rule, tourists are offered a tour package, which includes a visit to the complex KhorVirap, a trip to the winery, where you can see the production, taste and buy Armenian wines, as well as a tour of the Noravank monastery, which, according to tourists, offers the best view of Ararat. The origin of the monastery is attributed by historians to the middle of the XVII century. The construction of the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, located in the center of the monastery complex, also dates back to this period. The word combination "KhorVirap" from the Armenian language is translated as "deep dungeon". This name was given to the monastery because of the underground prison, where St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 15 years. According to the legend, the king of Armenia Tiridates III worshipped pagan deities. When he learned that one of his companions, Gregory, was a Christian, he ordered him to renounce his faith. However, Gregory refused, for which he was imprisoned. In 301 Trdat III found out that the prisoner was still alive and ordered to bring him to the palace. When the saint was brought to the king, he was very ill and Gregory said that the disease would go away if the king accepted the Christian faith. Tiridates III agreed and was healed. After that, he awarded Gregory the title of Enlightener, and Christianity was recognized as the state religion of Armenia. The Temple of the Holy Virgin or St. Astvatsatsatsin was erected at the end of the XVII century on the ruins of the chapel of St. Gregory, which was built in 642 by Nerses III. The interior of the church is quite ascetic. There are no colorful frescoes and rich decoration here, as well as in the majority of Armenian temples. Its distinctive feature is that it is oriented in space not as the majority of Christian temples (from west to east), but as ancient pagan temples of Armenia (from north to south). Some explain this fact by the fact that in those distant times there was a pagan religious building above the prison.
Sevanavank Monastery
A unique monument of ancient Armenian architecture - the world-famous Sevanavank Monastery - is located 60 km away from Yerevan on the top of the peninsula, washed by the waters of the second-largest lake in the world - Sevanavank. The history says that the religious complex was erected by hermit monks at the end of the 8th century with the support of Gregory the Illuminator and Princess Mariam from the royal family of Bagratuni. In those distant times, the peninsula was not connected to the mainland and was a rocky stretch of land just over 250 m long. To get to the island, it was necessary to overcome about 3 km of water space, so it was settled mainly by fishermen and fugitives. At the beginning of the 8th century, the monks who founded a small settlement landed there for the first time. From the shore of the lake to the monastery there is a trail that ends with a rather steep stone staircase. Having overcome about 200 steps, visitors find themselves on the territory of the complex, fascinating at first glance with its unusual architecture. In previous centuries there were 4 cross-dome churches in the monastery - SourbAstvatsatsin, SourbHaroutyun, SourbKarapet and SourbArakelots. All of them were erected from unpolished blocks of black volcanic tuff, bound with white lime mortar, and had a similar architectural appearance. The only difference was the masonry method. In Soviet times, SourbAstvatsatsin was dismantled to the ground, and the stones were used to build a sanatorium. Nowadays SurbHarutyun lies in ruins and is of little interest, except for the chic views of the lake and the Caucasus Mountains from its site. The remaining 2 churches were carefully restored. It is worth noting that the appearance of the buildings is noteworthy due to the lack of carvings, bas-reliefs and frescoes. The khachkars made of emerald-colored andesite and the maze formed by the foundation of cells are of interest. The internal space of the buildings is striking with an abundance of dark shades: unpainted walls are covered with soot, in abundance emitted by smoldering incense and candles. The only bright spots are the gilded iconostasis and icons.
Sardarapat Memorial Complex
In 1968, a memorial complex dedicated to the memory of the heroes of the Battle of Sardarapat was built on a spacious territory, 10 km away from the city of Armavir. The vertical accent of the composition is the bell tower, built of arches, based on 4 pylons, as if protected on both sides by the statues of winged bulls. The symbolic theme is continued by the stone eagles set along the length of the alley. The alley ends with a memorable Victory wall with bas-reliefs of fire-breathing horses, behind which there is a refectory with a dome vault. The complex is built of bright red tuff of Armavir deposit. The organic part of the memorial complex is the State Ethnographic Museum of Armenia. The museum is a rectangular building 10m high, with a roof of "Azarashen" type. The inner rooms consist of three exhibition halls located along the perimeter, where abundant light is provided both through the upper openings and through the adjacent courtyards. The useful area of the exposition is more than 5000 sq.m. Passing through the central arch in the wall, the alley reaches the building of the National Liberation Movement Museum, built by the architect R. Israelian. The museum was later renamed the State Museum of Ethnography and National Liberation Movement of Armenia "Sardarapat". Various documents, photos, memoirs of the participants, military and civilian belongings of the Battle of Sardarapat are collected in the museum. Triangular niches on the outer deaf walls give more expressiveness to the three-dimensional composition of the building and organically correspond to the expediency of the layout of the exhibition halls. The Sardarapat Memorial Complex is a symbolic display of one of the heroic pages of the past of the Armenian people, leaving an indelible emotional impression on the guests who visited the complex.
Lake Sevan
Ancient relict Lake Sevan - "The Pearl of Armenia" or "Geghama Sea" is one of the largest high-mountain freshwater lakes in the world. It is a real miracle of nature located in the very center of the Armenian Highland, in a huge mountain bowl, framed by picturesque mountain ranges at an altitude of 1900 m. The area of its water mirror is 940 square kilometers, the maximum depth is 95 m. The largest length of the lake is about 70 km, and its width is 30-50 km. Sevan is fed by 28 rivers, and only one river flows out - Hrazdan. The largest river flowing into Sevan is Maerik. The Artanish peninsula from the north-east and Cape Noraduz from the south-west divide the lake into two parts: a larger and smaller strait, 8 km wide, communicating with each other. The lake owes its origin to the volcanoes of the Geghama Ridge. The lava eruption approximately 250 thousand years ago flooded the valley of the ancient river. The depression was filled with melt water from the glaciers and snowdrops surrounding it, and later from the river water. The climate in the vicinity of Sevan is excellent. No matter how hot it is in the valley, it is always cool here at the height. In summer, the water temperature reaches 18-20°C. The coastline of Sevan is very picturesque. These are densely forested slopes, white bare stone cliffs, mountain steppes that pass to alpine meadows, and a wide bright strip of sea buckthorn and pine trees, and wild pebble beaches. Whipped clouds hang over all this landscape splendor, clinging to the tops of the mountains, almost always covered with snow. The territory around Sevan is a protected area of the National Park. It is impossible not to admire these stunning species. Besides, the purest mountain air and freshness of almost the sea breeze reign here. Sevan, repeatedly praised in poetry and prose, is really fascinatingly beautiful. Its clear waters are surprisingly capable of changing color: in sunny weather it is tender turquoise, in windy weather - severe gray, at night - silver. The main inhabitant of Sevan is the Sevan trout, which Armenians call "ishkhan", listed in the Red Book. Thanks to the excellent taste of its tender pink meat, trout became a real treat for local gourmets. Here in Sevan there are special trout farms, which grow fish for delicacies of Armenian cuisine
Areni Cave
For centuries, caves in the area of Areni village were considered to be ordinary caves in the rocks - local children played hide-and-seek and nobody knew their secret. But in 2007, archeological excavations began to be carried out here, which radically changed the idea of the ancient history of Armenia, and not only. Findings made in the cave of Areni, became record-breaking in antiquity, with them began to compare other artifacts of the primitive world, and today they are often mentioned in the studies of historians around the world. Areni Cave is located near the village of Areni of the same name, and the distance to the capital of Armenia is only 110 km. It is a karst cave located at an altitude of 1080 meters above sea level, just above the bank of the small Arpa River. The entrance to the Areni Cave is a narrow crevice in limestone deposits. Inside the cave there are three halls with many natural corridors, some of which were blocked by ancient people. The total area of the cave is over 400 m². In all the variety of finds from the cave Areni, a special place among them is occupied by a leather "shoe", which became the hallmark of this archaeological monument, and today is exhibited in the National Museum of Armenia in Yerevan. It was discovered in 2008 by Armenian graduate student Diana Zardaryan. The shoe was lying upside down on the bottom of a carefully processed pit under a broken ceramic bowl, covered with a thick layer of sheep excrement that sealed it and ensured its safety. The shoe was filled with straw and grass to maintain its shape, as well as shoelaces that were also preserved. After a skin analysis, it was established that the age of the leather shoes from the Areni cave was about 5,500 years, making them the oldest leather shoes ever found by archaeologists. Also, the scientists found that the "shoe" corresponds to the size of 37 shoes (European standard), and wore it on the right leg. The left shoe was never found. The Areni Cave, a real Klondike for archaeologists, continues to be excavated here to this day and may take several more decades. Archeologists will appreciate this unique monument of ancient history of Armenia!
Geghard Monastery
A few kilometers from Garni, if you move along the gorge of the Azat River to the north-east, on the slope of an almost closed amphitheatre of steep cliffs, surrounded by harsh and majestic nature is the monastery of Geghard or Geghardavank, famous for its rock architecture. The sign of the way to it is the figure of a lioness on a high pedestal at the steep turn of the road, which unexpectedly opens a view of the monastery. The monastery complex is indeed carved from a granite rock monolith. But only half: the deep rocky mountain gorge Geghard in this place is covered with natural grottoes and caves that served in ancient times as cells of the monastery. The monastery was founded (presumably) in the IV century by the First Catholicos of Armenia - Gregory the Illuminator, and was originally called Hayrivank. Here monks gave shelter and food to the belated travelers who did not dare to pass through the gorge after dark. He was repeatedly attacked first by Arabs and then by Seljuk Turks, who burned him in 923. Not a single original building of the ancient monastery has survived to this day. The main buildings of the monastery are surrounded by a powerful fortress wall, consist of the main church - Katogike, two intra-rock churches - Avazan and St. Mary, the tomb of the princes. In the monastery fence there are household and residential premises, cells, refectory. On the territory of Geghard there is also a spring with clean water, which is revered as sacred. Behind the fence of the monastery there is the oldest building - the half-cave church of St. Gregory of the XII century, as well as a lot of cross-stones, which monks cut right in the rocks. Everywhere in the vicinity of Geghard the trees are hung with colorful ribbons for the fulfillment of desires. Rich decoration of temples and cells, skillfully decorated with ornaments and bas-reliefs, burial vaults of aristocratic families and other masterpieces of underground architecture, brought Geghard the deserved glory of one of the most significant monuments of the history of mankind, included in the World Heritage List of UNESCO.
Tatev Monastery
The pearl of medieval Armenian architecture, Tatev Monastery, was built in the IX-XIII centuries. It is difficult to visit because of the inaccessibility of the area in which it is located. But true connoisseurs of unique antique monuments still find the strength and opportunity to visit this masterpiece of medieval architecture. Tatev Monastery is located in the very center of Syunik Region, near the village of the same name, on the right, high bank of the Vorotan River. Before climbing this breathtaking height one should descend to the 500-meter high Vorotan canyon, stop at the natural Satanic bridge (the two banks of the river converge, forming a similar bridge), near warm mineral springs and then climb up the mountain road. The monastery has already appeared to be a few turns and it will be built on a rocky rocky cliff as a powerful and unapproachable stronghold. Such a hard-to-reach position was strategically advantageous, as the monastery was both the religious and political center of the Principality of Syunik. The monastery was also the residence of the Syunik metropolitan and owned vast lands, craft workshops, collected taxes from hundreds of villages. In XIII-XIV centuries the monastery experienced an unprecedented boom. At that time, the Tatev University, the largest center of philosophical and scientific thought in medieval Armenia, operates here. The abbot's chambers, bell tower, vaulted refectory with kitchen, storerooms, housing and other service rooms, which were also built in the XVII-XVIII centuries, are located around these church buildings. Silent as if hovering over the surrounding mountains, Tatev makes a very strong impression. The labyrinths of narrow passages leading from the spacious halls to a series of premises of the incomprehensible purpose, appearing from the darkness of outlines of niches, stone stairs, arch-shaped aperture in nowhere, approaching to which edge takes a breath away - the earth leaves from under feet and under you the abyss opens - somewhere far below the river noises, and around pile up and crowd velvet green hills...
Tsaghkadzor
In Armenian "Tsaghkadzor" means "Gorge of Flowers". It says a lot about it. The gorge means mountains, snowy peaks, rapid rivers, steep precipices, picturesque valleys covered with flower carpets. The beauty of this place is indescribable, and its air is healing.This area has been inhabited since ancient times, as evidenced by archaeological finds here. In the early Middle Ages, the local forests were the hunting grounds of the Arshakid royal dynasty. In the 10th century, the area became the property of the Pahlavunia dynasty and became known as Tsaghkadzor. In the 11th century, the Kecharis monastery complex was founded and flourished until the 14th century, although it repeatedly suffered from enemy invasions, particularly by Seljuk Turks in the 12th century. From the end of XIX beginning of XX centuries, when Armenia was annexed to Russia, Tsakhkadzor became the best place of rest for officials of Yerevan province. And in the Soviet years, he was famous throughout the country for his beautiful ski runs, good climate, dense forests, and healing springs. Many children's camps and rest homes were built here. In 1966-67 the main sports complex of the country was built, which brought international fame to Tsakhkadzor.Modern Tsaghkadzor is a cozy city and a modern ski resort located in a picturesque canyon of Tsaghkunyats, among virgin forests and alpine meadows, on the gentle slope of Mount Teghenis (at an altitude of 1845 m above sea level). He received the status of the city in 1984 and today Tsakhkadzor attracts thousands of people who come here to rest, improve their health and admire the beauty of nature. The climate of Tsakhkadzor is exceptional. Winter here is mild and sunny (average temperature in July is +18C, in January - 6C).
Karmravor Church
Karmravor Church is located in the province of Aragatsotn region, Armenia.The temple was built in the VII century by priests Gregory and Manas. It is a small cruciform structure with an octagonal drum on the roof.The engraved door of the church with singing angels was created by the national master of Armenia Sargis Poghosyan in 1983. Karmravor is the only chapel in Armenia, the original tiled roof of which has survived to this day. The tile is firmly pressed into the lime mortar and nailed. This chapel dates back to the VII century.Karmravor is a small mausoleum, which in its layout repeats the underground tombs. The house of mourning of Carmravor looks closed and lonely as if it was cut out of a single monolith. The minimum of decorative decorations, smooth walls, shade inside - all here adjusts you to a sad mood, and the miniature sizes of the building emphasize its private, family character.The builder of Carmravora was a true poet. He achieved expressiveness, turning into an artistic detail even an ordinary building inscription. A half-wiped line carved around the perimeter of the walls tells the story of the villagers who donated money to build the chapel and the difficulties of laying the canal.
Jermuk
Jermuk is the second city of Vayots Dzor and one of the most famous resorts in Armenia. The unique thermal-mineral springs around which the city grew up provided the spa fame of the city. Actually, "jerm" is Armenian and means "warm". The source of water is a geyser spring (water temperature in the spring reaches +60C). The water is strongly saturated with carbon dioxide and is used for drinking, bathing, treatment of stomach and intestines, liver, neurotic diseases. Jermuk water is known far beyond the borders of the republic and by its healing properties, Jermuk water is not inferior to the famous mineral water in Karlovy Vary. Near the mineral springs there are many hotels, sanatoriums and rest houses built.Jermuk itself is a very young town. It was founded in the middle of XX century (1961) as a resort town near thermal springs, on the bank of the Arpa River among picturesque mountain ranges and deep gorges. The city is surrounded by rich alpine vegetation and is buried in the forests. The slopes of the gorges are covered with forest. There are plenty of wild fruit trees - pear, plum and apple trees.Jermuk is located at an altitude of 2080 m above sea level. Therefore, the view of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and the deep gorge near which it is located is extremely beautiful. It is always cool in summer and moderately cold in winter.Today Jermuk is a modern and popular spa resort with many parks and recreation areas, swimming pools.Close to Jermuk is the Tsolk waterfall. This waterfall in Jermuk consists of healing mineral water for two thirds. Since time immemorial, this water has been famous for its miraculous properties.