We took an overnight trip to visit the wonders of southern Armenia and were not disappointed. The terrain is amazing here and spring is extraordinary, so green, flowering trees everywhere, mountains with snow….we were truly amazed at the natural beauty of this country. The amazing history, from prehisitoric to Christian era was icing on the cake. This is day one.
In AD 301, Saint Gregory, who had spent 14 years imprisoned in this monastery, managed to convince the king to convert to Christianity and, in so doing, preportedly turned Armenia into the first Christian nation in the world. Mount Ararat, the heart of ancient Armenia and the landing place of Noah’s ark, is now just over the border in Turkey13th Century Monastery in stunningly beautiful canyonBeautiful detail, sort of AztecishBecause it is so pretty. View from Noravenk Monastery.Vorotnavank Monastery overlooks the Vorotan gorge and was in use from the 10th to 12th centuries. We ran up the hill for a view back on this 10th century monastery. We especially loved how these monastic complexes blend so beautifully in with the surrounding sceneryBeautiful view of the valley below the Vorotnavank Monastery from the grounds. Armenia, just beautiful….Beautful and very very old.On the beautiful grounds of Vorotnavank MonasteryBeautiful views about and this site of prehistoric erected stones and the remains of a village. The name means “stone army” and its alternative name, Karahunj means “speaking stones” thought to have arisen from the whistling noise made by the holes when the wind blows. It is believed that the circles carved in many of the standing stones at Zorats Karer were used to study Astronometric phenomena. The megolithic site is believed to be one of the oldest observatories in the worldThis large round structure of stones is thought to have been the center of political and cultural activityLovely town we stayed above overnight. This is the view from the outside deck of the hotel.
Kathleen
You are welcome! I am trying but very busy so a bit behind!
Hello K&S
The pictures are absolutely stunning, and I love the historical tidbits. Thanks for taking the time to log your adventure.