Armenia: a true gem at the crossroads of Europe and Asia

Armenia is a modern country with ancient history, thousands of historical monuments, rich culture, traditional hospitality, delicious and healthy food, beautiful nature and safe environment. It is bordered by four countries: Georgia, Turkey, Iran and Azerbaijan. Armenia has its own original and priceless alphabet invented by great Mesrob Mashtos in 406 AD.

By the way, did you know that the first church in the world was built in Armenia? Holy Etchimiadzin was the first state church built in the world back in the early 4th century. It’s one of the most visited pilgrimage site in the world.

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Except of countless beautiful monasteries, often found in areas of truly outstanding natural beauty, there are thousands of sights in Armenia, each uniquely impressive and memorable. It has, for example, over 50,000 hand-made crosses, sculptured of rocks.

Armenia’s cultural traditions are extraordinarily rich and diverse. The traditional folk music and instruments are incorporated are preserved as well as influencing modern day Armenian artists. The sound from “duduk”, the most known Armenian traditional instrument, can be recognised quite often in modern music and its magic sound is in such harmony with nature, history, and the spirit of Armenia, that it is hard to picture this country without it.

Dance is popular and it has remained a common form of announcing harvest, spring and the onset of winter. To see people dancing to the beat of a drum, even as they sing, is always a spectacle to remember.  And the good thing is that you can experience it almost everywhere travelling across the country. Many songs and poems are dedicated to the Armenian nature that stays in harmony with centuries-old history and culture of Armenian people.

Being a mountainous and rocky country, Armenia has a wonderful nature.

High peaks, stormy rivers, mountain lakes, thick woods and deep canyons are always in the centre of each person. Armenian nature played a major role in the history of Armenian people. Due to the high mountains and deep gorges Armenian castles were unassailable. Rivers overflowed when enemy passed through them and lakes with their brilliance made attacking soldiers blind.

There are hundreds of lakes in Armenia. The largest of all is fresh high-mountain lake Sevan, a beautiful lake surrounding a hill with a church on top. It's just stunning to be there.

Armenian cuisine includes the foods and cooking techniques of the Armenian people and its traditions, it reflects the history and geographical location and shares outside influences from European and Levantine cuisines. Bozbash, Shampours, Ghapama, Mante, Chulumbur apur, Chi Kofte,  these are some of the traditional Armenian dishes you should try while indulging in the delicious local cuisine. 

Armenians cannot imagine having their meals without bread. They bake their bread, which is called “lavash”, in an underground earth oven called “tonir”. This humble dish is so important that it was placed on Unesco’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Armenia is a country that takes tremendous pride in its wines and spirits. It is one of the oldest countries that has produced wine in the world which is attributed to its blessed location. According to the legend, Noah Patriarch established the fist vineyard in the area of Mount Ararat and created the first brandy. And brandy is the national darling.

TIPS:

To experience the Armenian culture and heritage you should attend one of Armenia's many festivals. One of such upcoming events is the Folklife Festival which offers  visitors a unique opportunity to experience the cultural heritage of Armenia. This year, it takes place from June 27th to July 1st and from July 4th to 8th and you can encounter hundreds of artisans, designers, musicians and cooks from the country.

To experience the wild beauty of the country, you shouldn’t miss to visit the amazing Jermuk waterfall, go for a horseback Riding in Khosrov Reserve or take part in the rafting experience in the region of Lori.

So follow the spirit of history, adventure, taste and traditions and visit Armenia, this small country nestled at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, a country which still conserves mysteries to be discovered.