Strange and unusual sights in Armenia

Armenia - a country with one of the most ancient history among all European states. As a country, not landlocked, Armenia is rich in many interesting and amazing places, and today we will tell you about the ten most unusual of them!

10. "chorus Crystals" (Crystals of Refrain), Aghtsk (Aghdzk)

This is not just a random collection of rocks - they are part of history, carved on a huge rock.

In 45 minutes drive north-west of Yerevan, capital of Armenia, is the village Aghtsk. Not far from it there is a hill on top of which you can see a place called Kcymaerxthaere, known as the "Crystal chorus".

Created geographer Demetrios Eames (Eames Demetrios), a very unusual project called "Kcymaerxthaere" - is a "parallel universe, which overlaps with most of our linear Earth through different stories, creatures, people and even the laws of physics and the physical properties of our planet." This can be compared with the novel whose pages are in different places.

What makes this project particularly surprising and interesting is that Demetrios travels around the world and set in different parts of commemorative stones and informational markers, thus marking historic sites, which are connected to his world, creating real world crossroads of his imaginary universe.

"Crystals chorus" in Aghtsk tell a story about a woman named Eliana Me-Ning (Eliala Me-Ning) with the most beautiful in the world voice that saved the boy falling from the gorge mountains with a stream of water, turning his voice water into soft stones, who softened his jab.

9. Noravanq Convent (Noravank Monastery), Eghegnadzor (Yeghegnadzor)

Set in a picturesque valley, Noravank - a monastery complex, built in the XIII-XIV centuries on the ledge of a narrow canyon tributary of the Arpa River near the town of Yeghegnadzor. This location is an excellent example of ornate architecture of the time. The complex consists of three surviving churches, each of which is decorated with intricate patterns and religious reliefs: the church of St. Astvatsatsin, St. Karapet church and the chapel of St. Gregory.

When in the XIII century the Mongols conquered Armenia, they looted many historic temples in the country. However, Noravank was spared this fate thanks to the help of the Lord, depicted on one of the reliefs with large almond-shaped eyes. This appeasement to the Mongolian phenotype Asian heritage seemed to calm them down, and they are left untouched Noravank.

8. Monument to Armenian alphabet (Armenian Alphabet Monument), Byurakan (Byurakan)

Giant letters carved out of tufa, dedicated to the creator of the Armenian alphabet, linguist and educator Mesrop Mashtots.

In 2005, the Armenian alphabet celebrated its 1600th birthday. To commemorate this date was carved 39 letters mounted near the final resting place of the person who created the alphabet - Mesrop Mashtots.

Working on the creation of the alphabet, Mashtots was under pressure of responsibility and realize that performs a very important mission, because with the help of the alphabet would be possible to implant Christianity (as it is known, Armenia was the first to adopt Christianity in 301 AD as a state religion) and it could be used for creating a bible for the new Christian kingdom.

Mashtots alphabet developed structure, making reference to religion. For example, the first letter of the alphabet "A" is the first in the word "Astvats" ( "God"). He created 36 letters and alphabet, which may be called perfect (because it matches the language of the era, and almost did not undergo any major changes after sixteen centuries), still in use today with 3 letters added. In honor of this great work, carved out of stone letters of the Armenian alphabet were set against the backdrop of Mount Aragats, together with a statue of educator Mesrop Mashtots, as a tribute to the complex, unique and ancient language, which is the national pride of Armenia.

7. Khor Virap (Khor Virap Monastery), the foothills of Mount Ararat

The Armenian monastery located near the border with Turkey, at the foot of Mount Ararat, where, according to legend, appeared Noah's Ark after the Flood.

Khor Virap is located above the underground prison, is, according to legend, a place of a 15-year imprisonment of St. Gregory the Illuminator, who happened to be there on the orders of the Armenian king Trdat III.

Once on the hill on which the monastery was located the ancient capital of Armenia - Artashat was built in about 180 BC. e. king Artashes I.

Today, the monastery of Khor Virap is one of the most famous places of pilgrimage for Christians from around the world. In the church of St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Virgin), built in the central part, held regular worship.

6. "Cave city" Old Khndzoresk (Old Khndzoresk Cave Village), Khndzoresk

This impressive system of man-made caves once was a whole village, which is spread over 3 kilometers along the slope of the ravine, and was one of the largest and most populous in Eastern Armenia.

The historic cave village is made up of natural and artificial caves, where, according to some estimates, there were up to 15 thousand people. In the village there were even two churches and three schools.

5. Gegard Monastery (Geghard Monastery), Goght (Goght)

A more complete name of the Armenian monastery, carved in the rocks - Gegardavank ( "Monastery of the spear") - comes from the Holy Lance, which had pierced the body of Jesus Christ on the cross (now the spear is in Echmiadzin Museum). At the turn of the IV century, Armenia became the first country to adopt Christianity as its official religion. Led by Gregory the Illuminator, Cross Armenian royal family in 301, the country was plunged into religion, collecting artifacts and building impressive monasteries throughout history.

Founded by Saint Gregory the Illuminator, the monastery traces its history from the IV century. Initially it was a small cave chapel built on site sacred source. Over time, the complex grew, becoming more ornate and massive. In 1215, the main and most prominent chapel was built.

Along with the religious importance of the place, Gegard Monastery offers stunning views of the right tributary of the river Azat gorge surrounding the complex.

4. cave complex Areni (Areni Cave Complex), village Areni

This is not only an amazing cave system, but also a place where you store the amazing artifacts of the Bronze Age.

Located on the Armenian town of Areni in Vayots Dzor region, Areni cave is a treasure trove of Copper Age artifacts, including the oldest shoe, brain and winery in the world!

As a result of the archaeological excavations that have been conducted since 2007, it found that the cave consists of at least 5-6 layers of Eneolithic Age (4300-3500 GG BC. E.). Archaeologists have discovered a series of clay pots, each of which is located at the skull, supposedly a teenager. It is noteworthy that in one of these skulls were found withered, but well-preserved brain tissue with preserved on the surface of blood vessels, which makes it the oldest model of primitive human brain ever discovered.

Even more surprising find was discovered in 2010, when archaeologists excavated stitched leather boot. Shoes with laces are well preserved due to the special climate of the caves. According to the conducted analysis, the researchers found that the discovery belongs to the time span of 3627-3377 BC. e., that is, the boot was sewn almost 1,000 years before the Pyramids of Giza were built, and 400 years before Stonehenge was built. And this is just two of the many unique finds discovered in the Areni cave complex. However, the excavations continue, so it is quite possible that the world will hear about even more ancient artifacts.

3. The Magic Cave Levon (Levon's Divine Underground), Yerevan

When his wife asked him to build a cellar, it is a little carried away and in 23 years has built an incredible system of caves.

Levon Arakelyan, a builder by profession, was already 44 years old, when his wife Tosia asked him to build a cellar for storing potatoes under the house in Arinj. By the time of his death at the age of 67 he dug an amazing system of caves, using nothing but hand tools, inspiration and tireless diligence.

Absorbed 21 meter master dug nearly 150 meters corridors. Intersecting passages form a cross in the middle of which are sacred places, furnished in the form of small temples with artistic thread.

All this he did without any drawings, and special equipment - if someone had sent his top tips, where to dig, how to make out the premises, in which direction to rotate the corridor. This is truly a magical cave, which should visit every person!

2. Gorge Garni (Garni Gorge), Jrashen (Jrashen)

On our planet, there are many canyons, but only a few of them as beautiful as this!

The protruding part of the valley you can see the old temple, known as the temple of Garni. Erected in the I century BC. e., it is perfectly preserved. It is believed that it was founded by the Roman emperor Nero, and is the easternmost Greek temple in the world.

Initially, the temple was built to worship the Greek gods, but things have changed since then, Armenia adopted Christianity. Along the gorge is the bridge of the XI century, which once crossed the river, which has now become a stream. Near the gorge is the ancient monastery of Geghard, which we described above.

1. Echmiadzin Cathedral (Holy Etchimiadzin), Vagharshapat (Vagharshapat)

This is the first state in the world church, built in the beginning of IV century, and is still one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world. Echmiadzin Cathedral is the main temple of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Construction of the cathedral associated with the name of Gregory the Illuminator, which is Jesus Christ himself have a place to build.

The Cathedral is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world, and since 2000 part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.