Khor Virap-Noravank- Tatev-Devils Bridge-Jermuk-Gndevanq-Selim-Areni Wine Factory
The Khor Virap Monastery, situated on a hill not far from the border with Turkey, is one of the sanctuaries of the Armenian Apostolic Church and a pilgrimage site. According to the legend, this was the place for the king's dungeon, in the form of a deep pit filled with poisonous snakes and scorpions, where prisoners were thrown. By the order of King Trdat III, one of the king's associates, Grigor (Gregory) was imprisoned and spent 13 years here as being guilty of preaching Christianity. And when the king ordered to kill 3 Christian virgins - Gayane, Hripsime and Shoghakat - as the legend tells, he fell ill. People called it a "pig disease" since the king's head became hoggish. The king's sister Khosrovidukht had a dream that only Gregory languishing in the dungeon could cure the king and succeeding in freeing him. The latter buried the remains of the martyred virgins and then cured the king. Afterwards Trdat and his servants adopted Christianity and Gregory became the first Armenian Catholicos under the name of Gregory the Illuminator. In 642 Catholicos Nerses III built a chapel in the place of the dungeon, which was later destroyed and in 1662 the current St. Astvatsatsin church was built in its place. Beautiful scenery over the biblical Mount Ararat opens from the elevation on which the Khor Virap Monastery stands.
Noravank Monastery is one of the most spectacular tourist attractions in Armenia. This magic monastery is located in the south of Armenia - in Vayots Dzor province. NORAVANK means NEW MONASTERY in Armenian. Noravank is situated in a narrow gorge made by Amaghu River and encircled by fantastic red rocks. The beauty of this monastery is appreciated by thousands of visitors not only because of it’s architecture and history, but also for it’s harmony with the surrounding fabulous nature. Noravank Monastery is a masterpiece of the Armenian architecture. It was founded in the year 1205 by Bishop Hovhannes - the former abbot from Vahanavank Church.
Tatev Monastery (Tatev) is a masterpiece of confluence of ingenious medieval architecture and fabulous nature of Armenia. There is no doubt, that Tatev is one of the most spectacular tourist attractions on the Planet. Tatev was also widely regarded as one of the most famous spiritual and educational centers of the Middle Ages. Tatev Monastery is located in the southern part of Armenia (Syunik region), on the edge of a giant gorge. The walls of the monastery Tatev seem a natural extension of the rock that raises it so high. The road to the monastery goes through a gorge with very steep slopes.
In the north-eastern part of Vayots Dzor, at the upper reaches of the river Arpa is the famous health resort of Jermuk. The road to the resort-town lies through a deep narrow gorge. The town is surrounded with picturesque mountain ranges, the slopes of which are covered with forests. One can find lots of fruit trees here - pear, plum and apple trees - as well as wild animals such as foxes, hares, badgers and sometimes even bears. The name "Jernuk" comes from the Armenian word "jerm" meaning "warm". The Jermuk region is rich with unique springs of both sweet and mineral water. The most remarkable among them are the thermal mineral springs similar by their composition to the famous Karlovy Vary in Czech Republic. This warm underground geyser water is used for drinking, medicinal baths, curing gastroenteritis, gastric, intestinal, abdominal, nephritic and neurological diseases. Besides rich with mineral water, Jermuk is distinguished with its wonderful mild climate as well: cool summers with prevailingly fair weather, springs and falls with no fog combined with mild and windless winters full of snow. All this together with the pure mountain air makes one's rest in one of Jermuk's numerous health centers exceptionally pleasant.
Gndevank (meaning Round cathedral) is a 10th-13th century Armenian monastery in the Vayots Dzor Province of Armenia, along the road to Jermuk. The Monastery has preserved the ruins of a wonderful 10th century wall painting of the Virgin. The ancient monastery complex is a thousand years old, and is preserved very well. A «gavit», one of the most ancient of its kind, is situated at the church's western side.
The south of the complex is full of khachkars of the 10th-13th centuries. 17th century gravestones make the visitors admire their interesting reliefs. This is a perfect place to visit on the way to Jermuk, or heading to southern Armenia. There are two ways to reach Gndevank, both are roads leading to Jermuk.
Selimi Caravansara is a caravan house which is located in the region of Vayots Dzor, on the gorge of Suleyma, on Yeghegnadzor – Martuni highway. It was built by Chezar Orbelian in 1332. The building was built with massive basalt blocks. Its hall rests on quadrangular 16 pillars, which are connected with each other by archs. Inside of the building a monolith stone pool has been preserved. The house was reconstructed in 1957-58. It is a unique architectural building of medeival Armenia and is of great historical value.
