What to see in Artashat, Armenia | Artashat travel guides

Surb Hovhannes Church

Within the modern city of Artashat between the M-2 and H-8 highways

The newly built church of Surb Hovhannes has been under construction since 2000 with many interruptions, and is expected to be completed in 2012. In September 2009 a dome-blessing ceremony was conducted by the supreme Catholicos of all Armenians, where crosses were placed on the top of the domes. If the workers are outside, do not be shy to ask to see the church. They are very proud of their work and will gladly give a tour and take you up to the top if they have a moment.

Khor Virap Monastery

45 minutes south of Yerevan, before Vedi and Ararat villages

Khor Virap is named after the "deep pit" that St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned in over 1,700 years ago before curing the king of a sickness and converting him, and the country to Christianity. You can climb down the pit to this day, down a long metal ladder. The fortified monastery has a stunning view of Mt. Ararat, so go early in the morning on the clearest day you can for the unforgettable view, otherwise haze usually sets in.

Ancient ruins of Artashat

Follow directions as above to Khor Virap Monastery. A trail follows south of the complex and south of the ridge adjacent to the monastery and leads west to the foundations of what was once the ancient city

Along your walk you will undoubtedly be stopped by a young man who guards the area from looters. He rides a bicycle and is friendly as long as you are not looting the area of antiquities. Tell him "Karank nayank Artashati averakner?", meaning "May we see the ancient ruins of Artashat?" He will most likely take you there. The ruins of Artashat cover approximately the same area of land as the walled monastery of Khor Virap. Foundations remain of dwellings and other structures. There are also the interesting remains of a mosaic found in the bathhouse there.

Dvin ruins excavations

Heading south from Yerevan on the H-9 highway, turn left (NE) on the H-9 highway just past Azatavan and Bagramyan and head straight towards Dvin. The ruins are actually not located in the modern village of Dvin, but between modern Hnaberd (just off the main road through Hnaberd) and Verin Dvin, Armenia

The ruins at the entrance include an impressive capital or two and numerous bases, the foundations of the 4th-7th c. Cathedral of S. Grigor, other foundations, some khachkars and other fragments of structures that once stood at the site. Upon the large hill adjacent, was where a palace and citadel were once located. All that remains now are some portions of decomposing mudbrick walls with rough stone foundations. A small museum with artifacts excavated at the site sits between the entrance and the citadel. South of Dvin about one kilometer are the remains of a large 5th c. market building.