The Heart of Ancient Syunik

"The Heart of Ancient Syunik" is a long journey to the south of Armenia, where in a single day you can see deep gorges, mountain panoramas and two outstanding monasteries of Syunik. The route passes through one of the most scenic regions of the country and links the Arsnadzor viewpoint, the Wings of Tatev cable car, legendary Tatev and ancient Vahanavank. This is not simply a tour of separate sights. The road gradually takes us deeper and deeper into Syunik, where mountains, gorges and centuries of history become part of a single journey.

The first stop is the Arsnadzor viewpoint. From here impressive panoramic views open onto the mountains and the deep Vorotan Gorge. The scale of the landscape conveys the character of Syunik especially well — mountain roads, sheer slopes and the vast space all around. At the viewpoint there will be time for a short walk and photographs.

Next we head to one of the best-known modern attractions of Armenia — the Wings of Tatev cable car. The cable car runs above the picturesque Vorotan Gorge and leads directly to Tatev Monastery. The route is about 5.7 km long and the ride takes approximately 12 minutes. But the main thing here is not only the cable car itself. As you travel, the deep Vorotan Gorge, the mountain slopes and the panoramas of Syunik gradually open up before you, and ancient Tatev appears ahead. The way to the monastery therefore becomes a separate part of the journey.

After the ride on the Wings of Tatev, the main historical point of the route awaits us — Tatev Monastery. Tatev stands on the edge of the vast Vorotan Gorge and for centuries was one of the most important spiritual, cultural and educational centres of Armenia. The main church of the complex, Surb Poghos-Petros, was built in the 9th–10th centuries. In the Middle Ages Tatev was far more than a monastery. Theology, philosophy, science, art and manuscript culture developed here. In the 14th–15th centuries the famous Tatev University operated at the monastery and became one of the most important educational centres of medieval Armenia. One of the most unusual features of the complex is the Gavazan. This is a medieval stone column about eight metres high, built in such a way that it could lean away from the vertical and return back again. But Tatev is impressive for more than its history. Its position above the deep gorge makes the monastery one of those places in Armenia where architecture and nature are perceived as a single whole.

After Tatev the journey continues even deeper into Syunik, towards Kapan. Among the mountains lies Vahanavank, an ancient monastic complex that appears far less often on classic tourist routes. The monastery was founded in the 10th century by Prince Vahan Syuni. The main church of the complex, Surb Grigor Lusavorich, was built in 911. In the following centuries Vahanavank developed as an important spiritual centre of Syunik and was closely connected with the princely and royal dynasties of the region. In atmosphere Vahanavank is quite different from Tatev. It is much quieter here: the ancient stone walls, the surrounding mountains and the distance from the major tourist routes create the feeling of a real journey into the depths of Syunik. Vahanavank will be the final historical point of our route.

In one day we will see the panoramas of the Vorotan Gorge, fly above it on the Wings of Tatev, get to know the history of legendary Tatev and continue on to ancient Vahanavank among the mountains of Kapan.

"The Heart of Ancient Syunik" suits those who want to see Syunik more deeply and not limit themselves to the classic excursion to Tatev. The route is especially interesting for lovers of mountain landscapes, history, ancient monasteries, panoramic views and unusual roads.

The ride on the Wings of Tatev cable car adds a completely different impression to the route — the chance to see the scale of the Vorotan Gorge from above.

The tour is long, about 13–14 hours, but in a single day it covers a great distance through one of the most impressive regions of Armenia — from the Vorotan Gorge and Tatev to the mountains of Kapan and ancient Vahanavank.