Guardians of Armenian History

The journey begins at Hovhannavank Monastery, set directly above the deep gorge of the Kasakh River.

The history of this place goes back to the first centuries of Christian Armenia. According to tradition, the first church here was founded in the 4th century by Gregory the Illuminator. The main church of the monastic complex, the Church of Surb Karapet, was built in 1216–1221.

Hovhannavank is remarkable not only for its history and medieval architecture. From the monastery grounds there is a striking view over the Kasakh gorge, which makes this place especially beautiful at any time of year.

Next we travel to Saghmosavank, another famous monastery of the Aragatsotn region, standing on the very edge of the Kasakh gorge.

The main church of the complex, the Church of Surb Sion, was built in 1215 by Prince Vache Vachutyan. In the 13th century the monastery developed as an important spiritual and cultural centre. It housed a book depository, built in 1255, where manuscripts and church treasures were kept.

After the medieval monasteries we head to the Armenian Alphabet Monument.

The Armenian alphabet was created by Mesrop Mashtots in 405. It originally consisted of 36 letters, and three more were added later.

The monument itself was erected in 2005, for the 1600th anniversary of the creation of Armenian writing. Against the backdrop of Mount Aragats stand enormous stone letters of the Armenian alphabet along with sculptures connected to Mesrop Mashtots and the history of Armenian writing.

We finish the journey at the foot of Mount Aragats, at Amberd Fortress.

Amberd lies at an altitude of about 2300 metres above sea level, between the gorges of the Amberd and Arkashen rivers. The first fortifications on this site are dated to the early Middle Ages, while the main development of the fortress took place in the 10th–13th centuries.

In the 10th century Amberd became an important military and defensive centre of the Armenian princely domains. The fortress changed hands repeatedly and survived attacks and destruction. In 1196 it was liberated by Armenian-Georgian forces, and in the 13th century it was destroyed again during the Mongol invasion.

Today the fortress walls, parts of the castle, a medieval bathhouse and the Vahramashen Church survive here. Its high position on the slopes of Aragats makes Amberd not only a historical site but also one of the most beautiful panoramic points of the route.

This route suits those who want to get to know Armenia through its monasteries, its writing, its medieval architecture and its fortresses.

In a single day you will see two monasteries above the Kasakh gorge, learn the story of how the Armenian alphabet was created, and climb up to one of the country's best-known medieval fortresses, Amberd.

It is a particularly rewarding route for lovers of history, architecture, mountain landscapes and beautiful places away from the busiest tourist destinations.