In the Footsteps of Aragats

This route runs through the picturesque places of the Aragatsotn region and links different pages of Armenian history — medieval monasteries and fortresses, 20th-century scientific heritage, and the traditions of Armenian winemaking.

The first stop will be Tegher Monastery, located on the southern slopes of Mount Aragats.

The monastery complex dates back to the early 13th century. The main church, Surb Astvatsatsin, was built in 1213, and the narthex was completed in 1221. The complex is connected to the princely Vachutyan family and is one of the interesting examples of Armenian medieval architecture.

Tegher's special atmosphere comes from its setting among open mountain spaces with beautiful views of the surroundings.

The next stop is one of Armenia's most unusual structures: the Herouni ROT-54/2.6 radio-optical telescope.

The scientific complex was created under the direction of the renowned Armenian scientist and radiophysicist Paris Herouni. It was built between 1975 and 1985.

The main part of the complex is an enormous spherical radio antenna 54 meters in diameter, combined with an optical telescope with a 2.6-meter mirror.

This place is very different from Armenia's usual tourist attractions. A large-scale engineering structure set among the mountains lets you see another side of the country's history — the history of 20th-century Armenian science and engineering thought.

Next we head to one of Armenia's most famous mountain fortresses — Amberd.

The fortress stands at an altitude of about 2,300 meters above sea level, on a rocky cape between deep gorges.

The main part of the fortress dates to the 10th century, although the history of fortifications on this site begins much earlier. In the Middle Ages, Amberd was an important military-defensive center.

The complex still preserves its fortress walls and the remains of a castle and a medieval bathhouse, and nearby stands the 11th-century Vahramashen Church.

Thanks to its location, Amberd is often called "the fortress in the clouds." From here you get impressive views of the slopes of Aragats and the surrounding gorges.

The journey will conclude with an introduction to another important part of Armenian culture — winemaking.

We will visit the Voskevaz winery, where a tour of the winery and a tasting await us.

During the wine tour you will learn about the winemaking process, discover more about Armenian winemaking traditions, and get to try local wines.

After a full day among monasteries, mountains, history, and unusual engineering structures, the tasting in Voskevaz will be a beautiful and relaxed way to end the route.

Who this tour suits

This route suits those who have already seen Armenia's classic sights or who want to discover the country from a completely different angle.

In one day you will see the medieval Tegher Monastery, the unusual Herouni scientific complex, climb up to the Amberd mountain fortress, and get acquainted with Armenian winemaking culture in Voskevaz.

This tour is especially interesting for lovers of history, architecture, unusual places, mountain landscapes, and Armenian wine.