Lake Sevan & Central Armenia

Lying to the east of Yerevan, Lake Sevan is the largest body of water in the Caucasus and one of the highest alpine lakes in the world. Its placid deep blue water mirrors the surrounding mountains, and wildflowers pepper the grassy meadows, interwoven with beaches, popular spots for Yerevanites escaping the city on a summer day. On a peninsula at the northern end of Lake Sevan is Sevanavank, a 9th-century monastery with breathtaking views across the lake. Close to the lake’s southern end, a short distance before the Selim Pass is Orbelian’s Caravanserai, built by Prince Orbelian in 1332 to shelter weary travellers and their animals. 

Nearby is the medieval Noratus cemetery, where over 800 khachkars (ornately carved stone crosses) lay jutting in opposing directions from the grassland. Central Armenia boasts two of Armenia’s three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Monastery of Geghard, impressively carved into the rock face of the Upper Azat Valley. Also listed by UNESCO are the cathedral and churches of Echmiadzin and the archaeological site of Zvartnots, a multiple listing acknowledging the places where Christianity was first brought to Armenia. Within the Vagharshapat complex and built between 301 and 303, the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin is considered the oldest church in the world. 

A little north of Yerevan, at an elevation of 2,300 metres, is the 10th-century Amberd Fortress. At the confluence of the Arkashen and Amberd rivers, Amberd translates as “fortress in the clouds,” which affords fine views of Mount Aragats. Perhaps Armenia’s most iconic sight is that of Khor Virap monastery, with snow-capped Mount Ararat as a backdrop, a truly breathtaking sight on a clear day. One of the best-known stories surrounding this important pilgrimage site is that of Gregory the Illuminator. He spent thirteen years imprisoned in a deep pit for professing Christianity and only surviving thanks to a group of local women who secretly fed him. The short distances mean that most of Central Armenia’s sights are best explored using Yerevan as a base for excursions.