Armenia OVERVIEW
Specialists in religious studies and those looking for some spiritual enlightenment will find Armenia a truly eye-opening and informative place to visit. This former Soviet republic straddling Asia and Europe is believed to be the oldest Christian country with its 1,709th anniversary of Christian conversion already behind. Exploring Armenia you will be frequently reminded about this fact as monasteries and candle-lit churches are among the prime tourist attractions here. But just before you feel a bit put off with visions of hour-long tours to millennia-old religious monuments, note that many of these places like Tatev, Noravank, Haghpat or Geghard to name but a few, are scenically perched in settings of outstanding beauty.
There's much more to discover in Armenia's treasure trove. They say that the most precious of jewels is the people who will surely give you the fondest of memories. Gracious and humble, Armenians are welcoming and eager to show off their country and share local dainties of fresh vegetables and mouth-watering grilled meats with visitors. Friendships are tied here over a glass of famed Armenian cognac and talks about the traumatic 20th century atrocities of the Armenian Genocide, Stalin's Great Purge, anti-Armenian pogroms of the Gorbatchev era or the Spitak Earthquake of 1988 which devoured more than 25,000 lives.
Well-fed, enjoy your Armenia experience in full. Explore the spans of rocky highlands with the revered Mt Ararat rising in the distance, marvel at Lake Sevan turquoise waters and let Armenian shepherds lead you to mysterious stalactite-filled caves and forgotten stone carvings. Have a whiff of the modern in Yerevan, Armenia's cultural and forward-thinking capital sporting a buzzing arts scene and impressive museums and remember that you're treading one of the most powerful and invincible old time empires.
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