Armenia, Country in South Caucasus between Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Iran
Armenia is a landlocked country in the South Caucasus between Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Iran covering 29,743 square kilometers. The territory consists of three tectonic plateaus cut by deep river valleys, with average heights between 1,000 and 2,000 meters above sea level.
The Kingdom of Urartu controlled the region from the 9th to the 6th century before Christ, before Persian, Roman, and Byzantine empires alternately ruled. The modern republic emerged in 1991 after the Soviet Union collapsed.
The Armenian Apostolic Church is the first Christian state church in the world after the country adopted Christianity in 301. This religious tradition shapes how people see themselves today and appears in monasteries and stone crosses throughout the land.
The best time to visit runs from May through October when temperatures stay comfortable and most mountain roads remain passable. Public transport connects cities and larger towns across the country.
Mount Aragats reaches 4,090 meters (13,419 feet) as the highest point in the country and is an extinct volcano with four summits surrounding a crater lake. Hikers use different routes leading to each summit depending on difficulty level.
Inception: September 23, 1991
Capital city: Yerevan
Part of: West Asia, Eastern Europe
Shares border with: Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Karki
Address: Armenia
Website: https://courrier.am
GPS coordinates: 40.76963,44.67366
Latest update: December 4, 2025 17:20
Armenia hosts a collection of archaeological, religious, and natural sites that testify to several millennia of rich human occupation. The country's mountainous territory features medieval monasteries perched on rocky plateaus, such as Tatev which overlooks gorges from 5,250 feet (1600 meters), or Khor Virap offering a direct view of Mount Ararat. Religious buildings are complemented by ancient remains like the Greco-Hellenistic temple at Garni, built in the first century, and the circular ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral. Military fortresses such as Amberd, situated at 7,550 feet (2300 meters), demonstrate defensive architecture developed as early as the seventh century. The Armenian landscape also shapes notable geological formations, including the Noravank gorges with their red sandstone walls rising up to 650 feet (200 meters), and the Debed canyon, which houses the listed monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin. Lake Sevan, a freshwater body situated at nearly 6,200 feet (1900 meters), extends over more than 470 square miles (1200 square kilometers) and features monasteries and beaches along its shores. Significant archaeological discoveries have been made at sites like the Areni-1 cave, where artifacts over 6000 years old have been uncovered, while the Megalithic site of Zorats Karer contains more than 200 standing stones dating back several millennia B.C.
Lake Sevan
76.7 km
Etchmiadzin Cathedral
75 km
St. Hovhannes chapel, Hartagyugh
51.2 km
Garni Temple
73.4 km
Matenadaran
65.6 km
Geghard
71.1 km
Khor Virap
99.6 km
Tatev monastery
204.9 km
Tsitsernakaberd
66.9 km
Mount Aragats
49 km
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
75 km
Erebuni Fortress
71 km
Areni-1 winery
124 km
Noravank
129.8 km
Wings of Tatev
204.4 km
Republican Stadium
67.7 km
Zvartnots Cathedral
73.7 km
Kuys Varvara
45.8 km
Mother Armenia
65.2 km
Yerevan Cascade
65.7 km
Saghmosavank
49.2 km
Khosrov State Reserve
106.9 km
Haghpat Monastery
36.2 km
Blue Mosque
67.4 km
Sanahin Monastery
35.4 km
Goshavank
27.7 km
Sardarapat Memorial
97.3 km
Amberd
56.8 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes