Armenia has one of the oldest, most complex and tragic histories of any country, and it is one of the few that still has such a strong and rich culture. This is a place where history will fascinate you, monuments will awe you, landscapes will amaze you, and kind people will conquer you. A trip to Armenia can be both eye-opening and comforting; the roads are rough, the traffic can be challenging, and communication can be confusing for someone who doesn’t speak Armenian or Russian. The most popular attraction is the incredible collection of medieval monasteries scattered across the country, followed by breathtakingly beautiful terrain perfect for hiking and other outdoor sports.
Named for the spear that pierced the body of Christ during the crucifixion, Geghard is one of the most visited monasteries. Along the Azat River Gorge, this fourth-century World Heritage monastery was hewn out of a cliff. The oldest chapel in the monastery was built in the 12th century, and its incredibly atmospheric Surp Astvatsatsin was built in 1215. The cathedral has stunning sculptures and you can explore the chapels around it in detail. Yerevan is one of the happiest cities in the region and another surprise. Together they provide an engaging and incredibly enjoyable travel experience.
Armenian culture and customs
Armenian culture and customs have a rather long history. Armenians are hospitable, compassionate, respectful of their elders, kind to children, and uphold strong family values. Locals enjoy direct eye contact, face-to-face communication and physical interaction. It is also normal to ask direct and in-depth inquiries. Here are some customs that visitors to the country should know before arriving, as knowing how to meet and say goodbye in a new place is always a good idea.
- While Shnorakalutsyun is the correct name for “thank you” in Armenian, many locals replace it with the short word merci (French) and the lovely word Jan. The latter cannot be translated, but conveys a gracious attitude.
- Hungry when an Armenian welcomes to a family. Armenians are friendly and love to welcome tourists from other countries with open arms, and the tables are stacked with as much food as possible. An Armenian family will welcome you with a variety of regional delicacies. You will also be forced to try every meal.
- Armenians kiss and shake hands when saying “hello”. In Armenia, the most typical way to greet relatives and friends is to kiss each other on the cheek. It is also common for ladies to hold hands. It’s just the typical way close friends show affection; it doesn’t necessarily indicate that they’re dating.
- Armenian holidays include Christian and pagan traditions, both of which have a long history in Armenian culture. The Armenian Apostolic Church has incorporated some customs and celebrations that one cannot ignore. Armenian women eat a cracker before meeting their future spouse, and to protect themselves from bad luck and evil, newlyweds, for example, jump over open fires during Tendez holidays.
- As the country faces water scarcity, Armenian natives value water. Many national customs represented by water represent gratitude, vitality and auspiciousness. Vardavar has pagan origins and is dedicated to the goddess of purity and water and is one of the most pleasant holidays. On this day, in the streets of every Armenian town, everyone is watered. It’s a way to break free from your daily grind and cleanse your body.
Armenian Cuisine
One of the most characteristic and historic cuisines in the world is Armenia. It offers a variety of delicious foods prepared using methods that are thousands of years old. Each recipe tells the story of ancient Armenia, showcasing the Armenian talent for making bread, kebabs, and other delicious dishes that require complex cooking methods. Armenian cuisine with Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Eastern European influences offers unique flavors using fresh, locally grown ingredients.
If you find yourself having dinner with an Armenian family, you will find the table filled with a variety of vibrant dishes. These recipes often include grains, herbs, and vegetables, especially eggplant. Also, due to the long history of raising cattle, there is an oversupply of meat, including lamb, beef, veal and pork. No dinner is complete without Lavash (a flatbread)! Visit us today for some of the best healthy food you’ve ever eaten. Dried fruits are common in Armenia.
Armenian architecture
Architectural works with cultural ties to the Armenian people are part of Armenian architecture. The 7th and medieval churches are considered the most important achievements of Armenian architecture. Many of the country’s monuments are built in historically important areas of Armenia, but placing this architectural style within a precise temporal or geographic scale is challenging. While medieval Armenian churches represent some of the country’s most impressive architectural achievements, more modern styles have been established since the nineteenth century.
Medieval Armenian Church
Before exploring Armenian churches, it is crucial to understand how they differ from other churches. Armenian churches of different eras have their own characteristics. The steeple of the church is reminiscent of the volcanic funnel of Great Ararat. These domes, which may be pointed or semi-pointed, are fixed above the vaulted ceiling. The height of the church often exceeds its length due to the vertical accents of the entire structure. They have stone ceilings with arches and are built almost entirely of basalt or volcanic tuff. If there are carvings or frescoes, they are usually very elaborate and feature vines.
monumental contemporary architecture
After joining the Russian Empire in the 19th century, Armenian architecture entered a new phase of development. Yerevan and other important cities witnessed the construction of several architectural wonders. Since basalt was the main building material at the time, black was their common color.
Best time to visit Armenia
Armenia is best visited in the fall/fall. The days are long, sunny and mild, the tree color is lovely, and you can find harvested fruit almost anywhere.
