Ashtarak

Ashtarak lies about 20 km north-west of Yerevan in Aragatsotn Province at roughly 1,100 metres altitude and is the historic and administrative centre of the region at the foot of the extinct Aragats volcano (4,090 m), Armenia's highest mountain. The town, home to just under 20,000 people, spreads along both sides of the deep gorge of the Kasagh River and is famous for its three-arched medieval stone bridge of the 17th century. In its historic core stands the tiny Karmravor church ('the red one', 7th century), one of Armenia's oldest surviving cross-domed churches, together with the Marine, Surp Sargis and Spitakavor churches. Ashtarak is the birthplace of several major Armenian writers, including Perch Proshyan and Nar-Dos, and is surrounded by apricot orchards; the region is now experiencing an economic revival thanks to tomato paste, winemaking and tourism centred on the monasteries of Saghmosavank and Hovhannavank and the Hayazor pantheon.

Nearby cities

Byurakan

A scientific hub on the slopes of Mount Aragats, famous for its world-class astrophysical observatory and ancient churches.

Vagharshapat

Often referred to as Echmiadzin, this city is the spiritual center of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Yeghvard

Yeghvard is a small historic city in the Kotayk region, featuring medieval ruins and old churches.

Metsamor

Metsamor is a modern city built to house the workers of Armenia's only nuclear power plant.

Masis

Masis is a notable railway junction and industrial center located in the agricultural Ararat Province.

Abovyan

Abovyan is a modern industrial city located just north of Yerevan, serving as a major satellite town.

Charentsavan

Charentsavan was established in the mid-20th century as an industrial hub for machinery and tool manufacturing.

Artashat

Artashat is the capital of the Ararat Province, built near the ruins of the ancient Armenian capital of the same name.

Armavir

Armavir is an ancient city that served as one of the historical capitals of Armenia, now a modern administrative center.

Nature

Kasagh River

The Kasagh flows through western Armenia, creating a deep gorge along which many monasteries are located.

Lake Kari

Lake Kari is a high-altitude mountain lake at the foot of Mount Aragats, formed mostly by meltwater.

More places

Kasakh River Gorge

An impressive gorge carved by the Kasakh River, lined with historical monasteries.

Oshakan Church

A church built over the grave of Mesrop Mashtots, the creator of the Armenian alphabet.

Armenian Alphabet Monument

An architectural monument on the slopes of Mount Aragats, featuring 39 giant, tuff-carved Armenian letters.

Amberd Fortress

A 7th-century fortress situated 2,300 meters above sea level on the slopes of Mount Aragats.

Mount Aragats

Mount Aragats is the highest mountain in Armenia, an extinct stratovolcano.

Mount Aragats

The highest mountain in Armenia, a massive inactive volcano with four peaks.

Aruchavank

The remains of one of the largest 7th-century Armenian churches, originally featuring a massive dome.

Sardarapat Memorial

A memorial complex to the Battle of Sardarapat, located in the Armavir Province.