Martuni

Martuni sits at about 1,927 metres altitude on the southern shore of Lake Sevan in Gegharkunik Province, around 130 km east of Yerevan. The town of about 11,000 inhabitants was re-founded in 1925 by Soviet Armenia and named after the nom de guerre 'Martuni' ('the little one') of the Armenian Bolshevik revolutionary Alexander Miasnikian. It is the administrative centre of a vast district whose villages line the southern shore of Lake Sevan, and the most important hub of the lake's fishing industry, especially for the endemic Sevan trout (ishkhan), whitefish and crayfish. Local sights include the medieval Berdkunk fortress, the 9th-century Vanevan monastery and the high-altitude khachkar field of Tsovak, while harsh upland winters allow ice-walks across frozen lagoons. The economy combines fishing, honey, potato and tobacco farming with a tentative but growing summer beach tourism.

Nearby cities

Sevan

Sevan is a popular resort town on the shores of Lake Sevan, Armenia's largest body of water.

Gavar

Gavar is a mountainous city located near Lake Sevan, known for its cold winters and historical monuments.

Vardenis

Vardenis is a town located near the southeastern shore of Lake Sevan, acting as an agricultural hub.

Lchashen

Lchashen is a village near Lake Sevan, widely recognized for its important Bronze Age archaeological discoveries.

Yeghegnadzor

Yeghegnadzor is the capital of the Vayots Dzor Province, located in a region famous for ancient wine-making traditions.

Vayk

Vayk is a small town in southern Armenia, nestled in a valley and surrounded by rugged mountain terrain.

Dilijan

Often called the 'Armenian Switzerland', Dilijan is a spa town surrounded by dense forests and national parks.

Yenokavan

A picturesque mountain village that has developed into the center for ecotourism and outdoor adventures in Armenia.

Hrazdan

Hrazdan is an important industrial center in the Kotayk Province, situated on the banks of the Hrazdan River.

History & landmarks

Selim (Orbelian's Caravanserai)

Armenia's best-preserved caravanserai, a 14th-century stop on the Silk Road located at 2410 meters altitude.

Noravank

A monastery in a narrow gorge made by the Amaghu River, famous for its reddish limestone cliffs.

Sevanavank

A monastic complex located on a peninsula at the northwestern shore of Lake Sevan with scenic views.

Haghartsin Monastery

A 13th-century monastery complex hidden in the lush, emerald forests of Dilijan National Park.

Nature

Lake Sevan

Lake Sevan is the largest lake in Armenia and one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the world.

Lake Akna

Lake Akna is a picturesque crater lake in the Geghama Mountains, surrounded by alpine meadows.

Lake Parz

Lake Parz is a small forest lake in Dilijan National Park, known for its crystal-clear water.

Aras River

The Aras marks the southern border of Armenia and plays an important role in the region's history.

More places

Vardenis Mountains

A mountain range forming the southern boundary of the Lake Sevan basin.

Sevan Mountain Range

A mountain range along the eastern shores of Lake Sevan offering picturesque views.

Sevan National Park

Sevan National Park was established to protect the fragile ecosystem of Lake Sevan and its surroundings.

Gegharkunik Potato Farms

The cool climatic conditions around Lake Sevan are excellent for growing high-quality Armenian potatoes.

Geghama Mountains

A volcanic mountain range in central Armenia known for its numerous craters and mountain lakes.

Mount Azhdahak

Azhdahak is the highest point of the Geghama Mountains, featuring a crater lake at its summit.

Mount Azhdahak

An extinct volcano and the highest peak of the Geghama Mountains, featuring a crater lake.

Sotk Gold Mine

The Sotk Gold Mine, located in the Gegharkunik Province, is one of the most important gold mines in Armenia.