Sisian

Sisian sits at around 1,580 metres altitude in the southern Armenian province of Syunik on the Vorotan River, and with about 14,000 inhabitants is a quiet upland town on Armenia's main north, south corridor between Yerevan and Goris. The present town was re-founded in 1840 under Russian imperial rule and was called Garakilisa until 1940; since 1995 it has officially borne its historic name, Sisian. Its architectural emblem is the cross-domed Surb Grigor (Sisavan) church of the 7th century, one of the most elegant churches in Armenia. A few kilometres to the north lies the prehistoric stone circle of Zorats Karer (also Carahunge or 'Armenian Stonehenge'), thought to be some 7,500 years old and to have served astronomical purposes. The area also provides the Shaki waterfall, the mountain village of Shinuhayr, medieval cross-stones in the high pastures and hiking and chalet tourism in the Bargushat range.

Nearby cities

Kapan

Kapan is the capital of the Syunik Province, situated in a lush valley surrounded by high mountains.

Goris

Goris is famous for its grid street plan and surrounding cave dwellings carved into the soft rock.

Tatev (Halidzor)

The gateway to the spectacular Tatev Monastery and home to the world's longest non-stop double track cableway.

History & landmarks

Khndzoresk

A fascinating cave village in a steep gorge, famous for its spectacular suspension bridge spanning the valley.

Zorats Karer

A prehistoric archaeological site, often referred to as the Armenian Stonehenge, consisting of hundreds of large standing stones.

Nature

Vorotan River

The Vorotan River carves a deep gorge in southern Armenia, known for its scenic beauty.

More places

Goris State Sanctuary

An area with deep gorges and caves dedicated to protecting the endangered Caucasian leopard and other large animals.

Sev Lich Sanctuary

A protected crater lake in the volcanic mountains of Syunik, serving as a drinking water source and habitat for waterfowl.

Vorotan Gorge

One of the deepest and most picturesque gorges in Armenia, located in the south of the country.

Tatev Monastery

A 9th-century historical monument standing on the edge of a deep gorge of the Vorotan River.

Vorotan Cascade

The Vorotan Cascade is a complex of three hydroelectric power plants on the Vorotan River in the Syunik Province.

Mets Ishkhanasar

A prominent volcanic cone in the Syunik Province near the Azerbaijani border.

Mount Khustup

Khustup is a prominent mountain in southern Armenia, with slopes covered in dense forests and alpine meadows.

Mount Khustup

A significant mountain in the Syunik Province, often considered a sacred place.