Ijevan

Ijevan lies in lush green north-eastern Armenia at around 750 metres altitude, in a narrow valley of the Aghstev River, and serves as the capital of the heavily forested Tavush Province. The town, home to about 21,000 inhabitants, was first recorded in 1801 as Karavansara, a settlement around a caravanserai; it received its present name, meaning 'inn' or 'resting place', in 1919. Ijevan sits at the heart of a region with an almost Mediterranean microclimate, where vines, tobacco, fruit and walnuts are grown, and has been known since Soviet times for its carpet weaving and the Aghstev winery. Today it hosts Ijevan State University and a major Armenian-tuff sculpture symposium whose works adorn the city park, and acts as the gateway to the nearby monasteries of Goshavank, Haghartsin and Makaravank, to the trails of Dilijan National Park and to the border with Azerbaijan. The townscape mixes Soviet-era apartment blocks, traditional houses with carved wooden balconies and new hotels catering for eco-tourism.

Nearby cities

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.

Sevan

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

Lchashen

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

Gavar

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

Gardabani

Gardabani is an industrial city near the Azerbaijani border, operating an important thermal power plant.

Hrazdan

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

Tovuz

Tovuz is located in northwestern Azerbaijan near Georgia and Armenia.

Rustavi

Rustavi is a major industrial city in southeastern Georgia on the Kura River.

Martuni

Martuni is a town situated on the southern shores of Lake Sevan, known for its fishing and agriculture.

Marneuli

Marneuli is the administrative center of a multicultural region in Kvemo Kartli, with a predominantly Azerbaijani population.

History & landmarks

Haghartsin Monastery

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

Sevanavank

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

Akhtala Fortress

A 10th-century fortified monastery that played a crucial role in protecting the northwestern regions.

Nature

Lake Parz

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

Debed River

The Debed flows through deep, forested gorges in northern Armenia towards Georgia.

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.

More places

Ijevan Dendropark

A picturesque arboretum in the Tavush region, known for its collection of rare conifers and peaceful walking paths.

Goyazan Mountain

The solitary Goyazan is a striking volcanic remnant rising steeply above the surrounding plains.

Dilijan National Park

Dilijan National Park is known for its dense forests, lakes, and rich biodiversity.

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Qarayazi State Reserve

This reserve on the banks of the Kura River protects a unique floodplain landscape and endangered wildlife.

Sevan-Hrazdan Cascade

The Sevan-Hrazdan Cascade is a complex of hydroelectric power plants on the Hrazdan River, utilizing water from Lake Sevan.

Gegharkunik Potato Farms

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

Sevan National Park

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

Gardabani Thermal Power Plant

The combined cycle gas turbine power plant in Gardabani ensures Georgia's energy security, especially during winter.