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Ejminatsin – The Armenian Vatican

Armenians are deeply religious, churches are packed with people of all ages during mass. Around Easter is an excellent time to visit Armenia, lots of fascinating ceremonies like the candle-lightening ceremony or the blessing of small wreaths offer great photo ops. Both of these ceremonies I did not know about, but literally ran into them. Like when I passed street vendors selling little green wreaths on a street corner near my hotel, I simply followed the buyers and ended up at a small church dating back to 1694. A week later I noticed  people in the street carrying small, lit candles.  I quickly walked back to this church and again I stumbled into the most moving ceremony, the lightening of candles.

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Candle Lightning Ceremony

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Khor Virap Monastery comes with a view

Khor Virap

Mount Ararat, 5300m, Khor Virap Monastery

From Khor Virap Monastery the view of Mount Ararat is unbeatable, but unfortunately its summit is almost always hidden behind thick clouds. Therefore, I had watched the weather forecast carefully, and Monday March 21st, was the day to do it! Clear skies, off to Khor Virap.

Though Mount Ararat is 8km across the border onTurkish territory, this 5,300m high mountain seems so close. While marveling at its beauty you wonder where exactly Noah’s Ark stranded on the mountain, during the biblical flood.  If you have time to visit only one monastery while in Armenia, choose this one. Continue Reading →

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Armenia’s South – Goris

Goris - rock formation and ancient cave dwellings

Goris – rock formation and ancient cave dwellings

Ancient Goris

The absolute highlights in Goris are the majestic and bizarre rock formations. Many are punctured with wide caves hewn into the soft rock where people used to live and shelter their animals. Accounts of a Greek historian mention cavemen living here in the 5th century BC, now beat that. This sight came completely unexpected, since my guidebook did not mention it.

The scenery is really dramatic; spires rise up into the sky from the very green carpet of grass that covers the less vertical parts, with a huge cemetery at its feet. It was definitely worth walking up to the feet of the rocks: great view with the river below, snow covered mountains around it, all in a secluded valley. Continue Reading →

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