Foto: The Tatev Monastery (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Armenia - The Tatev Monastery is spectacularly situated on a rocky plateau above the deep gorge of the Vorotan River in southern Armenia. This medieval monastery complex, dating from the 9th century, was for centuries an important religious, cultural, and scientific center of the Syunik region. The monastery consists of several churches, chapels, and auxiliary buildings, all surrounded by sturdy walls that provided protection against invasions. The main church is the Church of Saints Paul and Peter, built in 895. Its sparsely decorated exterior contrasts with the impressive interior, which still contains frescoes, stone reliefs, and ancient inscriptions. Next to the main church are the smaller Church of Saint Gregory and the Church of Saint Astvatsatsin. In the Middle Ages, a university was also located here, where monks taught theology, philosophy, music, mathematics, and cartography—one of the oldest universities in Armenia. A notable feature on the grounds is the so-called Gavazan, an eight-meter-high stone pillar that can move slightly. According to legend, it acted like a seismograph, warning of earthquakes or impending danger. The entire complex exudes a sense of serenity and timelessness, enhanced by the breathtaking setting overlooking the mountainous landscape of southern Armenia. Since 2010, the monastery has been accessible via a spectacular cable car: the Wings of Tatev. This aerial tram connects the village of Halidzor with the monastery over a distance of 5.7 kilometers, spanning the deep Vorotan Gorge. The ride takes about twelve minutes and offers unparalleled views of the mountains, the river below, and the winding road that used to be the only route to the monastery. The cable car is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest continuous aerial tramway in the world. During the ride, you sometimes float up to 320 meters above the ground, with the silence broken only by the soft sound of the wind. The contrast between the modern technology of the cable car and the centuries-old stone of the monastery makes the experience even more remarkable. Visiting Tatev is not just a journey through Armenian history, but also an encounter between past and present, nature and culture. Both the monastery and the cable car symbolize the resilience and pride of Armenia, a country that connects its rich heritage with modern innovation.
Holy Etchmiadzin of the Armenian Church
Armenia - The Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin is a 4th-century Armenian church in the city of Ejmiatsin, Armenia. It is also the central cathedral of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The Etchmiadzin Cathedral is listed as ...
The Amenaprkich Church in Gyumri
Armenia - Gyumri, Armenia’s second-largest city, is known as the cultural heart of the country and is full of religious and architectural treasures. Despite the devastating earthquake of 1988, Gyumri has retained much of its historical charm. The city has several ...
The Cascade of Yerevan
Armenia - Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Founded in 782 BCE, the city combines a rich history with a modern, vibrant atmosphere. Located at the foot of the mighty Mount Ararat, Yerevan offers a ...
The Geghard Monastery
Armenia - The Geghard Monastery, also known as Geghardavank, is one of Armenia’s most impressive religious monuments and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monastery lies deep in the picturesque Azat Valley, surrounded by steep cliffs and rugged mountains. ...
The Sanahin and Haghpat Monasteries
Armenia - The Sanahin and Haghpat monasteries are located in northern Armenia, in the Lori region, forming one of the most impressive religious and architectural complexes in the country. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites dating from the 10th and 11th centuries, ...
The Sevanavank Monastery
Armenia - The Sevanavank Monastery, also called Sevan Monastery, is situated on a picturesque peninsula on Lake Sevan, Armenia’s largest lake and one of the highest lakes in the world. At over 1,900 meters above sea level, it offers breathtaking views of the ...