Albania - The Amphitheatre of Butrint
Foto: (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
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 a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the oldest state-built church in the world. The original vaulted basilica was constructed between 301–303 by Saint Gregory the Illuminator, when Armenia became the first officially Christian country in the world. Gregory had converted King Tiridates III and members of his court. Directly to the west of the cathedral is the Gate of Saint Tiridates, which leads to the imposing Patriarchal Palace. To the northeast, with buildings both inside and outside the enclosure, lies the Spiritual Academy. Several khachkars (Armenian cross-stones) are located north of the cathedral.
By cable car to the Tatev Monastery
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 ...
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 ...