|  | | | | Regions:
Aragatsotn Area: 2737 km 2
Population: 168100
Administrative Center: Ashtarak
Distance from Yerevan to Ashtarak: 20 km
This region covers the Mount. Aragats, and its picturesque foothills. This mount always has been the spiritual subject of many Armenian writers and painters. The name Aragats (Ara + Gah) means the throne of Ara. This mount has taken a mystic vision throughout the ages. With its four peaks, it is Armenia's highest mountain. Apart from his splendor, this region offers more than 1000 historical monuments. The Mt. Aragats is accented by ancient frescoed churches in Mastara, Talin and Aruch, as well as splendid castles and impregnable fortresses, not to forget some world-renowned scientific centers.
Ararat Area: 1995 km 2
Population: 311400
Administrative Center: Artashat
Distance from Yerevan to Artashat: 29 km
The Mt. Ararat (which is in Turkey) and its inaccessibility have always had a great influence on Armenians, which turned him into an object of cult and mythology. This beautiful region is rich in amazing architectural monuments and ruins. The Khosrov preserve, which is located there in the eastern part, in the basins of the Azat and Vedi rivers is one of the most beautiful places in Armenia.
Armavir Area: 1251 km 2
Population: 323300
Administrative Center: Armavir
Distance from Yerevan to Armavir: 48 km
Between the mountain of Aragats and the Mount Ararat, lays the fertile lands of Armavir region. It is a succession of beautiful landscapes, magical architecture, hospitable traditions, and momentous history. Ararat valley is the largest and the most fertile land of the forty valleys of historical Armenia.
The main place of interest there is the spiritual center of Armenia - the Holy See of Echmiadzin.
This region is rich in fruits - apples, apricots, cherries, peaches and many other fruits grow on this fertile land. The apricot and also the peach are thought to have their origins in the Ararat valley. Alexander the Great introduced apricots to Greece after his marches through the Armenian highlands.
Located a short distance from the Mother Cathedral, you can find the majestic masterpieces of Armenian architecture – the churches St. Hripsime and St. Gayane.
Gegharkunik Area: 4058 km 2
Population: 278600
Administrative Center: Gavar
Distance from Yerevan to Gavar: 98 km
This region is situated in the eastern part of Armenia; there you can see rising from the Marsik valley Mount Azhdahak at 3598 meters.
The administrative center Gavar, is an important industrial center of Sevan basin. A huge part of the ancestors of the inhabitants of Gavar arrived in 1830 from the town of Bayazet of Western Armenia and in the place of historic Gavaravan established a settlement, aptly called New Bayazet. Despite its relatively modern rebirth, the center has an ancient past, which is confirmed by the fabled monuments dating back to the Bronze Age.
This region has a variety of flora and fauna which attracts not only the tourists. Except the splendid view of Sevan Lake, the tourists can enjoy the impressive old churches dispersed in the region, i.e. the church of Hairavank (9-10 century). This edifice is a perfect example of the harmony of architecture and nature. Northeast of Gavar, on the Lake Sevan is situated Noradouz, famous for the largest collection of stone-crosses (khachkars), some of which dating from the 7th century.
Kotayk Area: 2038 km 2
Population: 328900
Administrative Center: Hrazdan
Distance from Yerevan to Hrazdan: 50 km
The region Kotayk has some of the most astonishing natural beauty and fabulous monuments in Armenia. This region is situated at the north of Yerevan and his administrative center is Hrazdan. This is one of the popular destinations for locals as well as foreign tourists in Armenia. The Hrazdan River is the dominant waterway in the area.
One of the places of interest in this region is Tsakhkadzor, or canyon of flowers, locates on the eastern slope of Teghenis Mountain at 2000 meters above sea level. This small winter resort town is a popular tourist destination, offering to visitors excellent conditions of skiing.
Hrazdan is the region's most developed industrial center, but despite that he is also rich with archeological and medieval monuments. Northwest of it is situated the Kecharis monastery (11-13 cc.). This masterpiece of Armenian architecture was a renowned religious and educational center in the 11th century.
The village of Garni is situated on the edge of the Azat canyon 35 km south of Yerevan. Although it is most well known for the 3rd century BC temple Garni, the place is rich also in Christian monuments, such as numerous cross-stones, tombstones, and the frescoed churches of Sourp Astvatsatsin or Mashtots Hairapet, Saint Sargis (17c.).
Nearby situated Geghard is maybe the most astonishing architectural wonder in Armenia. Built in the solid rock of a mountainside, one can freely walk into the large church dating back nearly 9 centuries. This name is said to be of the lance which was used to pierce Christ’s body. The lance itself was afterwards moved to the museum of the Cathedral at Echmiadzin.
Lori Area: 3750 km 2
Population: 392300
Administrative Center: Vanadzor
Distance from Yerevan to Vanadzor: 125 km
Lori (Gugark in ancient times) is the northern region of Armenia. Lori's climate is temperate and relatively humid as the Lori-Pambak Mountains protect this area from the penetration of cold air from the north and due to this, the region has a lot of fruit trees.
The centre of this region is Vanadzor, which is constructed from multi-color tufa stone. Once a small community, now it has become well known for its developed industries and resorts, as well as traditions. The area is famous with its architectural wonders - the monasteries of Sanahin, Haghpat, and Kober as well as the cathedral of Odzun.
Shirak Area: 2643 km 2
Population: 361400
Administrative Center: Gyumri
Distance from Yerevan to Gyumri: 155 km
Shirak is located in Armenia's northwest and includes the second largest city, Gyumri. This is the only place from which one can see the ruins of the glorious city of Ani, the former flourishing Armenian capital and cultural center, located just across the Akhuryan River in nowadays Turkey.
Gyumri suffered a lot of damages and huge human loss in the 1988 earthquake. With the support of the Armenian government as well as of some international organizations the city is being restored and rebuilt. Gyumri famous with the old city (Kumayri historic district) and as well the recently refurbished St. Nishan Church.
In the village of Toparli one can find the famous pagan monument - Tsak Kar (meaning hole stone). It is a huge stone with a hole through which can pass a person. The legend says that people who pass through the hole will acquire eternal happiness.
Another place of interest is the Haritch Monastery (7th to 13th cc.), which was built with giant multicolored stones-each 3.5 meters wide. It is adjacent to the 7th Century St. Grigor Church. For centuries, Haritch was the summer residence of Armenian Catholicos.
Syunik Area: 4475 km 2
Population: 164000
Administrative Center: Kapan
Distance from Yerevan to Kapan: 316 km
The Syunik region also known as Zangezur, is the biggest province in Armenia (4506 sq. km) and comprises the districts of Kapan, Goris, Sisian and Meghri. Syunik has a lot of natural springs and sources of mineral water.
Besides the wonderful food and the hospitality of its inhabitants, this region is also famous with its magical sights and also with the petroglyph-rich fields of Ughtasar, the mysterious Zorats Karer or Karahunj (Armenian Stonehenge), the resplendent churches such as the Tatev Monastery, Bgheno -Noravank Monastery, Vorotnavank, and Vahanavank, and idyllic wonders of nature such as Sev Lich, Shaki Waterfall, and Shikahogh.
The centre of the region is Kapan, which is a cultural, educational and mining centre. Kajaran is a small town, famous for its mineral water. There the visitor can admire the Kapuyt Lich (Blue Lake) - at 3250 m high above sea level.
Tavoush Area: 2695 km 2
Population: 156500
Administrative Center: Ijevan
Distance from Yerevan to Ijevan: 137 km
Tavush region is famous for its natural beauty and variety of trees as well as birds. The towns of Ijevan and Dilijan are equally famous for their cultural heritage and activity. In Dilijan one can admire the masterpieces of Armenian craftsmanship, music, and arts. There one can also see the impressive monasteries at Goshavank and Haghartsin. Ijevan, situated in the heart of Tavush, has been a centre for handcrafted items including traditional Armenian rugs.
Vayots Dzor Area: 2308 km 2
Population: 69400
Administrative Center: Yeghegnadzor
Distance from Yerevan to Yeghegnadzor: 119 km
Vayots Dzor, famous with its nature and beauty. Its centre is the attractive town of Yeghegnadzor, situated on the bank of Arpa River. This place is full of monuments dating as far back as the 1st millennium BC, among which is the Regional Museum and the History Museum of the University of Gladzor, which recently celebrated its 700th anniversary.
The town of Jermuk, which is the third largest town in the region, is among Armenia's most famous spa resorts. Jermuk owes his fame to the 40 underground fresh water and mineral water springs. Another interesting place is the village of Areni, famous with its wine industry and the fine wine with the same name.
Other sites of interest in this area include the ancient settlements of Yeghegis and Mogh (dating back to the 5th century AD and the 2nd millennium BC, respectively) and the fortresses of Proshaberd, Smbataberd, Berdakar, and Kechout. Mozrov caves, located near Yeghegnadzor, maybe are the most spectacular in this region.
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