Armenia is that country in Asia where I felt more like I was in Europe. Geographically speaking, it sits somewhere between eastern Europe and western Asia, thus the strong European influence makes sense to be felt. Maybe that's why some travelers tend to overlook Armenia for the wrong impression that it's just another Europe-ish country. Or perhaps due to its long period of isolation during Soviet Union era that the country is still on its way to boom in tourism. Either way, Armenia deserves to be known more.
The local currency in Armenia is called dram (AMD), where AMD 1 is around USD 0.0021. The price of food is generally cheap where a full meal starts at AMD 3,000 (USD 6). Armenian cuisine varies, but I noticed they heavily eat more bread-based and soup-based dishes.
Republic Square
The Republic Square is the town’s central square located in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. It used to be the venue for military parades during the Soviet Union period. Now, it serves as the center of arts and culture. It’s also the melting pot of tourists as local taxi vans called marshrutka are very much in the area and double-deck buses carrying groups of Russian tourists are frequently there.
There are 6 buildings surrounding the Republic Square, which include the National Museum, National Gallery, Government House, Mariott Hotel Armenia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Transport and Communications. Their architectural design is neoclassical, a style that adds depth to the European feel in Armenia.
Tip: Look for an accommodation near the Republic Square. In that way, you can save money in transportation as common places of interest are nearby. Also, located corner Aram and Nalbandyan streets is a metro station, a mode of transportation considered the cheapest in Yerevan.
Vernissage
The Vernissage is an interesting outdoor market in Yerevan. The stretch consists of 4-5 rows of souvenir items from magnets, keychains, wallets, shirts, up to bigger items such as paintings, stainless steel kitchen items, and carpets.
The price of items at the Vernissage isn't bad considering that haggling is possible. Armenian sellers are also very courteous and aren't pushy at all which means I was able to look around without being forced to buy right away.
Also read: How to: Apply for Tourist Visa to Armenia for Philippine Passport Holders
Blue Mosque
While majority of the people in Armenia are Christians, Islam is the minority practiced by the Iranians who either migrate to Armenia or visit it more frequently, with Iran as one of its neighboring countries.
The Blue Mosque is a small Islamic mosque located in Yerevan. During Soviet era, this mosque was closed down and got turned into a museum. After Armenia’s independence in 1991, the Iranian government funded its renovation and re-opening.
The Cascade
Part of many unique sights around Yerevan is the Cascade, a huge artistic staircase that consists of several levels that gives a panoramic view of the city and Mount Ararat.
The Cascade’s base is surrounded by posh cafes and restaurants, some of which play live jazz music and are dramatically well-lit at night. Meanwhile, sculptures are scattered around the complex including a tmuseum (Cafesjian Museum of Modern Art) under the outdoor stairs where escalators are also available to those who prefer to go up indoors.
Once reached the top, the nationally significant Statue of Mother Armenia is right across located at Victoria Park. The statue signifies peace with strength in Armenia, as what the image of a woman holding a sword represents.
Also read: Why You Should Travel to the Country of Georgia
Aside from Yerevan, interesting side trips await in Kotayk, a province in Armenia one hour or less away from the capital. Unlike Yerevan, it’s less of a city thus Kotayk is more relaxed and closer to nature.
Arch of Charants
Mount Ararat is visibly everywhere on the way to Kotayk. For the Armenians, Ararat has a strong biblical significance, believed to be the place where Noah’s Ark first landed after the great storm.
The Arch of Charants is one of the best spots to see the vast plateau of Ararat. Though basically it’s just an arch in honor of a great Armenian poet Eghishe Charents, the view after passing through the arch is awesome and a must-see.
Temple of Garni
This is the Temple of Garni located in Garni village, Kotayk, a structure very similar to Rome's Pantheon. It’s an ancient pagan temple built during first century AD, way before Christianity was brought to Armenia in 4th century. As said, it’s the last remaining Greco-Roman structure in Armenia.
Entrance fees:
AMD 1,500 (USD 3) for foreigners
AMD 500 (USD 1) for locals
Geghard Monastery
Armenia is the first country to adopt Christianity and it all began here at the Geghard Monastery. This medieval monastery was built by Gregory the Illuminator in the 4th century. Named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it's said the spear that pierced Christ’s ribs at the crucifixion was brought to this monastery by apostle Thaddeus.
Similar to Roman Catholicism, a cross is also part of Orthodox Christian symbolisms. In Armenia, including in Geghard Monastery, a good way to show it is through a khachkar, a carved cross surmounted by other biblical figures including patterns of leaves, grapes, and solar discs.
The complex is very peaceful. Aside from being surrounded by huge cliff rocks, the Azat River also flows through one side of the complex.
Entrance to the monastery is free.
Tip: A lot of private Kotayk tours are offered at Republic Square, which vary depending on how many places and how many people join the tour. It usually starts at AMD 45,000 (USD 93) for 2 persons, covering at least 6 places. On the other hand, for a more flexible DIY trip, a Yerevan-Kotayk taxi ride costs AMD 10,000 (USD 21).
With my case, however, I searched for another route because the only option on my chosen travel date was a 19-hour stopover at Dubai International Airport (DXB) which I found too much of a long wait.
With this, first, I flew Manila-Hong Kong via Cebu Pacific, then took Hong Kong-Moscow and Moscow-Yerevan via Aeroflot. My chosen route may also be a long journey, but at least a get to step on a new country, Russia, instead of waiting for a long transit in Dubai.
Let me show you around Armenia even more! View my Armenia vlog here.
Armenia 101
Armenia has a population of 3 million, majority of which are Orthodox Christians. They have their own Armenian language and alphabet. Some people also know Russian after as a former member of the Soviet Union. Only a few can speak English, so even if Armenians are extremely nice, you might find mobile internet a savior to move around.The local currency in Armenia is called dram (AMD), where AMD 1 is around USD 0.0021. The price of food is generally cheap where a full meal starts at AMD 3,000 (USD 6). Armenian cuisine varies, but I noticed they heavily eat more bread-based and soup-based dishes.
What to see in Armenia?
I centered in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, then went to a few side trips outside the city. It's generally safe to move around, especially for women. I find most Armenians religious: a characteristic that made me feel secured throughout my stay in their country.The Republic Square is the town’s central square located in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. It used to be the venue for military parades during the Soviet Union period. Now, it serves as the center of arts and culture. It’s also the melting pot of tourists as local taxi vans called marshrutka are very much in the area and double-deck buses carrying groups of Russian tourists are frequently there.
There are 6 buildings surrounding the Republic Square, which include the National Museum, National Gallery, Government House, Mariott Hotel Armenia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Transport and Communications. Their architectural design is neoclassical, a style that adds depth to the European feel in Armenia.
Tip: Look for an accommodation near the Republic Square. In that way, you can save money in transportation as common places of interest are nearby. Also, located corner Aram and Nalbandyan streets is a metro station, a mode of transportation considered the cheapest in Yerevan.
Vernissage
The Vernissage is an interesting outdoor market in Yerevan. The stretch consists of 4-5 rows of souvenir items from magnets, keychains, wallets, shirts, up to bigger items such as paintings, stainless steel kitchen items, and carpets.
The price of items at the Vernissage isn't bad considering that haggling is possible. Armenian sellers are also very courteous and aren't pushy at all which means I was able to look around without being forced to buy right away.
Also read: How to: Apply for Tourist Visa to Armenia for Philippine Passport Holders
Blue Mosque
While majority of the people in Armenia are Christians, Islam is the minority practiced by the Iranians who either migrate to Armenia or visit it more frequently, with Iran as one of its neighboring countries.
The Blue Mosque is a small Islamic mosque located in Yerevan. During Soviet era, this mosque was closed down and got turned into a museum. After Armenia’s independence in 1991, the Iranian government funded its renovation and re-opening.
The Cascade
Part of many unique sights around Yerevan is the Cascade, a huge artistic staircase that consists of several levels that gives a panoramic view of the city and Mount Ararat.
The Cascade’s base is surrounded by posh cafes and restaurants, some of which play live jazz music and are dramatically well-lit at night. Meanwhile, sculptures are scattered around the complex including a tmuseum (Cafesjian Museum of Modern Art) under the outdoor stairs where escalators are also available to those who prefer to go up indoors.
Once reached the top, the nationally significant Statue of Mother Armenia is right across located at Victoria Park. The statue signifies peace with strength in Armenia, as what the image of a woman holding a sword represents.
Also read: Why You Should Travel to the Country of Georgia
Aside from Yerevan, interesting side trips await in Kotayk, a province in Armenia one hour or less away from the capital. Unlike Yerevan, it’s less of a city thus Kotayk is more relaxed and closer to nature.
Arch of Charants
Mount Ararat is visibly everywhere on the way to Kotayk. For the Armenians, Ararat has a strong biblical significance, believed to be the place where Noah’s Ark first landed after the great storm.
The Arch of Charants is one of the best spots to see the vast plateau of Ararat. Though basically it’s just an arch in honor of a great Armenian poet Eghishe Charents, the view after passing through the arch is awesome and a must-see.
Temple of Garni
This is the Temple of Garni located in Garni village, Kotayk, a structure very similar to Rome's Pantheon. It’s an ancient pagan temple built during first century AD, way before Christianity was brought to Armenia in 4th century. As said, it’s the last remaining Greco-Roman structure in Armenia.
Entrance fees:
AMD 1,500 (USD 3) for foreigners
AMD 500 (USD 1) for locals
Geghard Monastery
Armenia is the first country to adopt Christianity and it all began here at the Geghard Monastery. This medieval monastery was built by Gregory the Illuminator in the 4th century. Named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it's said the spear that pierced Christ’s ribs at the crucifixion was brought to this monastery by apostle Thaddeus.
Similar to Roman Catholicism, a cross is also part of Orthodox Christian symbolisms. In Armenia, including in Geghard Monastery, a good way to show it is through a khachkar, a carved cross surmounted by other biblical figures including patterns of leaves, grapes, and solar discs.
The complex is very peaceful. Aside from being surrounded by huge cliff rocks, the Azat River also flows through one side of the complex.
Entrance to the monastery is free.
Tip: A lot of private Kotayk tours are offered at Republic Square, which vary depending on how many places and how many people join the tour. It usually starts at AMD 45,000 (USD 93) for 2 persons, covering at least 6 places. On the other hand, for a more flexible DIY trip, a Yerevan-Kotayk taxi ride costs AMD 10,000 (USD 21).
How to get to Armenia?
There’s no direct flight from the Philippines to Armenia. The usual route is Manila-Dubai-Yerevan (or any other city in the Middle East replacing Dubai) so airlines serving this route include Qatar Airways, Fly Dubai, and Emirates.With my case, however, I searched for another route because the only option on my chosen travel date was a 19-hour stopover at Dubai International Airport (DXB) which I found too much of a long wait.
With this, first, I flew Manila-Hong Kong via Cebu Pacific, then took Hong Kong-Moscow and Moscow-Yerevan via Aeroflot. My chosen route may also be a long journey, but at least a get to step on a new country, Russia, instead of waiting for a long transit in Dubai.
Let me show you around Armenia even more! View my Armenia vlog here.
Shelly Viajera Travel
