Արևի հյուրանոց

Zorats church, or Soldier Church, overlooks a river and features rough tombstones with carved eye holes, suggesting ancient worship. It was constructed in the 14th century for warriors to receive blessings before battle, with a unique design accommodating horseback soldiers.

The Yeghegis Jewish cemetery, with tombstones dating from 1266 BC to 1346 AD, spans eighty years of use and remains a unique cultural landmark, attracting Jewish tourists globally. Its geological similarity to the nearby Orbelian Dynasty graves suggests a shared origin, hinting at intriguing connections between the two sites.

Founded in 936 by Throne Prince Smbat and a local bishop, Hermon Monastery, initially named Achermon, thrived culturally in the 14th and 15th centuries. It became a prominent center of learning after Tiratur Vardapet established a school there in 1338, continuing the intellectual legacy of Gladzor University until the late 15th century, producing notable scholars, scribes, and artists.

Smbataberd Fortress, dating from the 10th and 11th centuries, showcases impressive pyramid-like walls constructed from large basalt stones, strategically positioned near the Artabuni and Yeghegis Rivers for defense. Legend has it that the fortress fell to Turkish forces after they cleverly traced its water pipeline with a thirsty horse, adding to the site’s historical intrigue and allure.

Areni-1, also known as Birds’ Cave, is a karstic cave in the Vayots Dzor Region of Southern Armenia, where excavations began in 2007. The site revealed well-preserved Chalcolithic and Medieval occupations, with notable finds including large storage vessels and human skulls dating back to around 4300–3400 Cal. BC