{"id":6545,"date":"2020-04-30T19:01:41","date_gmt":"2020-04-30T19:01:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mircorp.com\/?p=6545"},"modified":"2025-02-28T16:38:18","modified_gmt":"2025-02-28T16:38:18","slug":"10-reasons-to-be-amazed-by-armenia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/10-reasons-to-be-amazed-by-armenia\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Reasons to Be Amazed by Armenia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\">\n<p><strong>Steeped in layers of complex history and epic landscapes, <a href=\"\/country\/armenia\/\">Armenia<\/a> encompasses one of the most captivating corners of the <a href=\"\/region\/south-caucasus-turkey\/\">Caucasus<\/a>.<\/strong> Set in a region that\u2019s still unfamiliar to many Americans, this little landlocked nation is considered one of Europe\u2019s most ancient inhabited places. Its extraordinary collection of centuries-old monuments and rich, deeply ingrained culture stand as a firm testament to its age and importance.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/9A_0012-Armenia-Haghbat-MKlimenta-800.jpg\" alt=\"The monasteries of Haghbat and Sanahin in Armenia are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta\" class=\"wp-image-6493\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/9A_0012-Armenia-Haghbat-MKlimenta-800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/9A_0012-Armenia-Haghbat-MKlimenta-800-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/9A_0012-Armenia-Haghbat-MKlimenta-800-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/9A_0012-Armenia-Haghbat-MKlimenta-800-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/9A_0012-Armenia-Haghbat-MKlimenta-800-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The monasteries of Haghbat and Sanahin in Armenia are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Tragedy and triumph have become dual themes that are indelibly woven into the fabric of Armenia\u2019s history. <\/strong>Yet in recent years, the passion and persistence of the Armenian people have demonstrated to the world that their nation is on the cusp of a new era. In the spring of 2018, Armenians staged weeks of peaceful protests, eventually pushing out their old prime minister and electing in a new, more liberal government. The country has since experienced a newfound sense of energy and optimism, making Armenia even more enticing to travelers.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-standardcarousel js-xd-components__carousel\">\n  <div class=\"js-xd-components__carousel\">\n    <div uk-slider  >\n      <div class=\"uk-position-relative\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n        <ul\n          id=\"block_76c8e650dfd62672aa65b0c5d6897ce9-carousel\"\n          class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1 uk-child-width-1-2@s uk-child-width-1-3@m uk-grid uk-grid-small  js-xd-components__carousel-lightbox-open\">\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Yerevan-street-school-girls-MartinKlimenta-150x104.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Yerevan-street-school-girls-MartinKlimenta.jpg 649w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Yerevan-street-school-girls-MartinKlimenta-300x208.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Yerevan-street-school-girls-MartinKlimenta-150x104.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Yerevan-street-school-girls-MartinKlimenta-600x415.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 649px) 100vw, 649px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"School kids wave hello in Yerevan, Armenia. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta\"\n  height=\"449\"\n  width=\"649\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ExploritasTC2010-Martin146-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ExploritasTC2010-Martin146.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ExploritasTC2010-Martin146-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ExploritasTC2010-Martin146-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ExploritasTC2010-Martin146-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ExploritasTC2010-Martin146-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"The faithful light candles at Geghard Monastery (Armenia.) Photo credit: Martin Klimenta\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/78220038-150x98.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/78220038.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/78220038-300x196.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/78220038-768x501.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/78220038-150x98.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/78220038-600x392.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"A traditional Armenian dance. Photo credit: Michel Behar\"\n  height=\"522\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n          \n        <\/ul>\n        <a\n          class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\"\n          href=\"#\"\n          uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\"\n          uk-slider-item=\"previous\"\n          ><\/a>\n        <a\n          class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\"\n          href=\"#\"\n          uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\"\n          uk-slider-item=\"next\"\n        ><\/a>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav uk-flex-center uk-margin\" ><\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n      \n  <div id=\"block_76c8e650dfd62672aa65b0c5d6897ce9-lightbox\" class=\"uk-modal-container xd-components__media-grid-lightbox uk-modal\" uk-modal=\"uk-modal\">\n    <div class=\"uk-modal-dialog uk-modal-body\">\n      <button class=\"uk-modal-close-outside\" type=\"button\" uk-close=\"uk-close\"><\/button>\n      <div id=\"block_76c8e650dfd62672aa65b0c5d6897ce9-lightbox-slider\" uk-slider=\"uk-slider\">\n        <div class=\"uk-position-relative\">\n          <div class=\"uk-slider-container\">\n            <ul class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1\">\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Yerevan-street-school-girls-MartinKlimenta-150x104.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Yerevan-street-school-girls-MartinKlimenta.jpg 649w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Yerevan-street-school-girls-MartinKlimenta-300x208.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Yerevan-street-school-girls-MartinKlimenta-150x104.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Yerevan-street-school-girls-MartinKlimenta-600x415.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 649px) 100vw, 649px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"School kids wave hello in Yerevan, Armenia. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta\"\n  height=\"449\"\n  width=\"649\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">School kids wave hello in Yerevan, Armenia.\nPhoto credit: Martin Klimenta<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ExploritasTC2010-Martin146-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ExploritasTC2010-Martin146.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ExploritasTC2010-Martin146-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ExploritasTC2010-Martin146-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ExploritasTC2010-Martin146-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ExploritasTC2010-Martin146-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"The faithful light candles at Geghard Monastery (Armenia.) Photo credit: Martin Klimenta\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">The faithful light candles at Geghard Monastery. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/78220038-150x98.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/78220038.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/78220038-300x196.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/78220038-768x501.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/78220038-150x98.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/78220038-600x392.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"A traditional Armenian dance. Photo credit: Michel Behar\"\n  height=\"522\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">A traditional Armenian dance. Photo credit: Michel Behar<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                          <\/ul>\n          <\/div>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-previous uk-slidenav\" href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\" uk-slider-item=\"previous\"><\/a>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-next uk-slidenav\"\n            href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\" uk-slider-item=\"next\"><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav\">\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#909599\"><em>(click on photo to view larger version)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is Armenia Famous For?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Armenia is a country that boasts a rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural landscapes. This small nation is famous for some of the world&#8217;s oldest churches and monasteries located amidst the breathtaking mountain scenery. Armenia is also known for its delicious cuisine, which blends Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors. In addition, the country has a thriving arts scene, with traditional music, dance, and crafts still practiced today. The time to witness this country and its momentous changes through history is now.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignwide is-light\" style=\"min-height:250px\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-40 has-background-dim\"><\/span><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"250\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-6556\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/P1090687-Martin_Klimenta-250.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/P1090687-Martin_Klimenta-250.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/P1090687-Martin_Klimenta-250-300x39.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/P1090687-Martin_Klimenta-250-1024x133.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/P1090687-Martin_Klimenta-250-768x100.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/P1090687-Martin_Klimenta-250-1536x200.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/P1090687-Martin_Klimenta-250-150x20.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/P1090687-Martin_Klimenta-250-600x78.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/P1090687-Martin_Klimenta-250-1600x208.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Here are 10 reasons to discover Armenia before everyone else does.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1) Explore Yerevan\u2019s Astounding Art &amp; Architecture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Founded under the name Erebuni in 782 BC, Yerevan is Armenia\u2019s capital and one of the oldest cities in the world, predating Rome by nearly 30  years. Though often overshadowed by the other Caucasus capitals \u2014 glamorous Baku and cobblestoned Tbilisi \u2014 <strong>Yerevan\u2019s fascinating fusion of old Soviet architecture, modern high-rises, handsome parks, and lively open-air cafes gives it an energy and exuberant charm all its own.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the center of it all is Yerevan\u2019s Republic Square, designed in 1924  by renowned Armenian architect Alexander Tamanian. A popular local meeting spot, the square is surrounded by beautiful neoclassical  buildings constructed of the city\u2019s characteristic pink tufa stone. People often congregate in the evenings to watch the sound and light  shows by the square\u2019s musical fountain.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-standardcarousel js-xd-components__carousel\">\n  <div class=\"js-xd-components__carousel\">\n    <div uk-slider  >\n      <div class=\"uk-position-relative\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n        <ul\n          id=\"block_855c34ef42d6df5ad8e2ce0ec83e6920-carousel\"\n          class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1 uk-child-width-1-2@s uk-child-width-1-3@m uk-grid uk-grid-small  js-xd-components__carousel-lightbox-open\">\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7760-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7760-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7760-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7760-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7760-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7760-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Locals stroll on a sunny day through Yerevan's Republic Square (Armenia). Photo credit: Richard Fejfar\"\n  height=\"533\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ARM_DSC7312-peter-guttman-99x150.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ARM_DSC7312-peter-guttman.jpg 530w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ARM_DSC7312-peter-guttman-199x300.jpg 199w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ARM_DSC7312-peter-guttman-99x150.jpg 99w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ARM_DSC7312-peter-guttman-398x600.jpg 398w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 530px) 100vw, 530px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Soaking up the nightlife on Republic Square (Armenia.) Photo credit: Peter Guttman\"\n  height=\"800\"\n  width=\"530\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/00027_s_r13ajrxlmry0027-peter-guttman-150x101.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/00027_s_r13ajrxlmry0027-peter-guttman.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/00027_s_r13ajrxlmry0027-peter-guttman-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/00027_s_r13ajrxlmry0027-peter-guttman-768x517.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/00027_s_r13ajrxlmry0027-peter-guttman-150x101.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/00027_s_r13ajrxlmry0027-peter-guttman-600x404.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"The square's mesmerizing nightly fountain show (Yerevan, Armenia). Photo credit: Peter Guttman\"\n  height=\"539\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n          \n        <\/ul>\n        <a\n          class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\"\n          href=\"#\"\n          uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\"\n          uk-slider-item=\"previous\"\n          ><\/a>\n        <a\n          class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\"\n          href=\"#\"\n          uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\"\n          uk-slider-item=\"next\"\n        ><\/a>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav uk-flex-center uk-margin\" ><\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n      \n  <div id=\"block_855c34ef42d6df5ad8e2ce0ec83e6920-lightbox\" class=\"uk-modal-container xd-components__media-grid-lightbox uk-modal\" uk-modal=\"uk-modal\">\n    <div class=\"uk-modal-dialog uk-modal-body\">\n      <button class=\"uk-modal-close-outside\" type=\"button\" uk-close=\"uk-close\"><\/button>\n      <div id=\"block_855c34ef42d6df5ad8e2ce0ec83e6920-lightbox-slider\" uk-slider=\"uk-slider\">\n        <div class=\"uk-position-relative\">\n          <div class=\"uk-slider-container\">\n            <ul class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1\">\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7760-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7760-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7760-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7760-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7760-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7760-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Locals stroll on a sunny day through Yerevan's Republic Square (Armenia). Photo credit: Richard Fejfar\"\n  height=\"533\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Locals stroll on a sunny day through Yerevan&#8217;s Republic Square. Photo credit: Richard Fejfar<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ARM_DSC7312-peter-guttman-99x150.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ARM_DSC7312-peter-guttman.jpg 530w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ARM_DSC7312-peter-guttman-199x300.jpg 199w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ARM_DSC7312-peter-guttman-99x150.jpg 99w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ARM_DSC7312-peter-guttman-398x600.jpg 398w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 530px) 100vw, 530px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Soaking up the nightlife on Republic Square (Armenia.) Photo credit: Peter Guttman\"\n  height=\"800\"\n  width=\"530\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Soaking up the nightlife on Republic Square. Photo credit: Peter Guttman<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/00027_s_r13ajrxlmry0027-peter-guttman-150x101.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/00027_s_r13ajrxlmry0027-peter-guttman.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/00027_s_r13ajrxlmry0027-peter-guttman-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/00027_s_r13ajrxlmry0027-peter-guttman-768x517.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/00027_s_r13ajrxlmry0027-peter-guttman-150x101.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/00027_s_r13ajrxlmry0027-peter-guttman-600x404.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"The square's mesmerizing nightly fountain show (Yerevan, Armenia). Photo credit: Peter Guttman\"\n  height=\"539\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">The square&#8217;s mesmerizing nightly fountain show. Photo credit: Peter Guttman<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                          <\/ul>\n          <\/div>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-previous uk-slidenav\" href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\" uk-slider-item=\"previous\"><\/a>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-next uk-slidenav\"\n            href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\" uk-slider-item=\"next\"><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav\">\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#909599\"><em>(click on photo to view larger version)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another absolute must-see is the giant Cascade Stairway Complex, linking central Yerevan to the city\u2019s upper neighborhoods. Designed in art deco style, the monumental white limestone staircase is surrounded by beautifully manicured topiary gardens and fountains. <strong>Be sure to climb the 572 steps to the top (or take the escalator) for fantastic views of Yerevan and Mt. Ararat on a clear day.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8030-800-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Yerevan\u2019s Cascade on a summer day (Armenia). Photo credit: Richard Fejfar\" class=\"wp-image-6528\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8030-800-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8030-800-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8030-800-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8030-800-100x150.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8030-800-400x600.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8030-800-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8030-800-720x1080.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8030-800.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Yerevan\u2019s Cascade on a summer day. Photo credit: Richard Fejfar<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Located within the Cascade steps is the exciting Cafesjian Museum of Modern Art, built on the extensive collection of Armenian-American philanthropist Gerard Cafesjian. Outdoor sculptures include signature pieces by Colombian sculptor Fernando Botero and Barry Flanagan, while indoors is a great collection of glass artworks by Dale Chihuly and Czech duo Stanislav Libensk\u00fd and Jaroslava Brychtov\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-standardcarousel js-xd-components__carousel\">\n  <div class=\"js-xd-components__carousel\">\n    <div uk-slider  >\n      <div class=\"uk-position-relative\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n        <ul\n          id=\"block_81ea2214909a8e5658f59987896daa30-carousel\"\n          class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1 uk-child-width-1-2@s uk-child-width-1-3@m uk-grid uk-grid-small  js-xd-components__carousel-lightbox-open\">\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2518-Yerevan-Jessica-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2518-Yerevan-Jessica.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2518-Yerevan-Jessica-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2518-Yerevan-Jessica-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2518-Yerevan-Jessica-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2518-Yerevan-Jessica-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"The Cafesjian Museum of Modern Art has one of the most important collections of glassworks in the region (Armenia.) Photo credit: Jessica Clark\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9217A-Ann-Schneider-100x150.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9217A-Ann-Schneider.jpg 533w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9217A-Ann-Schneider-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9217A-Ann-Schneider-100x150.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9217A-Ann-Schneider-400x600.jpg 400w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"The Cascade is lined with a variety of sculptures, including this one of a Roman soldier by Fernando Botero (Armenia). Photo credit: Ann Schneider\"\n  height=\"800\"\n  width=\"533\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ARM_DSC7790-peterguttman-99x150.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ARM_DSC7790-peterguttman.jpg 530w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ARM_DSC7790-peterguttman-199x300.jpg 199w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ARM_DSC7790-peterguttman-99x150.jpg 99w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ARM_DSC7790-peterguttman-398x600.jpg 398w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 530px) 100vw, 530px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Beautiful sculpture contrasts with swirls of topiaries at the Cascade (Armenia.) Photo credit: Peter Guttman\"\n  height=\"800\"\n  width=\"530\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n          \n        <\/ul>\n        <a\n          class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\"\n          href=\"#\"\n          uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\"\n          uk-slider-item=\"previous\"\n          ><\/a>\n        <a\n          class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\"\n          href=\"#\"\n          uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\"\n          uk-slider-item=\"next\"\n        ><\/a>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav uk-flex-center uk-margin\" ><\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n      \n  <div id=\"block_81ea2214909a8e5658f59987896daa30-lightbox\" class=\"uk-modal-container xd-components__media-grid-lightbox uk-modal\" uk-modal=\"uk-modal\">\n    <div class=\"uk-modal-dialog uk-modal-body\">\n      <button class=\"uk-modal-close-outside\" type=\"button\" uk-close=\"uk-close\"><\/button>\n      <div id=\"block_81ea2214909a8e5658f59987896daa30-lightbox-slider\" uk-slider=\"uk-slider\">\n        <div class=\"uk-position-relative\">\n          <div class=\"uk-slider-container\">\n            <ul class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1\">\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2518-Yerevan-Jessica-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2518-Yerevan-Jessica.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2518-Yerevan-Jessica-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2518-Yerevan-Jessica-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2518-Yerevan-Jessica-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2518-Yerevan-Jessica-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"The Cafesjian Museum of Modern Art has one of the most important collections of glassworks in the region (Armenia.) Photo credit: Jessica Clark\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">The Cafesjian Museum of Modern Art has one of the most important collections of glassworks in the region. Photo credit: Jessica Clark<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9217A-Ann-Schneider-100x150.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9217A-Ann-Schneider.jpg 533w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9217A-Ann-Schneider-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9217A-Ann-Schneider-100x150.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9217A-Ann-Schneider-400x600.jpg 400w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"The Cascade is lined with a variety of sculptures, including this one of a Roman soldier by Fernando Botero (Armenia). Photo credit: Ann Schneider\"\n  height=\"800\"\n  width=\"533\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">The Cascade is lined with a variety of sculptures, including this one of a Roman soldier by Fernando Botero. Photo credit: Ann Schneider<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ARM_DSC7790-peterguttman-99x150.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ARM_DSC7790-peterguttman.jpg 530w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ARM_DSC7790-peterguttman-199x300.jpg 199w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ARM_DSC7790-peterguttman-99x150.jpg 99w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ARM_DSC7790-peterguttman-398x600.jpg 398w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 530px) 100vw, 530px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Beautiful sculpture contrasts with swirls of topiaries at the Cascade (Armenia.) Photo credit: Peter Guttman\"\n  height=\"800\"\n  width=\"530\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Beautiful sculpture contrasts with swirls of topiaries at the Cascade. Photo credit: Peter Guttman<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                          <\/ul>\n          <\/div>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-previous uk-slidenav\" href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\" uk-slider-item=\"previous\"><\/a>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-next uk-slidenav\"\n            href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\" uk-slider-item=\"next\"><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav\">\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#909599\"><em>(click on photo to view larger version)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2) Marvel at Magnificent UNESCO-listed Monasteries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Many are unaware that <a href=\"\/country\/armenia\/\">Armenia<\/a> was the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as its national religion in 301 AD<\/strong>. Since that time, the faith has played a crucial role in establishing the Armenians\u2019 sense of pride and national identity. These strong roots are reflected in Armenia\u2019s stunning collection of wonderfully preserved ancient  churches, <strong>many of which are now treasured UNESCO World Heritage Sites.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Echmiadzin Cathedral, the seat of Armenia\u2019s Catholicos, or Patriarch, is considered one of Armenia\u2019s oldest landmarks and an important place of pilgrimage for Christian Armenians the world over. The ruins of the UNESCO-listed Zvartnots Cathedral, which dates back to the 7th century, is nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/6A_0009.jpg\" alt=\"The intricately carved bell tower of Echmiadzin Cathedral (Armenia). Photo credit: Martin Klimenta\" class=\"wp-image-6492\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/6A_0009.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/6A_0009-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/6A_0009-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/6A_0009-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/6A_0009-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The intricately carved bell tower of Echmiadzin Cathedral. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Other favorites include the UNESCO-listed Geghard Monastery, with its captivating cliffside setting; and the Greco-Roman Temple of Garni, originally built by King Trdat I in the first century AD. With their wonderful acoustics, both of these astonishing places of worship provide the perfect setting for a haunting&nbsp;<em>a cappella<\/em>&nbsp;performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<section id=\"block_591003392e573e17a86e6e7a760bb477-media-grid\" class=\"wp-block-xdf-standardmediagrid uk-section js-xd-components__media-grid uk-padding-remove\">\n\t<div class=\"uk-container uk-width-expand uk-padding-remove\">\n    <div id=\"media-grid-media-grid\" class=\"xd-component__media-grid  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open center\"  >\n\n      \n\t\t\t          <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-feature-image  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_591003392e573e17a86e6e7a760bb477\" data-slide-target=\"1\">\n\n            \n                          <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7503-Geghard-Richard-Fejfar-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7503-Geghard-Richard-Fejfar.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7503-Geghard-Richard-Fejfar-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7503-Geghard-Richard-Fejfar-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7503-Geghard-Richard-Fejfar-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7503-Geghard-Richard-Fejfar-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Armenian a cappella singers at Geghard Monastery. Photo credit: Richard Fejfar\"\n  height=\"533\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                      <\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t          <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-1  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_591003392e573e17a86e6e7a760bb477\" data-slide-target=\"2\">\n                          \n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2810-Geghard-Jessica-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2810-Geghard-Jessica.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2810-Geghard-Jessica-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2810-Geghard-Jessica-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2810-Geghard-Jessica-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2810-Geghard-Jessica-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"The burial chamber of one of Armenia's princes, inside Geghard Monastery. Photo credit: Jessica Clark\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>            \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n                  <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-2  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_591003392e573e17a86e6e7a760bb477\" data-slide-target=\"3\">\n                          \n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7651-Echmiadzin-Richard-Fejfar-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7651-Echmiadzin-Richard-Fejfar.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7651-Echmiadzin-Richard-Fejfar-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7651-Echmiadzin-Richard-Fejfar-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7651-Echmiadzin-Richard-Fejfar-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7651-Echmiadzin-Richard-Fejfar-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"A worshipper lights candles inside Echmiadzin Cathedral. Photo credit: Richard Fejfar\"\n  height=\"533\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>            \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n                  <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-3  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_591003392e573e17a86e6e7a760bb477\" data-slide-target=\"4\">\n                          \n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2678-Zvartnots-Jessica-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2678-Zvartnots-Jessica.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2678-Zvartnots-Jessica-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2678-Zvartnots-Jessica-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2678-Zvartnots-Jessica-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2678-Zvartnots-Jessica-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"The 7th-century UNESCO-listed Zvartnots Cathedral. Photo credit: Jessica Clark\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>            \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n                  <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-4  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_591003392e573e17a86e6e7a760bb477\" data-slide-target=\"5\">\n            \n            <div class=\"count\">+ 1<\/div>\n\n                        \n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9101A-Ann-Schneider-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9101A-Ann-Schneider.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9101A-Ann-Schneider-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9101A-Ann-Schneider-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9101A-Ann-Schneider-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9101A-Ann-Schneider-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Geghard Monastery blends beautifully with the surrounding mountains (Armenia). Photo credit: Ann Schneider\"\n  height=\"533\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>            \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n        \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n      \n  <div id=\"block_591003392e573e17a86e6e7a760bb477-lightbox\" class=\"uk-modal-container xd-components__media-grid-lightbox uk-modal\" uk-modal=\"uk-modal\">\n    <div class=\"uk-modal-dialog uk-modal-body\">\n      <button class=\"uk-modal-close-outside\" type=\"button\" uk-close=\"uk-close\"><\/button>\n      <div id=\"block_591003392e573e17a86e6e7a760bb477-lightbox-slider\" uk-slider=\"uk-slider\">\n        <div class=\"uk-position-relative\">\n          <div class=\"uk-slider-container\">\n            <ul class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1\">\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7503-Geghard-Richard-Fejfar-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7503-Geghard-Richard-Fejfar.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7503-Geghard-Richard-Fejfar-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7503-Geghard-Richard-Fejfar-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7503-Geghard-Richard-Fejfar-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7503-Geghard-Richard-Fejfar-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Armenian a cappella singers at Geghard Monastery. Photo credit: Richard Fejfar\"\n  height=\"533\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Armenian a cappella singers at Geghard Monastery. Photo credit: Richard Fejfar<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2810-Geghard-Jessica-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2810-Geghard-Jessica.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2810-Geghard-Jessica-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2810-Geghard-Jessica-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2810-Geghard-Jessica-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2810-Geghard-Jessica-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"The burial chamber of one of Armenia's princes, inside Geghard Monastery. Photo credit: Jessica Clark\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">The burial chamber of one of Armenia&#8217;s princes, inside Geghard Monastery. Photo credit: Jessica Clark<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7651-Echmiadzin-Richard-Fejfar-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7651-Echmiadzin-Richard-Fejfar.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7651-Echmiadzin-Richard-Fejfar-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7651-Echmiadzin-Richard-Fejfar-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7651-Echmiadzin-Richard-Fejfar-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7651-Echmiadzin-Richard-Fejfar-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"A worshipper lights candles inside Echmiadzin Cathedral. Photo credit: Richard Fejfar\"\n  height=\"533\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">A worshipper lights candles inside Echmiadzin Cathedral. Photo credit: Richard Fejfar<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2678-Zvartnots-Jessica-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2678-Zvartnots-Jessica.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2678-Zvartnots-Jessica-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2678-Zvartnots-Jessica-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2678-Zvartnots-Jessica-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2678-Zvartnots-Jessica-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"The 7th-century UNESCO-listed Zvartnots Cathedral. Photo credit: Jessica Clark\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">The 7th-century UNESCO-listed Zvartnots Cathedral. Photo credit: Jessica Clark<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9101A-Ann-Schneider-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9101A-Ann-Schneider.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9101A-Ann-Schneider-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9101A-Ann-Schneider-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9101A-Ann-Schneider-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9101A-Ann-Schneider-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Geghard Monastery blends beautifully with the surrounding mountains (Armenia). Photo credit: Ann Schneider\"\n  height=\"533\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Geghard Monastery blends beautifully with the surrounding mountains. Photo credit: Ann Schneider<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9044A-Garni-Ann-Schneider-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9044A-Garni-Ann-Schneider.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9044A-Garni-Ann-Schneider-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9044A-Garni-Ann-Schneider-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9044A-Garni-Ann-Schneider-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9044A-Garni-Ann-Schneider-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Built in Hellenic style, the Temple of Garni was originally dedicated to the Armenian sun god before it was turned into a Christian place of worship. Photo credit: Ann Schneider\"\n  height=\"533\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Built in Hellenic style, the Temple of Garni was originally dedicated to the Armenian sun god before it was turned into a Christian place of worship. Photo credit: Ann Schneider<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                          <\/ul>\n          <\/div>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-previous uk-slidenav\" href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\" uk-slider-item=\"previous\"><\/a>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-next uk-slidenav\"\n            href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\" uk-slider-item=\"next\"><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav\">\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#909599\"><em>(click on photo to view larger version)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3) Lap Up the Lush Waters of Lake Sevan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Blue-green Lake Sevan, at over 6,200 feet above sea level, is one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the world. <\/strong>Covering about a sixth of Armenia\u2019s territory, the brilliant lake is a favorite resort for locals and a beloved national treasure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sevan\u2019s cool, clear waters can transition from deep navy blue to dazzling turquoise and more than a dozen shades in between, drawing plenty of photography buffs and swimmers looking to escape the heat of an Armenian summer.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8004-Lake-Sevan-richard-fejfar.jpg\" alt=\"Lovely Lake Sevan is one of the largest freshwater alpine lakes in the world. Photo credit: Richard Fejfar\" class=\"wp-image-6527\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8004-Lake-Sevan-richard-fejfar.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8004-Lake-Sevan-richard-fejfar-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8004-Lake-Sevan-richard-fejfar-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8004-Lake-Sevan-richard-fejfar-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8004-Lake-Sevan-richard-fejfar-600x338.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lovely Lake Sevan is one of the largest freshwater alpine lakes in the world. Photo credit: Richard Fejfar<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Sevan is known not just for its natural beauty, but also its historic significance.<\/strong> In 1930, the Soviets decided to divert water away from Lake Sevan for hydroelectricity and irrigation projects, causing the water level to sink rapidly. The drainage inadvertently uncovered dozens of ancient dwellings, churches, and artifacts; and made the 9th century island monastery of Sevanavank more easily accessible from the mainland. Today, this stunning little stone monastery is one of the best places to catch awe-inspiring views of the lake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"449\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Lake-Sevan-church-MartinKlimenta.jpg\" alt=\"Founded in the year 874 AD, Sevanavank Monastery was an important center of pilgrimage for Armenian Christians throughout the Middle Ages. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta\" class=\"wp-image-6541\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Lake-Sevan-church-MartinKlimenta.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Lake-Sevan-church-MartinKlimenta-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Lake-Sevan-church-MartinKlimenta-768x431.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Lake-Sevan-church-MartinKlimenta-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Lake-Sevan-church-MartinKlimenta-600x337.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Founded in the year 874 AD, Sevanavank Monastery was an important center of pilgrimage for Armenian Christians throughout the Middle Ages. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4) Armenian Cuisine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Armenian cuisine is some of the oldest and least heralded in the <a href=\"\/region\/south-caucasus-turkey\/\">South Caucasus<\/a>. Diverse, delectable, and rich with herbs and spices, the country\u2019s dishes are a creative cross-pollination of culinary influences, from Greek and Turkish, to Georgian and Middle Eastern.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/JAH2457armintour.jpg\" alt=\"Grilled trout is a specialty in areas around Lake Sevan (Armenia)\" class=\"wp-image-6540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/JAH2457armintour.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/JAH2457armintour-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/JAH2457armintour-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/JAH2457armintour-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/JAH2457armintour-600x401.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Grilled trout is a specialty in areas around Lake Sevan<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Juicy barbecued meats \u2014 called&nbsp;<em>khorovats<\/em>&nbsp;\u2014 and lemon-scented stuffed grape leaves are ubiquitous favorites on restaurant menus. <a href=\"\/country\/armenia\/\">Armenia<\/a> is also famed for its fresh local produce, much of which is used in a number of&nbsp;<em>mezze<\/em>-style appetizers, soups, and herbaceous side dishes and salads. Don\u2019t miss out on the chance to sample creamy homemade Armenian yogurt and cheeses, as well as rich pastries called&nbsp;<em>gata<\/em>&nbsp;\u2014 golden round breads stuffed with a sweet, custard-like filling.<\/p>\n\n\n<section id=\"block_0bdce48f16e6f54aeb35a4487cdf8145-media-grid\" class=\"wp-block-xdf-standardmediagrid uk-section js-xd-components__media-grid uk-padding-remove\">\n\t<div class=\"uk-container uk-width-expand uk-padding-remove\">\n    <div id=\"media-grid-media-grid\" class=\"xd-component__media-grid  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open center\"  >\n\n      \n\t\t\t          <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-feature-image  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_0bdce48f16e6f54aeb35a4487cdf8145\" data-slide-target=\"1\">\n\n            \n                          <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2477-Yerevan-Jessica-132x150.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2477-Yerevan-Jessica.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2477-Yerevan-Jessica-264x300.jpg 264w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2477-Yerevan-Jessica-132x150.jpg 132w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2477-Yerevan-Jessica-528x600.jpg 528w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Stuffed pumpkin, or ghapama, is an autumn speciality. Photo credit: Jessica Clark\"\n  height=\"682\"\n  width=\"600\"\n\/>                      <\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t          <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-1  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_0bdce48f16e6f54aeb35a4487cdf8145\" data-slide-target=\"2\">\n                          \n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7775-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7775-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7775-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7775-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7775-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7775-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"A tasting of Armenian appetizers. Photo credit: Richard Fejfar\"\n  height=\"533\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>            \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n                  <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-2  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_0bdce48f16e6f54aeb35a4487cdf8145\" data-slide-target=\"3\">\n                          \n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2711-Yerevan-Jessica-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2711-Yerevan-Jessica.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2711-Yerevan-Jessica-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2711-Yerevan-Jessica-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2711-Yerevan-Jessica-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2711-Yerevan-Jessica-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Dried fruit in Armenia. Photo credit: Jessica Clark\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>            \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n                  <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-3  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_0bdce48f16e6f54aeb35a4487cdf8145\" data-slide-target=\"4\">\n                          \n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/035YerevanMarket-ana-filonov-100x150.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/035YerevanMarket-ana-filonov.jpg 532w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/035YerevanMarket-ana-filonov-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/035YerevanMarket-ana-filonov-100x150.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/035YerevanMarket-ana-filonov-399x600.jpg 399w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 532px) 100vw, 532px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Armenian cheeses for sale at the Yerevan market. Photo credit: Ana Filonov\"\n  height=\"800\"\n  width=\"532\"\n\/>            \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n                  <div class=\"xd-component__media-grid-4  js-xd-components__media-grid-lightbox-open \" data-lightbox=\"block_0bdce48f16e6f54aeb35a4487cdf8145\" data-slide-target=\"5\">\n            \n            <div class=\"count\">+ 1<\/div>\n\n                        \n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2732-Yerevan-Jessica-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2732-Yerevan-Jessica.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2732-Yerevan-Jessica-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2732-Yerevan-Jessica-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2732-Yerevan-Jessica-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2732-Yerevan-Jessica-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Brilliant spices are a cornerstone of Armenian cooking. Photo credit: Jessica Clark\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>            \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n        \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n      \n  <div id=\"block_0bdce48f16e6f54aeb35a4487cdf8145-lightbox\" class=\"uk-modal-container xd-components__media-grid-lightbox uk-modal\" uk-modal=\"uk-modal\">\n    <div class=\"uk-modal-dialog uk-modal-body\">\n      <button class=\"uk-modal-close-outside\" type=\"button\" uk-close=\"uk-close\"><\/button>\n      <div id=\"block_0bdce48f16e6f54aeb35a4487cdf8145-lightbox-slider\" uk-slider=\"uk-slider\">\n        <div class=\"uk-position-relative\">\n          <div class=\"uk-slider-container\">\n            <ul class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1\">\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2477-Yerevan-Jessica-132x150.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2477-Yerevan-Jessica.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2477-Yerevan-Jessica-264x300.jpg 264w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2477-Yerevan-Jessica-132x150.jpg 132w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2477-Yerevan-Jessica-528x600.jpg 528w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Stuffed pumpkin, or ghapama, is an autumn speciality. Photo credit: Jessica Clark\"\n  height=\"682\"\n  width=\"600\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Stuffed pumpkin, or ghapama, is an autumn speciality. Photo credit: Jessica Clark<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7775-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7775-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7775-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7775-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7775-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7775-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"A tasting of Armenian appetizers. Photo credit: Richard Fejfar\"\n  height=\"533\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">A tasting of Armenian appetizers. Photo credit: Richard Fejfar<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2711-Yerevan-Jessica-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2711-Yerevan-Jessica.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2711-Yerevan-Jessica-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2711-Yerevan-Jessica-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2711-Yerevan-Jessica-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2711-Yerevan-Jessica-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Dried fruit in Armenia. Photo credit: Jessica Clark\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Dried fruit in Armenia. Photo credit: Jessica Clark<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/035YerevanMarket-ana-filonov-100x150.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/035YerevanMarket-ana-filonov.jpg 532w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/035YerevanMarket-ana-filonov-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/035YerevanMarket-ana-filonov-100x150.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/035YerevanMarket-ana-filonov-399x600.jpg 399w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 532px) 100vw, 532px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Armenian cheeses for sale at the Yerevan market. Photo credit: Ana Filonov\"\n  height=\"800\"\n  width=\"532\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Armenian cheeses for sale at the Yerevan market. Photo credit: Ana Filonov<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2732-Yerevan-Jessica-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2732-Yerevan-Jessica.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2732-Yerevan-Jessica-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2732-Yerevan-Jessica-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2732-Yerevan-Jessica-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2732-Yerevan-Jessica-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Brilliant spices are a cornerstone of Armenian cooking. Photo credit: Jessica Clark\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Brilliant spices are a cornerstone of Armenian cooking. Photo credit: Jessica Clark<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2730-Yerevan-Jessica-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2730-Yerevan-Jessica.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2730-Yerevan-Jessica-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2730-Yerevan-Jessica-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2730-Yerevan-Jessica-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2730-Yerevan-Jessica-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Armenian produce is known for its beauty and flavor. Photo credit: Jessica Clark\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Armenian produce is known for its beauty and flavor. Photo credit: Jessica Clark<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                          <\/ul>\n          <\/div>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-previous uk-slidenav\" href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\" uk-slider-item=\"previous\"><\/a>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-next uk-slidenav\"\n            href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\" uk-slider-item=\"next\"><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav\">\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#909599\"><em>(click on photo to view larger version)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>No Armenian dinner table is complete without plentiful baskets of warm, fresh-baked&nbsp;<em>lavash&nbsp;<\/em>bread. Similar to pita, this humble yet historically significant flatbread is such an important cornerstone of Armenian cuisine that&nbsp;<strong>UNESCO added it to its list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2014.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9023A-Yerevan-Ann-Schneider.jpg\" alt=\"Making lavash, Armenian flatbread. Photo credit: Ann Schneider\" class=\"wp-image-6535\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9023A-Yerevan-Ann-Schneider.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9023A-Yerevan-Ann-Schneider-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9023A-Yerevan-Ann-Schneider-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9023A-Yerevan-Ann-Schneider-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9023A-Yerevan-Ann-Schneider-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Making lavash, Armenian flatbread. \nPhoto credit: Ann Schneider<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5) Dive Deep Into Armenian History at the Matenadaran<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"\/country\/armenia\/\">Armenia<\/a> boasts a rich and complex history defined by its position at the center of both geographic and cultural crossroads. <strong>Locals are enormously proud of their country\u2019s unique heritage<\/strong>, which can be clearly read in numerous cathedrals and monasteries scattered across the country, as well as in fantastic museums such as the Matenadaran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A vast collection of more than 23,000 manuscripts and over 500,000 archival documents, the <strong>Matenadaran has existed since the 5th century and is one of the world\u2019s oldest book depositories.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2536-Matenadaran-Jessica.jpg\" alt=\"A statue of the Matenadaran\u2019s namesake \u2014 St. Mesrop Mashtots, the inventor of the Armenian alphabet \u2014 stands just in front of the building complex. Photo credit: Jessica Clark\" class=\"wp-image-6508\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2536-Matenadaran-Jessica.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2536-Matenadaran-Jessica-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2536-Matenadaran-Jessica-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2536-Matenadaran-Jessica-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2536-Matenadaran-Jessica-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A statue of the Matenadaran\u2019s namesake \u2014 St. Mesrop Mashtots, the inventor of the Armenian alphabet \u2014 stands just in front of the building complex. Photo credit: Jessica Clark<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The rooms of the museum showcase a variety of beautifully decorated manuscripts and literary treasures about all aspects of Armenian culture and scholarship. The documents are not only in written in Armenian, but also in Greek, Latin, Arabic, Persian, Syrian, Hebrew, Hindu, Japanese, and many other languages. The extraordinary cultural value of these documents earned the Matenadaran inclusion on <strong>UNESCO\u2019s Memory of the World Register in 1997. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Matenadaran-2-Armintour-NoCreditNeeded.jpg\" alt=\"A beautiful illuminated manuscript on display inside the Matenadaran (Armenia)\" class=\"wp-image-6542\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Matenadaran-2-Armintour-NoCreditNeeded.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Matenadaran-2-Armintour-NoCreditNeeded-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Matenadaran-2-Armintour-NoCreditNeeded-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Matenadaran-2-Armintour-NoCreditNeeded-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Matenadaran-2-Armintour-NoCreditNeeded-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A beautiful illuminated manuscript on display inside the Matenadaran<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6) Take in Armenia\u2019s Awe-Inspiring Natural Beauty<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Aside from its rich collection of historical and cultural landmarks, <strong><a href=\"\/country\/armenia\/\">Armenia <\/a>also boasts some of the most dramatically beautiful scenery in the Caucasus<\/strong>. From lush forests to grassy highlands and deep craggy mountains, the country\u2019s landscape is an ever-changing surprise that begs for further exploration and adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Tavush-amy-stidger.jpg\" alt=\"Armenia\u2019s landscapes are diverse, ranging from rolling hills to craggy peaks and gorges. Photo credit: Amy Stidger\" class=\"wp-image-6543\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Tavush-amy-stidger.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Tavush-amy-stidger-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Tavush-amy-stidger-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Tavush-amy-stidger-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Tavush-amy-stidger-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Armenia\u2019s landscapes are diverse, ranging from rolling hills to craggy peaks and gorges. Photo credit: Amy Stidger<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>When traveling in and around Yerevan, you\u2019ll undoubtedly be awed by the searing image of snow-capped Mt. Ararat. Turkey technically lays claim to the mountain, but for generations Ararat belonged to Armenia. Even today, many Armenians see the massive, craggy peak as a spiritual symbol of the motherland. You can capture some of the most picturesque views of Ararat at the monastery of Khor Virap, just about an hour\u2019s drive away from Yerevan.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9228A-Khor-Virap-Ann-Schneider.jpg\" alt=\"Majestic Mt. Ararat towers behind the monastery of Khor Virap (Armenia). Photo credit: Ann Schneider\" class=\"wp-image-6539\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9228A-Khor-Virap-Ann-Schneider.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9228A-Khor-Virap-Ann-Schneider-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9228A-Khor-Virap-Ann-Schneider-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9228A-Khor-Virap-Ann-Schneider-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9228A-Khor-Virap-Ann-Schneider-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Majestic Mt. Ararat towers behind the monastery of Khor Virap (Armenia). Photo credit: Ann Schneider<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Armenia\u2019s gorgeous landscapes and sunny weather make it a paradise for active adventurers.&nbsp;<strong>One place where you can enjoy the great Armenian outdoors is in Dilijan National Park<\/strong>, often called \u201cArmenia\u2019s Switzerland.\u201d The nearly 60,000-acre park has excellent trails for hikers and bikers of all levels, including a section of the new&nbsp;Transcaucasian Trail&nbsp;(or T.C.T.), which when fully completed will run from <a href=\"\/country\/georgia\/\">Georgia<\/a> through <a href=\"\/country\/armenia\/\">Armenia<\/a> and <a href=\"\/country\/azerbaijan\/\">Azerbaijan<\/a>. Some of the trails here pass by several important ancient landmarks, including the monasteries of Haghartsin and Goshavank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Haghartsin-Monastery-Dilijan-Armenia-October-2015-9-jake-smith.jpg\" alt=\"Little Haghartsin Monastery is hidden away in the hills of Dilijan National Park. Photo credit: Jake Smith\" class=\"wp-image-6504\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Haghartsin-Monastery-Dilijan-Armenia-October-2015-9-jake-smith.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Haghartsin-Monastery-Dilijan-Armenia-October-2015-9-jake-smith-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Haghartsin-Monastery-Dilijan-Armenia-October-2015-9-jake-smith-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Haghartsin-Monastery-Dilijan-Armenia-October-2015-9-jake-smith-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Haghartsin-Monastery-Dilijan-Armenia-October-2015-9-jake-smith-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><br>Little Haghartsin Monastery is hidden away in the hills of Dilijan National Park. Photo credit: Jake Smith<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7) Sample Winston Churchill\u2019s Favorite Brandy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>From 1953 until 1991, Yerevan\u2019s Ararat Brandy Factory was the sole brandy distillery in all of <a href=\"\/country\/armenia\/\">Armenia<\/a>. Though that has changed in recent years, the factory<strong> still produces brandy according to the rigid national standards that have garnered it both local and international acclaim for generations.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ararat-Cognac-Factory-Yerevan-Armenia-October-2015-2-jake-smith.jpg\" alt=\"Ararat Brandy has been one of Armenia\u2019s top exports since it was first produced in 1887. Photo credit: Jake Smith\" class=\"wp-image-6499\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ararat-Cognac-Factory-Yerevan-Armenia-October-2015-2-jake-smith.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ararat-Cognac-Factory-Yerevan-Armenia-October-2015-2-jake-smith-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ararat-Cognac-Factory-Yerevan-Armenia-October-2015-2-jake-smith-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ararat-Cognac-Factory-Yerevan-Armenia-October-2015-2-jake-smith-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Ararat-Cognac-Factory-Yerevan-Armenia-October-2015-2-jake-smith-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ararat Brandy has been one of Armenia\u2019s top exports since it was first produced in 1887. Photo credit: Jake Smith<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Ararat double-distills its brandy in the style of a classic French cognac, but allows the product to come to full maturity in handcrafted Caucasian oak casks. The aging process results in a richly rounded and complex spirit \u2014 one that was said to have impressed Winston Churchill so much that he allegedly ordered 400 bottles of it per year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Visitors can take a one-hour tour of the factory to see how this favorite local brandy is made, and enjoy a sample of it in the tasting room.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-standardcarousel js-xd-components__carousel\">\n  <div class=\"js-xd-components__carousel\">\n    <div uk-slider  >\n      <div class=\"uk-position-relative\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n        <ul\n          id=\"block_302494b0d4c3af101b05c5ae56b535ce-carousel\"\n          class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1 uk-child-width-1-2@s uk-child-width-1-3@m uk-grid uk-grid-small  js-xd-components__carousel-lightbox-open\">\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2871-Jessica-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2871-Jessica.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2871-Jessica-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2871-Jessica-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2871-Jessica-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2871-Jessica-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"A tasting at the Ararat Brandy Factory (Armenia.) Photo credit: Jessica Clark\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2849-Jessica-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2849-Jessica.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2849-Jessica-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2849-Jessica-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2849-Jessica-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2849-Jessica-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Ararat brandy is aged in specially crafted barrels made of Caucasian oak (Armenia.) Photo credit: Jessica Clark\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2844-Jessica-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2844-Jessica.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2844-Jessica-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2844-Jessica-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2844-Jessica-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2844-Jessica-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"This exhibit at the Ararat Brandy Factory shows the prime brandy grape growing regions of Armenia. Photo credit: Jessica Clark\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n          \n        <\/ul>\n        <a\n          class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\"\n          href=\"#\"\n          uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\"\n          uk-slider-item=\"previous\"\n          ><\/a>\n        <a\n          class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\"\n          href=\"#\"\n          uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\"\n          uk-slider-item=\"next\"\n        ><\/a>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav uk-flex-center uk-margin\" ><\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n      \n  <div id=\"block_302494b0d4c3af101b05c5ae56b535ce-lightbox\" class=\"uk-modal-container xd-components__media-grid-lightbox uk-modal\" uk-modal=\"uk-modal\">\n    <div class=\"uk-modal-dialog uk-modal-body\">\n      <button class=\"uk-modal-close-outside\" type=\"button\" uk-close=\"uk-close\"><\/button>\n      <div id=\"block_302494b0d4c3af101b05c5ae56b535ce-lightbox-slider\" uk-slider=\"uk-slider\">\n        <div class=\"uk-position-relative\">\n          <div class=\"uk-slider-container\">\n            <ul class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1\">\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2871-Jessica-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2871-Jessica.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2871-Jessica-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2871-Jessica-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2871-Jessica-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2871-Jessica-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"A tasting at the Ararat Brandy Factory (Armenia.) Photo credit: Jessica Clark\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">A tasting at the Ararat Brandy Factory. Photo credit: Jessica Clark<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2849-Jessica-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2849-Jessica.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2849-Jessica-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2849-Jessica-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2849-Jessica-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2849-Jessica-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Ararat brandy is aged in specially crafted barrels made of Caucasian oak (Armenia.) Photo credit: Jessica Clark\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Ararat brandy is aged in specially crafted barrels made of Caucasian oak. Photo credit: Jessica Clark<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2844-Jessica-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2844-Jessica.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2844-Jessica-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2844-Jessica-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2844-Jessica-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2844-Jessica-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"This exhibit at the Ararat Brandy Factory shows the prime brandy grape growing regions of Armenia. Photo credit: Jessica Clark\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">This exhibit at the Ararat Brandy Factory shows the prime brandy grape growing regions of Armenia. Photo credit: Jessica Clark<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                          <\/ul>\n          <\/div>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-previous uk-slidenav\" href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\" uk-slider-item=\"previous\"><\/a>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-next uk-slidenav\"\n            href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\" uk-slider-item=\"next\"><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav\">\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#909599\"><em>(click on photo to view larger version)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8) Pay Your Respects at the Armenian Genocide Memorial<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the heartbreaking history behind this solemn monument, no one should come to <a href=\"\/country\/armenia\/\">Armenia<\/a> without visiting the Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum. Built in Yerevan in 1967, the memorial commemorates the more than one million Armenians whose lives were claimed in a horrific series of massacres between 1915 and 1918.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"532\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/028GenocideMemorial-anafilonov.jpg\" alt=\"The eternal flame at the Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan. Photo credit: Ana Filonov\" class=\"wp-image-6495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/028GenocideMemorial-anafilonov.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/028GenocideMemorial-anafilonov-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/028GenocideMemorial-anafilonov-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/028GenocideMemorial-anafilonov-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/028GenocideMemorial-anafilonov-600x399.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The eternal flame at the Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan. Photo credit: Ana Filonov<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The complex stands in a park at the top of Tsitsernakaberd, or \u201cSwallow Castle,\u201d with beautiful views of both the city and in the distance, Mt. Ararat, Armenia\u2019s national symbol. Stirring sacred music plays inside the memorial, which consists of an eternal flame shielded by 12 basalt stone slabs \u2014 a representation of the former Armenian provinces that were lost to Turkey in a post-WWI peace deal.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2550-Yerevan-Jessica.jpg\" alt=\"The memorial is flanked by a 44-m stone pillar, a symbol of Armenia\u2019s rebirth. Photo credit: Jessica Clark\" class=\"wp-image-6509\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2550-Yerevan-Jessica.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2550-Yerevan-Jessica-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2550-Yerevan-Jessica-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2550-Yerevan-Jessica-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2550-Yerevan-Jessica-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The memorial is flanked by a 44-m stone pillar, a symbol of Armenia\u2019s rebirth. Photo credit: Jessica Clark<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>While here, be sure to visit the adjoining Genocide Museum, which is located just beneath the memorial. The two-story exhibit displays photographs, documentary footage, newspaper reels, and maps that illustrate the history of the Armenian Genocide.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-standardcarousel js-xd-components__carousel\">\n  <div class=\"js-xd-components__carousel\">\n    <div uk-slider  >\n      <div class=\"uk-position-relative\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n        <ul\n          id=\"block_07fc9f30ccb3a9e02c034b7ea1f80558-carousel\"\n          class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1 uk-child-width-1-2@s uk-child-width-1-3@m uk-grid uk-grid-small  js-xd-components__carousel-lightbox-open\">\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8220-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8220-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8220-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8220-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8220-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8220-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"The memorial is lined by a 100-m wall with the names of towns and villages affected by the genocide (Armenia). Photo credit: Richard Fejfar\"\n  height=\"533\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8249-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8249-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8249-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8249-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8249-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8249-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"An exhibit inside the memorial's onsite museum (Armenia). Photo credit: Richard Fejfar\"\n  height=\"533\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8255-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8255-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8255-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8255-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8255-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8255-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"The Genocide Museum's exhibits feature extensive documents and photos that illustrate the impact of the genocide (Armenia). Photo credit: Richard Fejfar\"\n  height=\"533\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n          \n        <\/ul>\n        <a\n          class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\"\n          href=\"#\"\n          uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\"\n          uk-slider-item=\"previous\"\n          ><\/a>\n        <a\n          class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\"\n          href=\"#\"\n          uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\"\n          uk-slider-item=\"next\"\n        ><\/a>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav uk-flex-center uk-margin\" ><\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n      \n  <div id=\"block_07fc9f30ccb3a9e02c034b7ea1f80558-lightbox\" class=\"uk-modal-container xd-components__media-grid-lightbox uk-modal\" uk-modal=\"uk-modal\">\n    <div class=\"uk-modal-dialog uk-modal-body\">\n      <button class=\"uk-modal-close-outside\" type=\"button\" uk-close=\"uk-close\"><\/button>\n      <div id=\"block_07fc9f30ccb3a9e02c034b7ea1f80558-lightbox-slider\" uk-slider=\"uk-slider\">\n        <div class=\"uk-position-relative\">\n          <div class=\"uk-slider-container\">\n            <ul class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1\">\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8220-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8220-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8220-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8220-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8220-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8220-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"The memorial is lined by a 100-m wall with the names of towns and villages affected by the genocide (Armenia). Photo credit: Richard Fejfar\"\n  height=\"533\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">The memorial is lined by a 100-m wall with the names of towns and villages affected by the genocide. Photo credit: Richard Fejfar<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8249-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8249-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8249-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8249-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8249-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8249-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"An exhibit inside the memorial's onsite museum (Armenia). Photo credit: Richard Fejfar\"\n  height=\"533\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">An exhibit inside the memorial&#8217;s onsite museum (Armenia). Photo credit: Richard Fejfar<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8255-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8255-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8255-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8255-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8255-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_8255-Yerevan-Richard-Fejfar-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"The Genocide Museum's exhibits feature extensive documents and photos that illustrate the impact of the genocide (Armenia). Photo credit: Richard Fejfar\"\n  height=\"533\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">The Genocide Museum&#8217;s exhibits feature extensive documents and photos that illustrate the impact of the genocide. Photo credit: Richard Fejfar<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                          <\/ul>\n          <\/div>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-previous uk-slidenav\" href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\" uk-slider-item=\"previous\"><\/a>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-next uk-slidenav\"\n            href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\" uk-slider-item=\"next\"><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav\">\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#909599\"><em>(click on photo to view larger version)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9) Catch a Glimpse of Armenia\u2019s Famous&nbsp;<em>Khachkars<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"\/country\/armenia\/\">Armenia<\/a> is famous for its&nbsp;<em>khachkars<\/em>&nbsp;(literally \u201ccross-stones\u201d), medieval masterpieces of workmanship that can be found across the country in churches, monasteries, towers, bridges, graveyards, and gardens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A distinctive Armenian art form since the 9th century, these hand-carved stone slabs bear a cross and are often embellished with rosettes, leaves, flowers, or other ornate geometric designs. <strong>In 2010,&nbsp;<em>khachkars<\/em>&nbsp;were inscribed on UNESCO\u2019s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage<\/strong>, noted for their religious symbolism and craftsmanship handed down from generation to generation.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ExploritasTC2010-Martin145.jpg\" alt=\"An Armenian khachkar, an intricately carved stone cross and a beloved national art form. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta\" class=\"wp-image-6502\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ExploritasTC2010-Martin145.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ExploritasTC2010-Martin145-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ExploritasTC2010-Martin145-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ExploritasTC2010-Martin145-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ExploritasTC2010-Martin145-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An Armenian khachkar, an intricately carved stone cross and a beloved national art form. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>While you can find clusters of<em>&nbsp;khachkar<\/em>&nbsp;in nearly every corner of <a href=\"\/country\/armenia\/\">Armenia<\/a>, perhaps the best place to see them is in the village of Noratus on the western shore of Lake Sevan. The village\u2019s medieval cemetery contains the largest grouping of&nbsp;<em>khachkars<\/em>&nbsp;in the country, the oldest of which date back to the 10th century.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-standardcarousel js-xd-components__carousel\">\n  <div class=\"js-xd-components__carousel\">\n    <div uk-slider  >\n      <div class=\"uk-position-relative\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n        <ul\n          id=\"block_89508bdc6d1177e07201730ce82e5607-carousel\"\n          class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1 uk-child-width-1-2@s uk-child-width-1-3@m uk-grid uk-grid-small  js-xd-components__carousel-lightbox-open\">\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7255-Richard-Fejfar-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7255-Richard-Fejfar.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7255-Richard-Fejfar-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7255-Richard-Fejfar-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7255-Richard-Fejfar-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7255-Richard-Fejfar-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Khachkars can come in a variety of shapes and sizes (Armenia.) Photo credit: Richard Fejfar\"\n  height=\"533\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2337-Haghbat-Jessica-113x150.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2337-Haghbat-Jessica.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2337-Haghbat-Jessica-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2337-Haghbat-Jessica-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2337-Haghbat-Jessica-450x600.jpg 450w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"A khachkar displayed inside Haghbat Monastery (Armenia.) Photo credit: Jessica Clark\"\n  height=\"800\"\n  width=\"600\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7617-Echmiadzin-Richard-Fejfar-100x150.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7617-Echmiadzin-Richard-Fejfar.jpg 533w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7617-Echmiadzin-Richard-Fejfar-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7617-Echmiadzin-Richard-Fejfar-100x150.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7617-Echmiadzin-Richard-Fejfar-400x600.jpg 400w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"An Echmiadzin khachkar. Photo credit: Richard Fejfar\"\n  height=\"800\"\n  width=\"533\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n          \n        <\/ul>\n        <a\n          class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\"\n          href=\"#\"\n          uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\"\n          uk-slider-item=\"previous\"\n          ><\/a>\n        <a\n          class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\"\n          href=\"#\"\n          uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\"\n          uk-slider-item=\"next\"\n        ><\/a>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav uk-flex-center uk-margin\" ><\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n      \n  <div id=\"block_89508bdc6d1177e07201730ce82e5607-lightbox\" class=\"uk-modal-container xd-components__media-grid-lightbox uk-modal\" uk-modal=\"uk-modal\">\n    <div class=\"uk-modal-dialog uk-modal-body\">\n      <button class=\"uk-modal-close-outside\" type=\"button\" uk-close=\"uk-close\"><\/button>\n      <div id=\"block_89508bdc6d1177e07201730ce82e5607-lightbox-slider\" uk-slider=\"uk-slider\">\n        <div class=\"uk-position-relative\">\n          <div class=\"uk-slider-container\">\n            <ul class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1\">\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7255-Richard-Fejfar-150x100.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7255-Richard-Fejfar.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7255-Richard-Fejfar-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7255-Richard-Fejfar-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7255-Richard-Fejfar-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7255-Richard-Fejfar-600x400.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Khachkars can come in a variety of shapes and sizes (Armenia.) Photo credit: Richard Fejfar\"\n  height=\"533\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Khachkars can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Photo credit: Richard Fejfar<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2337-Haghbat-Jessica-113x150.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2337-Haghbat-Jessica.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2337-Haghbat-Jessica-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2337-Haghbat-Jessica-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2337-Haghbat-Jessica-450x600.jpg 450w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"A khachkar displayed inside Haghbat Monastery (Armenia.) Photo credit: Jessica Clark\"\n  height=\"800\"\n  width=\"600\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">A khachkar displayed inside Haghbat Monastery. Photo credit: Jessica Clark<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7617-Echmiadzin-Richard-Fejfar-100x150.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7617-Echmiadzin-Richard-Fejfar.jpg 533w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7617-Echmiadzin-Richard-Fejfar-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7617-Echmiadzin-Richard-Fejfar-100x150.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/img_7617-Echmiadzin-Richard-Fejfar-400x600.jpg 400w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"An Echmiadzin khachkar. Photo credit: Richard Fejfar\"\n  height=\"800\"\n  width=\"533\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">An Echmiadzin khachkar. Photo credit: Richard Fejfar<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                          <\/ul>\n          <\/div>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-previous uk-slidenav\" href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\" uk-slider-item=\"previous\"><\/a>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-next uk-slidenav\"\n            href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\" uk-slider-item=\"next\"><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav\">\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#909599\"><em>(click on photo to view larger version)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10) Sip Spectacular Wines From One of the World\u2019s Oldest Winemaking Regions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"\/country\/georgia\/\">Georgia<\/a> isn\u2019t the only wine-producing country in the <a href=\"\/region\/south-caucasus-and-turkey\/\">Caucasus<\/a>. <strong><a href=\"\/country\/armenia\/\">Armenia <\/a>boasts its own deep-rooted winemaking culture stemming from traditions that date back to the Bronze Age. <\/strong>It\u2019s believed that the first wild grapevines were planted here more than 7,000 years ago, and in 2007, archaeologists unearthed&nbsp;evidence of the world\u2019s oldest known winery in the highlands of <a href=\"\/country\/armenia\/\">Armenia<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2625-Yerevan-Jessica.jpg\" alt=\"Armenian wine on full display in a Yerevan wine shop. Photo credit: Jessica Clark\" class=\"wp-image-6511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2625-Yerevan-Jessica.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2625-Yerevan-Jessica-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2625-Yerevan-Jessica-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2625-Yerevan-Jessica-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2625-Yerevan-Jessica-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Armenian wine on full display in a Yerevan wine shop. Photo credit: Jessica Clark<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Viticulture took a hard hit here in the 19th and 20th centuries, but a number of local producers have made great strides in reviving ancient traditions and improving the quality of regional Armenian wines. The family-run Areni Winery, located near the famous Areni-1 archaeological site where the world\u2019s oldest known winery was discovered, produces some of the country\u2019s best wines, and offers tastings inside its little onsite wine shop. Other well-known wineries include Voskeni, Zorah, and Kataro.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2845-Jessica.jpg\" alt=\"Aging Armenian wine in a local cellar. Photo credit: Jessica Clark\" class=\"wp-image-6518\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2845-Jessica.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2845-Jessica-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2845-Jessica-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2845-Jessica-450x600.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Aging Armenian wine in a local cellar. Photo credit: Jessica Clark<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Yerevan recently saw the opening of a number of new wine bars that also double as relaxed, easygoing eateries and wine shops.&nbsp;In Vino&nbsp;offers a fine selection of both Armenian and Italian wines, and&nbsp;Wine Republic&nbsp;features little-known Armenian varietals by the glass and bottle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2624-Yerevan-Jessica.jpg\" alt=\"Wine Republic is a favorite local hangout in Yerevan (Armenia.) Photo credit: Jessica Clark\" class=\"wp-image-6510\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2624-Yerevan-Jessica.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2624-Yerevan-Jessica-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2624-Yerevan-Jessica-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2624-Yerevan-Jessica-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_2624-Yerevan-Jessica-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Wine Republic is a favorite local hangout in Yerevan. Photo credit: Jessica Clark<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignwide is-light\" style=\"min-height:250px\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-40 has-background-dim\"><\/span><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"250\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-6559\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9059A-Ann-Schneider-250.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9059A-Ann-Schneider-250.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9059A-Ann-Schneider-250-300x39.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9059A-Ann-Schneider-250-1024x133.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9059A-Ann-Schneider-250-768x100.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9059A-Ann-Schneider-250-1536x200.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9059A-Ann-Schneider-250-150x20.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9059A-Ann-Schneider-250-600x78.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9059A-Ann-Schneider-250-1600x208.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Travel to Armenia with MIR<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\">\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>MIR has more than 30 years of experience hand-crafting tours to <a href=\"\/country\/armenia\/\">Armenia<\/a> and the <a href=\"\/region\/south-caucasus-and-turkey\/\">South Caucasus<\/a><\/strong>. Our full service, dedication, commitment to quality, and destination expertise have twice earned us a place on <em>National Geographic Adventure\u2019s<\/em> list of \u201cBest Adventure Travel Companies on Earth.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can travel with MIR to Armenia and the other South Caucasus countries \u2014 <a href=\"\/country\/georgia\/\">Georgia<\/a> and <a href=\"\/country\/azerbaijan\/\">Azerbaijan<\/a> \u2014 on <strong>one of our small group tours or on a rail journey by private train:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"\/trip\/treasures-of-the-south-caucasus\/\">Treasures of the South Caucasus<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"\/trip\/village-traditions-of-the-south-caucasus\/\">Village Traditions of the South Caucasus<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"\/trip\/caspian-odyssey-by-private-train-eastbound\/\">Caspian Odyssey by Private Train<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also <strong>visit Armenia on a <a href=\"\/custom-private-travel\/\">custom private journey<\/a><\/strong>, handcrafted to fit your interests, pace, and dates; or <strong>choose from one of MIR\u2019s suggested private independent travel itineraries<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"\/trip\/essential-caucasus\/\">Essential Caucasus<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"\/trip\/essential-georgia-armenia\/\">Essential Georgia &amp; Armenia<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Armenia is ready to shake off the shackles of its old Soviet past. The  time to witness this country and its momentous changes through history  is now. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6566,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[332,333,334,336,337,335,343,339,340,338,341,342,39,225,344,196,346,348,347,349,345,350,96,351,54,55,56,352,353],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>10 Reasons to Be Amazed by Armenia<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Armenia is ready to shake off the shackles of its old Soviet past. The time to witness this country and its momentous changes through history is now.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/10-reasons-to-be-amazed-by-armenia\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"10 Reasons to Be Amazed by Armenia\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Armenia is ready to shake off the shackles of its old Soviet past. The time to witness this country and its momentous changes through history is now.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/10-reasons-to-be-amazed-by-armenia\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"MIR\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MIR.Corporation\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2020-04-30T19:01:41+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-02-28T16:38:18+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9059A-Ann-Schneider-top.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1920\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"651\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"MIR Corporation\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@mircorp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@mircorp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"MIR Corporation\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"16 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/10-reasons-to-be-amazed-by-armenia\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/10-reasons-to-be-amazed-by-armenia\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"MIR Corporation\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/#\/schema\/person\/ce4e48f9ea20650762a325d51ad2e71b\"},\"headline\":\"10 Reasons to Be Amazed by Armenia\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-04-30T19:01:41+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-02-28T16:38:18+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/10-reasons-to-be-amazed-by-armenia\/\"},\"wordCount\":2533,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/10-reasons-to-be-amazed-by-armenia\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9059A-Ann-Schneider-top.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"a capella\",\"Areni-1\",\"Armenia\",\"Armenian cuisine\",\"Armenian genocide\",\"Armenian Genocide Memorial\",\"Armenian wine\",\"brandy\",\"Cafesjian Center for the Arts\",\"Cascade\",\"Dilijan\",\"Echmiadzin\",\"Emily Kelso\",\"food\",\"Geghard Monastery\",\"hiking\",\"khachkars\",\"Lake Sevan\",\"lavash\",\"Matenadaran\",\"Mount Ararat\",\"Republic Square\",\"South Caucasus\",\"Temple of Garni\",\"travel guide\",\"travel like a local\",\"UNESCO\",\"Yerevan\",\"Zvartnots\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/10-reasons-to-be-amazed-by-armenia\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/10-reasons-to-be-amazed-by-armenia\/\",\"name\":\"10 Reasons to Be Amazed by Armenia\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/10-reasons-to-be-amazed-by-armenia\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/10-reasons-to-be-amazed-by-armenia\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_9059A-Ann-Schneider-top.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-04-30T19:01:41+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-02-28T16:38:18+00:00\",\"description\":\"Armenia is ready to shake off the shackles of its old Soviet past. 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