Areni – Noravank – Jermuk

• Village Areni is one of the oldest villages of historical Syunik. The significance of the village was explained, first of all, by its geographical location on exit from a gorge, connecting Vayots Dzor with the valley of Sharur. Thereby, the village was not only a resting-place, but also an important military point. On the surrounding heights military fortifications were built. In the XIII century King Orbelyan Tarsaich built a palace here. By his order Bishop Sarkis (1265-1287) of Noravank built a three-arch bridge near Areni on the river, the foundation of which remained till our days. In 1321 by the order of Bishop Hovhannes of Syunik the architect Momik built St. Astvatsatsin Church in Areni.

• Noravank Monastery is located among fancy sheer red cliffs at the mouth of a meandering gorge. The Monastery was founded in the XII century on the site of ancient buildings. In the days of King Orbelyan it became a major religious center, and in the XIV century – the residence of the Bishops of Syunik. The gorge is famous for sheer red cliffs, rising behind the Monastery, on the territory of which is located a two-story St. Astvatsatsin Church with narrow cantilevered staircases. This Church, the construction of which was finished in 1339, is considered the last masterpiece of a talented Armenian sculptor and miniaturist Momik. The Monastery was built in the XII century on the site of ancient constructions. On the days of Orbelyan Kings it became a large religious center, and in the XIV century – the residence of Syunik’s episcopes. 

• Jermuk is located on the River Arpa, on the plateau west from the Zangezur Mountain Range. Jermuk is a balneological and climatic high mountain resort. Here is located Jermuk Waterfall. Near the town are medieval cave complexes. The town is located at the height of 2100 meters in a picturesque place, where are Alpine meadows, mountain forests, rocks, and, of course, a lot of mineral thermal springs with different temperatures from 20 to 65 degree. The name ‘’Jermuk’’ itself is translated as warm. It’s rather interesting to visit the Drinking Gallery of Jermuk, where you can taste various types of mineral waters, which by their substance are belonged to hydrocarbonate-sulphate-sodium-silicic waters. By their chemical properties they are similar to the mineral waters of Zheleznovodsk and Karlovy Vary. Mineral water "Jermuk" is recommended for diseases - the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, nervous and immune systems.