Armavir Province
Why Visit Armavir
Armavir Province is located in western Armenia, on the Ararat Plain. Unlike the mountainous provinces, Armavir offers a completely different experience endless fields, vineyards, the banks of the Araks River, and traces of ancient civilizations.
What to See
Armavir is Armenia’s most important pilgrimage center. The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Saint Hripsime Church, Saint Gayane Church, and Zvartnots are all located very close to one another, making it possible to visit them all in a single day. Every year, thousands of pilgrims from Armenia and the diaspora come here, especially during Christmas and Easter, when a special atmosphere fills Etchmiadzin.
Armavir lies in the heart of the Ararat Plain, giving it a character distinct from Armenia’s other provinces. There are no mountains here, but there is an open horizon and some of the closest and most impressive views of Mount Ararat and Mount Aragats, particularly from Etchmiadzin and the ruins of Zvartnots.
What to Do
Armavir is one of the sunniest and most fertile corners of Armenia. The province is well known for agriculture. If you visit at the right time of year, do not hesitate to join the harvest—locals are always happy to welcome helping hands.
The provincial capital, Armavir City, is located near the ruins of the ancient Urartian capital, where the past and present literally stand side by side.
Two heroic battles hold a special place in the historical memory of the province.
The Battle of Sardarapat – In May 1918, the Armenian people halted the advance of the Ottoman army here and secured the survival of Armenia. Today, the memorial complex and museum serve as a powerful and moving stop for every traveler.
The Musa Dagh Resistance – In 1915, the Armenians of Musa Dagh resisted for 53 days and ultimately survived.
What to Taste
- Kyufta
- Apricots
- Grapes
- Lavash baked in a tonir
- Pickled vegetables
- Harisa
Must See
Vagharshapat
Zvaratnots
Metsamor museum
Travel Tips and Suggestions to Armavir
- Visit the Etchmiadzin Historical and Ethnographic Museum
- Learn about Vordan Karmir
- Discover traditional Armenian costumes
- Visit museums
How to Get There from Yerevan
There are several ways to reach Armavir Province. Getting to the city of Etchmiadzin is particularly easy. From Yerevan, you can travel from the Central Bus Station or from the area near the Matenadaran using minibus No. 203. A one-way ticket costs 300 AMD, and in about one hour you will arrive in the city center.
Best Time to Visit
Armavir is beautiful in every season, but each one offers its own special gift.
During April and May, the plain is covered with blooming apricot orchards, Mount Ararat rises clear above the clouds, and the air is fresh and fragrant. If you are looking for Armenia’s most photogenic scenery, this is the perfect time.
June is apricot season—the kind of apricot you will never encounter elsewhere in the world.
September and October are harvest months, when the grape harvest is in full swing.
Կարևոր
Հայաստանում հաճախ դեռևս անհրաժեշտ է կանխիկ գումար ունենալ։ Շատ վայրեր՝ հատկապես մարզերում, աշխատում են միայն կանխիկով։ Թեև կան ռեստորաններ ու հյուրանոցներ, որոնք ընդունում են քարտային կամ առցանց վճարումներ, դրանք այնքան էլ շատ չեն։ Թանգարաններում ևս հիմնականում կանխիկ է պետք, և հիշեք՝ գրեթե բոլոր թանգարանները երկուշաբթի փակ են։
