English
Tour in Syunik Region
Syunik region is the most beautiful and picturesque in the whole territory of Armenia. Here are located all important landmarks, so a visit to Syunik region should be one of the most important parts of your tour in Armenia. We offer a short but very interesting tour around the most interesting places of Syunik region. Take notes for yourself and future travel.
Syunik region is located in the southern part of the country, and covers an area of 4540 square meters in km. The administrative center of the region is Kapan (Kafan) that is located at a distance of 298 km from Yerevan. The landscape of the area is very diverse; Zangezur mountain chain (the highest point of 3906), Meghri Gorge, impassable canyons, alpine meadows, dense forests, caves, rivers and waterfalls.
SISIAN
The town of Sisian in the Syunik region is considered one of the oldest settlements on the territory of Armenia, but we are more interested in the neighborhood of the city than the Sisian. That is why Sisian and Syunik region is called a repository of ancient monuments.
Not far from Sisian you will find the most picturesque waterfalls Shaqi. Waterfall is hidden in the gorge with black rocks, which give the area a certain mysterious flair. There were traces of humans were found (dating back to the Stone Age) in rocks and caves of Sisian.
Further evidence of prehistoric civilization in the area are ancient petroglyphs of Ukhtasar. The monument is a stone at the foot of the mountain Ukhtasar with petroglyphs dating back in 5-2 thousand. BC. Petroglyphs describe life of a primitive man.
The most popular attraction of Sisian is Karahunj. Prehistoric monument is a set of 220 stones with height of 2 meters, which are arranged in a perfect circle. The whole complex covers an area of 7 hectares and is located at an altitude of 1770 m. For more information about the monument Karahunj read here.
GORIS
There were settlements in Goris at the beginning of our era, and there are preserved evidence – caves, found in region. On the territory there are about 10,000 caves. There were discovered weapons, pottery items from Copper and Bronze Ages. Further evidence of ancient settlements is Khndzoresk cave city, which is located 8 km from Goris. Stone pyramids and caves were used as dwellings.
There is a rope bridge in Khndzoresk which passes over the gorge of the river Vorotan. Not only Khndozersk, but other mountain towns in the area (eg, Tsakeri – Dzor) are above the canyon cliffs and pretty high (aimed to be protected against attacks). Due to the difficult ascent, damp caves and soot from the fires cave dwellers suffered from rheumatism and rickets.
Not far from Goris there is Interrepublican Karagel Reserve, which is located on the territory of the lake Karagel. Lake and nature reserve situated on the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The lake was formed in the crater of an extinct volcano.
TATEV MONASTERY COMPLEX
We finally got to the most important sights of the Syunik region, namely the Tatev monastery complex. The monastery is on the right bank of the gorge Vorotan, and the left bank is connected with the cable car “Wings of Tatev”.
Tatev monastery complex is considered a masterpiece of medieval architecture, the UNESCO heritage. There is an interesting legend associated with the name of the monastery. When the monastery was built and a cross was to be created and put cross on the dome, one of the master’s students secretly creates a cross, and sets at night on the dome. However, he does not have time to go down and seeing his master, he jumps into the abyss asking God to give wings ( “tal tev” – give wings).
The largest church complex Poghos Petros was built in the year 906. The complex includes the church of St. Gregory the Illuminator, St. Astvatsatsin (1087g), bell tower, refectory, the abbot of apartments and other premises. “Gavazan” monument attracts special attention. This is a unique column height of 8 meters, which bends from wind. It bends even from slightly touching and returns to the place. Detailed information how to get to Tatev monastery read here.
Finally, your journey ends with a tour to the cable rope “Wings of Tatev”. It is the longest cableway in the world, 5.7 km long, which passes over the gorge of the river Vorotan. The road in one direction takes about 11 minutes and is held at a height of 360 meters.
Post Discussion