OUR POLAND GROUP’S JOURNEY TO ARMENIA & KARABAKH
Some of the highlights of this trip, following the order of the sequences: a duduk playing at Garni Temple, the Armenian brandy degustation at the “Ararat” Brandy Factory in Yerevan, visiting the Khor Virap Monastery at the border with the Turkey, visiting “We Are Our Mountains” monument near Stepanakert in Nagorno-Karabakh, visiting the Tatev and Noravank monasteries, a birthday party in the local Noravank restaurant, and finally, being a part of an amazing soulful performance at the ruins of Zvartnots Temple.
The oldest surviving building on the territory of Armenia, the 1st century Garni Pagan Temple was built by the Armenian King Tiridates with the money he received after visiting Emperor Nero in Rome, and was dedicated to Sun God Mithra.
The Armenian wind instrument Duduk is considered the most “Armenian” of all folk instruments, because of its origins and its ability to express the soul of the Armenian people.
“Ararat” Brandy Factory is the leading enterprise for the production of the world renowned Armenian brandy.
The Khor Virap Monastery is located a few hundred meters from the border with Turkey, on the banks of the river Araks, right at the foot of the majestic Mt. Ararat. Khor Virap is one of the most popular destinations in Armenia, primarily because it is where the St. Gregory the Illuminator, the future head of the Armenian Apostolic Church was imprisoned here for 13 years.
“We Are Our Mountains” monument is widely regarded as a symbol of Karabakh’s identity. Made of volcanic tufa, it depicts an old man and woman hewn from rock, representing the mountain people of Karabakh.
Built on a fairy tale natural fortress of rock on the edge of the Vorotan Canyon, the 9th century Tatev Monastery is one of the most spectacular and impressive places in Armenia.
The 14th century Noravank Monastery is the masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture, and it was a major religious and cultural center of medieval Armenia, closely connected with many of the local seats of learning.
The 7th century Zvartnots Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site), was destroyed by an earthquake in 930 AD, and was lost to history until its discovery in the early 20th century. The Armenian and Arab historians alike marveled at the beauty of Zvartnots, calling it one of the most beautiful buildings ever built.
Video credits: Phoenix Tour Armenia
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