Yerevan

Yerevan Travel Secrets

The capital of Armenia, Yerevan, lies in the shadow of Mount Ararat, its peak glistening with snow year round. Visiting this very special city gives a wonderful opportunity to explore the culture and find out what is important to the Armenian people.

Armenian Culture

The Armenian alphabet is unique and was developed by Mesrop Mastots in the 5th century. A visit to the Matenaderan is an excellent way to appreciate the ancient manuscripts and culture of the nation and to see the historic maps. The carving of khachkars or the beautiful stone memorial crosses is another Armenian tradition and can be seen all over the country. Even in Yerevan it is possible to find traditional stone carvers at work and continuing the art. Some patterns commemorate great events whilst other designs are symbolic of unrequiting love and have been beautifully crafted.

Food, Drink and Shopping

Armenian brandy is legendary and some of the best distilleries in the world are located in Yerevan. This was a favourite of Winston Churchill and Stalin regularly sent him shipments of Armenia’s finest. During Stalin’s rule the senior brandy maker was sent to a gulag, and a change in the taste of the blend favoured by Churchill prompted him to ask Stalin what had happened to brandy making in the distillery. At once the prisoner was released and continued to produce fine brandy. Another specialty in Armenia are plums and apricots, often soaked in brandy and make excellent gifts. A visit to Armenia is not complete without a stroll around the Vernissage Market held on a Sunday selling anything from books to crafts and general junk.

Ejmiatsin

It is said that if you want to meet up with anyone in Armenia on a Sunday the best place is at Ejmiatsin, symbolic as the heart of the Armenian Church. During communist times when most churches in Russia were being closed the Armenian clergy convinced the Soviets that this was educational and so they were allowed to continue to worship. In Armenia it is customary to buy candles on entering a church, and when leaving one should walk backwards so as not to turn one’s back on God. Listening to the singing at the Sunday morning service as the choirs ring through the cathedral is a beautiful and unique way to experience Armenia and to understand and appreciate the importance of this place to Armenians.

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