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| ARMENIA |
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Armenia occupies a territory of 29,800 square kilometers. The average altitude of the territory is 1,800 meters above sea level, the highest peak has an altitude of 4,090 meters and the lowest point is the Debed canyon with an altitude of 380 meters.
Part of the chain of mountains situated within the Alps-Himalayas mountain system, the Armenian Plateau contains an endless chain of mountains, lakes hidden in the heights, mountain torrents and waterfalls, valleys, forests and isolated highlands. Among all these, Lake Sevan unveils itself with constantly changing colors - harmoniously matching or contrasting itself to the sky. It is almost sinful to visit Armenia and to not see Lake Sevan. Sevan is a lake of mysteries, located at an altitude of 1,900 meters above sea level, and reaching a maximum depth is 99 meters. Twenty eight rivers merge into Sevan while only one - Hrazdan - flows out. Elsewhere on the territory of Armenia [see map of regions of Armenia] there are ten natural lakes, fifteen swift rivers, and five canyons that form a common lacework of high and low peaks. On any visit to Armenia you will see natural wonders, and an embroidery of crosses carved into mountains. For centuries, artisans struggled and created the monastery of Geghard - a monument carved into the surrounding rock. In the mountains, forests and ravines you can find scattered architectural masterpieces such as the Haghartsin monastery (X-XIII AD), Goshavank (X-XIII AD), Kecharis (XI-XX AD), the complexes of Sanahin and Haghpat (X-XX AD), Odzoun (VI-VII AD), Marmashen (IX-XIII AD), the fortress of lori and its inner town (II millennium bc -XVII AD), and Hnevank (XII-XIII AD). You will see a chain of inaccessible fortresses hung high in the air. Others such as the fortresses Amberd (VII-XV AD), Halidzor (XVII AD), Baghaberd (V ad), Garni (I BC) are more accessible. This country of lakes, rivers and springs is also rich in mineral waters. In Jermuk, Bjni, Dilijan and other resorts, treatment for different diseases in baths of mineral waters is available. The waterfall of Shaki is one of the aquatic beauties of Armenia, which falls from an altitude of 18 meters into the ravine and flows into the river Vorotan passing through Siunik to join the river Araks. Armenia is beautiful in summer and winter when the mountains and valleys are covered with snow. In Tsakhkadzor you can journey to the top of Mount Teghenis, contemplate the magnificence of the highlands, drink a cup of oriental coffee prepared on hot sand and ski down the mountains. The Shirak valley can also offer you winter sport opportunities. In valleys and particularly on the shore of Sevan or on the banks of Araks you can watch the transmigration of birds in spring and fall, and enjoy the singing of flamingos and storks. The streets of towns are green, and each of them is a garden where you can extend your hand to pick a mulberry or a cherry, a peach or an apricot. Each town has its own legend and history, its date of establishment. Yerevan, the thirteenth capital of Armenia - became 2780 years old in 1998, and is even older than Cartagena. A mix of old and new buildings, broad streets, large and small museums and exhibitions, if you wish to see the whole of Yerevan you can visit Victory Park and the whole city will be spread before the foot of glorious Ararat. If you strain your imagination a little you might even notice Noah''s Ark in the snow of the mountain. Mankind was reborn here, and populated the valley. Armenia was also the first nation to adopt Christianity as its official state religion in 301AD, and in 2001 celebrated the 1700th Anniversary of Christianity. Visit Armenia and take a part of DILIJAN International Music Festival to save unforgetable hours in your mind forever! |
| Dilijan |
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One of the better known resorts of the Republic of Armenia is Dilijan, located 106 kilometers from Yerevan.
Dilijan is an alpine spa, and its clean pine forest air combines with the warm sun and Dilijan''s mineral waters to offer therapeutic powers. Several sanitoriums, lodges and hotels operate in the town, and prices start from $10 a night for comfortable surrounds. The retreats of composers and cinematographers are also located in Dilijan. A historical district of the 19th century has also been restored, and Dilijan is part of a public reserve established in 1958 and covers 24 thousand hectares. Also known as the "Little Switzerland" of Armenia, this is a worthwhile place to see, and spend the night. From this forested town with some traditional architecture, it is a brief trip to the beautiful monasteries of Haghardzin or Goshavank. Sharambeyan street near the bus stop has been preserved and maintained as an "old town Dilijan", complete with craftsmens workshops, a gallery and a museum. The cool green forests are a nice contrast to Ararat Valley, especially in the hot summer. Such great figures in music world as composers D.Shostakovich, B.Britten, E.Mirzoyan etc. has written their''s best compositions in Dilijan. |
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