Armenia travel guide

Armenia has had to cope with incredibly traumatic events within living memory: the Soviet occupation that lasted around 70 years, and the 1915 genocide which caused the deaths of up to 1.5 million people, and led to many more Armenians living outside the country than in it.

Armenia is one of the oldest Christian countries in the world, with some of its earliest churches built as far back as the 4th century. That faith remains as strong as ever, and the country is liberally scattered with ancient monasteries and churches, many of which are very well preserved.

Often seen as a bridge between Asia and Europe, the country has over the centuries been part of the Byzantine, Ottoman, Turkish and Mongol empires, and it also served as an important staging post along the Silk Road. All of which has given Armenia a unique and fascinating identity.

Natalie Fordham, from our supplier Wild Frontiers:

“If I had to describe Armenia in three words they would be: Orthodox, as religious history is so alive here and beliefs remain traditional; Resilient, because the Armenian people have been through so much, but they remain warm and welcoming, and interested in visitors; and Charming – Armenia is perhaps not quite as green and striking as Georgia, but it still has great landscapes and its own rawness that makes it so captivating.”