West of Yerevan
Tour 4:
4.5 Metsamor Fortress
Take a guided tour to the archaeological site of Metsamor Fortress, which is located near Taronik village 4km/2.4 mi east of Aknalich and 10 km/6.2 mi west of Vagharshapat. The site was populated from the 5th millennium BC until the 18th century AD. In 1968, the Museum of History and Archaeology at the Metsamor Site was opened, which is
the repository of more than 22,000 items, almost all of which were uncovered on this site.
Khachkar Art
Khachkars (cross-stones) are carved memorial steles. These decorative sculptures bear a cross along with additional carvings, savior symbolism of the cross, and the notion of eternity. Khachkars are positioned under open air. The art has reached present days and
khachkar-making remains popular in Armenia. Khachkars and craftsmanship are inscribed in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage .
The first khachkars appeared in the 9th century, after the liberation of Armenia from Arab rule. The oldest khachkar with
4.3 The Mother See
of Holy Echmiatsin
4.2 Vagharshapat
Churches
4.1 Musaler Memorial ParkMatenadaraCascade
4.4 Marchanents Tourism and Art Centre
4.5 Metsamor Fortress
4.6 Zvartnots