The Road to Legendary Tatev

"The Road to Legendary Tatev" is one of the richest journeys through southern Armenia. In a single day the route takes you from the foot of Mount Ararat through the wine-growing region of Vayots Dzor, past the red cliffs of Noravank and the Shaki waterfall, to the ancient monastery of Tatev rising above the Vorotan Gorge. This is not simply an excursion to Tatev: the road itself becomes part of the journey, because along the way the landscapes, the nature and the historical epochs of Armenia keep changing.

The first stop is Khor Virap, one of the country's best-known spiritual and historical sites. According to church tradition, it was here that Gregory the Illuminator spent about 13 years in a deep pit. After his release he played a key role in Armenia's adoption of Christianity at the beginning of the 4th century. Khor Virap stands very close to Mount Ararat, and in clear weather it offers one of the most famous views in Armenia: the ancient monastery against the backdrop of majestic Ararat.

Next we travel to Vayots Dzor, one of Armenia's main wine-making regions. Here a wine tour and tasting await us. You will learn about the traditions of Armenian winemaking, find out more about how wine is produced, and have the chance to taste local wines.

The next historical stop is Noravank Monastery. It stands in one of the most beautiful corners of Vayots Dzor, among the tall red cliffs of the Amaghu gorge. The monastic complex developed especially actively in the 13th and 14th centuries and is closely linked with the princely house of Orbelyan. One of Noravank's principal monuments is the two-storey church of Surb Astvatsatsin, associated with the outstanding Armenian architect, sculptor and master Momik. Its unusual external stone staircase, its medieval architecture and the surrounding red cliffs have made Noravank one of the most recognisable monasteries in Armenia.

After Vayots Dzor the road continues towards Syunik. Here we stop at the Shaki waterfall, one of the most famous waterfalls in Armenia. The water falls from a basalt ledge some 18 metres high, forming a powerful, broad stream among the rocks and greenery. At the waterfall there will be time for a short walk, a rest and photographs before we continue our long journey.

And finally, Tatev. The road brings us to one of the most legendary monastic complexes in Armenia, set on the edge of the immense Vorotan Gorge. The monastery's main church, Surb Poghos-Petros, was built in the 9th and 10th centuries. Throughout the Middle Ages Tatev was not only a spiritual centre: education, philosophy, science, art and manuscript culture all flourished here. In the 14th and 15th centuries the famous Tatev University operated at the monastery and became one of the most important educational centres of medieval Armenia.

One of the most unusual sights of the monastic complex is the Gavazan. It is a medieval stone column about eight metres high, built in such a way that it could lean away from the vertical and then return to its place.

But Tatev cannot be understood through dates and historical facts alone. You have to see where it stands: the monastery seems to hover above an enormous gorge, surrounded by the mountains of Syunik. This is where our journey ends. In one day we cover a great distance, from Ararat through ancient Vayots Dzor and the Shaki waterfall to legendary Tatev.

"The Road to Legendary Tatev" suits travellers who want to see as much of southern Armenia as possible in a single day and are ready for a long but very rewarding trip. The route is especially interesting for those who love history, ancient monasteries, mountain landscapes, nature, Armenian wine and beautiful places for photographs. It is an excellent choice for a first journey to Syunik and for anyone who wants to see not only Tatev itself, but also to experience the whole road leading to it, from Ararat to the deep gorges of southern Armenia.