With its rivers, small lakes, mountain springs, steep hills, monasteries, and fortresses, the beauty of Armenia features remarkable versatility. But what’s so special about the Armenian nature is not only its gorgeousness but how closely it is linked with the Armenian folklore.
One of the natural monuments of historical Armenia is the Maratuk (Marutasar) Mount. It is located in the middle of the Armenian Taurus Mountains in the south of the Armenian Highlands, within the borders of modern Turkey. Apart from the location’s wide use in Armenian mythology, it sheltered refugees during the Armenian Genocide in 1915.
Maratuk Mount’s top is decorated by the Marutavank Monastery. Before being destroyed by the Turks in 1915, it was a frequent point of interest for pilgrims. Fortunately, the monastery is under renovation works today.
Another noteworthy location is Lake Nemrut, Bitlis, Western Armenia. This crater lake at the top of the Nemrut mountain is considered the 2nd largest crater lake in the world. There also are 5 small lakes within the 650-meter deep crater, at an attitude of about 2440 meters.
In regards to the architectural beauty of Armenia, the 10th-century fortress of Ptghavank (Akhtala) is one of the most important preserved structures. It used to be the most crucial strategic point of the kingdom of the Kiurikian-Bagratids.
The inscription on one of the inside khachkars informs that in 1188, the Church of Holy Mother of God was built here by Mariam, the daughter of Kiurike, a king of the Kingdom of Tashir-Dzoraget.
Noravank Monastery is a monastic complex built between the 13th and 14th centuries 122 km from Yerevan. It is situated on the ledge of a narrow meandering canyon of the tributary of the Arpa River near Yeghegnadzor.
