Yerevan

Aragats – A stand alone, extinct volcano, it is the highest mountain in the territory of modern day Armenia. In immemorial times, a powerful volcanic eruption, most likely accompanied by an explosion, destroyed the mountain peak and formed an irregularly shaped crater. It is surrounded by four peaks, like lobes of a gigantic flower. Armenian cities and villages located on the foot of Aragats’ mount, presently form a province called Aragatsotn Marz (Province).

The interior facilities of the Saghmosavank Church are unlike those of traditionally ascetic Armenian churches, because certain parts of the interior walls are covered by red and black stones, and some are painted white, yellow and red.

Once you exit the temple and turn around the corner — the view takes your breath away! It is because the complex is built virtually on the cliff of the Kasakh River gorge — a natural formation so formidable that even we (and we are not afraid of heights) approached the precipice with great caution…and for a good reason! There are few places in Armenia where one can observe the gradual transformation of the mountains into valleys. This is one of them — Aragatsotn’s gradual descent becomes Ararat Valley.

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