Yerevan

A short history

Armenia adopted Christianity as a state religion in 301 CE, the first nation anywhere to do so, and the monastery complexes scattered across the country are older than most European cathedrals — often cut directly into rock in valleys that take an hour or two to reach. The capital itself was rebuilt in the twentieth century to a single plan, in the local pink volcanic tuff, which is why its boulevards and squares feel unusually coherent for a city with three thousand years behind it.

Why travellers love it

Entry is straightforward for most visitors, the flights are short, and Mount Ararat sits on the horizon across the border in a way no photograph quite prepares you for. It is also a wine country with a long history and low prices, and a monastery-touring trip here feels nothing like a European cathedral circuit.

Before you go

Armenia is visa-free for many nationalities and offers an e-visa to others; check what applies to your passport. May to June and September to October are the best months — summer is hot and the winter is properly cold. The monasteries are the reason to leave the city, and most are a comfortable day trip; book a driver rather than relying on buses.

Highlights

• Republic Square
• The Cascade Complex
• A day trip to Geghard Monastery
• The Vernissage open-air market