Armenia is a stunning country in the greater Middle East known for its cuisine, culture, beautiful landscapes, and history. Home to ancient monasteries and wineries, there is always something new to explore when visiting Armenia.
These 18 fun facts about Armenia are sure to surprise you!
1. World’s Longest Double Track Cable Car
Fancy a cable car ride? The world’s longest cable car can be found in Armenia. This aerial tramway measures a whopping 5,752 meters (18,871 feet)!
The Tatev Aerial Tramway glides over the Vorotan River Gorge and connects the Tatev Monastery with the village of Halidzor. Prepare to take some incredible photos!
2. You Can Say Merci to Thank Someone
The Armenian alphabet and language are difficult for outsiders to understand. Luckily, if you find yourself in Armenia, you can say ‘merci’ as a form of thank you!
3. The Armenian National Symbol Isn’t in Armenia
Mt. Ararat is said to be the location where the story of ‘Noah’s Ark’ took place in the Bible. The Armenian National Symbol is Mt. Ararat, and while Armenians can see the mountain from Khor Virap, it is not currently within the boundaries of Armenia. It is located in Turkey.
4. Yerevan has a Soviet Metro Underground
Yerevan has a soviet style transportation system beneath the city.
Tickets are incredibly cheap while the network is extensive. Many of the stops have underground shopping centers too!
5. Armenia First to Adopt Christianity
Gregory the Illuminator baptized Armenia back in 301 A.D.
The state religion of Armenia is Christianity and Armenia was the first country to officially adopt it.
97 percent of Armenians today practice Christianity and you will see evidence of this in the incredible amount of churches and monasteries throughout the country.
6. Armenia Uses Apricots in Many Ways
Apricots are important to Armenians and are often used in Armenian products such as vodka, wine, and cognac. The orange color on the Armenian flag even represents apricots!
A visit to Armenia isn’t complete without sampling the local apricots. Luckily, you can find apricots and apricot products in every market.
7. Armenian Grocery Stores carry International Foods
Speaking of markets, if you feel homesick while traveling in Armenia, simply stop at a grocery store. Armenian markets are some of the most diverse in the world and feature tons of international products and goodies!
Whether you are from North America or Europe, you will likely find something from back home.
8. Armenia is Ancient
Armenia, along with Iran, China, Greece, Egypt, and Japan, is home to ancient human civilization and was first mentioned in a manuscript from 520 B.C.
The history of the country predates the Bronze Age. History buffs will truly love exploring Armenia. Some locations have artifacts such as the Ughtasar Petroglyphs that date back to 1200 B.C.
9. First Church Built in Armenia
The first church built in the world was Holy Etchmiadzin, which dates back to the 4th century. The Echmiadzin Cathedral contains the Longinus (Christ’s Spear).
It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an important Christian pilgrimage site.
10. Armenian Alphabet is Advanced
The Armenian Alphabet is considered to be one of the most difficult and advanced in the world.
It was created between 405 and 406 A.D. by Mesrop Mashtots, a scholar and monk, and consisted of 36 letters. A monument exists for its creator in Artashavan.
11. Home to the Oldest Winery in the World
The oldest winery in the world is located in a cave near the town of Areni. The winery is 6100 years old. Unfortunately, this winery is no longer operational but wine lovers would definitely get a kick out of visiting the site which has a cellar, grape press, and more!
12. The Oldest Shoe Ever Found
The oldest leather shoe ever found is 5500 years old, and was also discovered in Areni.
It dates back to 3500 B.C. and now resides in the History Museum of Armenia.
13. Armenian Lavash is Recognized by UNESCO
Armenian Lavash is made in a tonir or underground oven. This flat, chewy bread is typically made from flour, salt, and water and can be kept for up to a year without going bad. Lavash is typically made in bulk and included alongside most Armenian meals!
This method of breadmaking is culturally significant and recognized by UNESCO. Definitely try Lavash while in Armenia!
14. Chess is a Subject Taught to Children
Chess is considered a normal, compulsory school subject. Chess is an important game nationally and Armenia produces excellent chess players, many of whom have won team championships internationally!
15. Home of Stork Villages
Armenia is home to 345 species of birds including eagles, swans, falcons and storks!
Storks are known to migrate from Africa to Armenia every year and some villages erect long rows of wood poles that have stork nests on top. This offers a nesting place for the storks until they return to Africa later in the year.
Of course, local bird species such as sparrows often use the nests when the storks are away!
16. Famous Armenian Celebrities
Your favorite celebrity may have Armenian roots!
Armenia has connections to several famous people including Cher, Andre Agassi, Kim Kardashian, Andy Serkis, and Serj Tankian.
17. No Live Music At Night
Sorry, musicians! If you wish to practice playing musical instruments you will have to do it during the daytime or risk getting a citation. Musical instruments are not allowed to be played after dark in Armenia.
18. Aremeni’s Capital City Predates Rome
One of the oldest capital cities in the world is Yerevan. It predates Rome by 29 years!
Called the Pink City, Yerevan’s ancient buildings were made with volcanic rock, which has a blush-colored hue. As so many buildings were constructed from this material, it makes the city appear to be pink from a distance.