The territory of the Republic of Armenia is 29.740 square kilometers with an average altitude of 1800 m. The highest peak is Mt. Aragats (4095 m), the smallest altitude is the canyon of the river Debed (380m). Armenia stretches out for 360 km from the Northwest to the Southeast, and 200 km from the West to the East. This is only a part of the enormous mountainous area called Armenian Highlands with a territory of 400.000 square kilometers. The highest peak of the Armenian Highlands is the Big Ararat (Masis in Armenian, 5165m) where Noah’s Arch landed after the World Flood. Next to the Big Ararat the Small Ararat (Sis in Armenian, 3925m) is situated.

Both mountains make the massive Ararat, which is a vast area of thousands of square kilometers. The volcanic cone of the Big Ararat is crowned with snow and 30 glaciers. The snow border starts at the height of 4250m. Since olden times the vast territory of the Armenian Highland was inhabited by many nations, Armenians among them. Being one of the ancient nations in the world Armenians emerged long before modern European nations came into being, and the antique nations - Romans and Hellenes- were just forming. Modern Armenia is often called a land of rocks. But it is also a wonderland where the man squeezes water out of stones. Amber veins, purple peach trees, the golden wealth of orchards - this abundance of fruits, greens and vegetables constitute a anthem to the Sun, labor and people.

In Armenia you will live in the past and present at the same time. Signatures of millennia past cover the landscape. Pagan sanctuaries still stand among the ancient Christian temples and the powerful creations of medieval architects. Walk outside your lodging, ride or walk through our towns, villages and countryside and you will always be in Armenia's 'museum under the open sky.'

You will also be traveling in one of the most diversified ecosystems in the world. Five of the seven primary topographies exist in our small country of some 30,000 square kilometers. You will experience a remarkable range of flora and fauna. With snow capped mountains only a few hours drive from subtropical valleys, in the changes in altitude and local climates, you can experience seven springs in one visit.

 

One cannot conceive Armenia without knowing its past. The Armenian land is full of autographs of bygone millenniums. Pagan sanctuaries, ancient Christian temples and unique creations of medieval architects have reached to our days. Armenia is a museum under the open sky. Read, please, about the history and culture of Armenia in the following sites:

www.hyeetch.nareg.com.au
An on-line book about Armenians and Armenia. Their History, Cultural, Religion and Genocide (With quality photos)

www.armsite.com
Armenian Art and Culture (Quality photos & Maps)

www.angelfire.com/hi/Azgaser
Ancient Armenian History, Culture, Kingdoms, Gods and Godesses. The Birth of Astronomy, Philosophy, Theology, Chemistry, Math and Other Modern Sciences in the Armenian Highland.Contribution of Armenian Nation to the World's Civilization

www.artsakhworld.com
Architecture and History of Artsakh (pictures and text)

www.armgate.com
Quality photos, travel guide and daily news

www.armenianhighland.com
Armenian Culture, History & More

www.cilicia.com
Extensive collection of Armenian related material

www.roadtoarmenia.com
Armenia in words, music and picture

www.tourismarmenia.org
Your helpful travel guide with a full source of information on tour, accommodation,
festival and entertainment, history and culture, and much more in Armenia!

www.tacentral.com
A collection of Armenian related material

www.armenianheritage.com
To know your past is to know yourself

www.ayas.am
www.aua.am/ayas
Nautical Research Club "Ayas"


www.virtualani.freeserve.co.uk
The city of Ani and its Churches, quality photos and information

www.virtualarmenia.am
A massive visual and textual database about Armenia

www.williamsaroyan.org
William Saroyan website - the famous Armenian-American writer

www.davidashen.aua.am/poetry
Armenian Poetry in French

www.armeniaguide.com
Hundreds of photographs online and a world of topics ranging from history to the arts and sports,online exhibitions of Armenian artists.


The miniatures from ancient Armenian manuscripts are used in this website
©2000 Armenian Ecotourism Association Design by Armen Galyan