Ararat, Joyful Weddings and Grapes: Armenia in Autumn - Russian Media on Armenia

RIA Novosti has published an article about Armenia titled "Ararat, Joyful Weddings and Grapes: Armenia in Autumn." "Armenia is a paradise on Earth. Nowhere is as beautiful, tasty, and welcoming as here. You will feel it yourself," the publication states, starting with the words of a taxi driver named Zoro.

From Modernity to Antiquity
First, the author of the article, Vitaly Kovalchuk, describes how tourists can reach Armenia: "In addition to a passport, a vaccination QR code or a PCR test taken not more than 72 hours ago is required." The author begins the visit to Armenia from the Zvartnots Airport. "The airport is named after one of the symbols of the country, Zvartnots (translated as 'the house of vigilant angels'). This is a massive complex from the 7th century located near Yerevan. The church, which stands on 32 columns, was destroyed in an earthquake in the 10th century. Only the foundation and a few columns have been preserved... It will take at least an hour to see Zvartnots. It looks like an illustration from a textbook on the history of Ancient Greece, only instead of olive trees, there are apricot trees."

Armenian Weddings
The next stop is Ashtarak, where the author not only visits churches but also attends an Armenian wedding. "Here, few tourists come, while there are many sights to see. The churches of Dzoraghbyur (6th century) and Karmravor (7th century) are located in the narrow streets of the historic center. Pay attention to the tiled roof of the Karmravor church; such churches are rare in Armenia. If, while walking, you hear the sounds of car horns and loud music, you are lucky—you will see an Armenian wedding. The newlyweds arrive at the groom's house, where they are showered with rose petals and candies from the balcony. Guests are treated to nuts and dried fruits, heart-shaped desserts, and towers of sweets. Tourists are usually invited as well. You can make a toast. And then comes the festive table, which usually gathers 300-400 people. It’s noisy, fun, and very delicious," Kovalchuk notes.

Then, the article presents the town of Ejmiatsin (Vagharshapat), its history, and the museum with its collection of relics, including the spear of the Roman centurion Longinus, who pierced Jesus on the cross. "And also a petrified plank, which according to tradition, is from Noah's Ark, discovered on Ararat in the 4th century."

The next visit is to the “Machanentz” cultural center with a garden, an oven, wine jugs, and rural household items. Here, master classes are held in painting, pottery, baking, and carpet-making. "There is also traditional Armenian cuisine. It is decorated in the style of a mid-20th century residential building. While waiting for the meal, you can see how lavash is prepared. Most likely, you will also be treated to hot bread," the article mentions.

Monasteries with Disappearing People
The author also talks about the Hovhannavank founded in the 4th century, located 6 km from the town of Ashtarak at the edge of a gorge. Here, a part of the relics of John the Baptist is kept in the St. Gregory Church built in the 6th century.

At the Foot of Mount Ararat
The next stop is the Khor Virap Monastery. The author outlines the imprisonment of Gregory the Illuminator, the history of the monastery's construction, emphasizing that for Armenians, the most important sight is Ararat, which is very clearly visible from Khor Virap. "On the way from Khor Virap to Yerevan, there are vineyards. The harvest has already been collected, but there are still many bunches of sweet grapes left. 'You can enter the vineyards, take pictures, and be treated. No one will kick you out,' the locals assure. And indeed, it is true. By the way, Armenian wines are very fragrant and delicious. Along with brandy, they are the most popular souvenirs," Kovalchuk writes.

The author concludes the piece on Armenia: "Autumn in Armenia is perceived not as a sad transition to winter but as a well-deserved rest after the summer heat. So November is a good season. There is no heat, insects, or snakes anymore. Fresh fruits, local pastries gata, plentiful wine, mountain air, and landscapes with soft yellow hues abound." If you are lucky with the weather, from Khor Virap you can see three countries one kilometer away—Turkey, 11—Iran, and 24—Azerbaijan. Along the road from Khor Virap to Yerevan, there are vineyards. The harvest has already been collected, but still, many sweet bunches of grapes remain. 'Here, you can enter the vineyards, take pictures, and be treated. No one will kick you out,' locals assure. This is true. By the way, Armenian wines are very aromatic and tasty. Together with brandy, they are the most famous souvenirs."