Aragatsotn Region

Area: 2,753 sq. km
Administrative Center: Ashtarak
Distance from Yerevan to Ashtarak: 18 km

Aragatsotn, located in the western reaches of Armenia, is a region framed by mountain ranges on three sides, its very name drawn from Mount Aragats—Armenia’s tallest peak at 4,090 meters. The province extends westward all the way to the Turkish border, combining breathtaking natural beauty with deep historical roots.

The landscape here is striking. Stark, rocky slopes rise against a vivid cobalt sky, while fast-flowing rivers weave their way across lush valleys, carving out blue veins in a tapestry of green. The Kasagh River, along with its tributaries Gekharot and Amberd, shapes the land. Nestled in the foothills of Mount Aragats lies the region’s largest lake—Kari Lich, or Stone Lake—whose reflective surface mirrors the alpine peaks.

Aragatsotn’s climate shifts dramatically across its elevations. While the lowlands enjoy extended summers that last into October, the high altitudes of Aragats remain snowbound much of the year. Alpine meadows stretch across mountain slopes, divided by deep canyons and scattered with jagged outcrops. In some areas, clusters of oak trees stand resilient in the rugged terrain.

This land has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The fertile basin of the Kasagh River drew early settlers, a fact confirmed by Bronze Age artifacts uncovered throughout the valley. The first state to record the region in its annals was Greater Armenia. Among its early settlements was Vardkesavan, later renamed Vagharshapat under the reign of King Vagharshak I (117–140 AD). This city would go on to become the capital of Greater Armenia and is now known as Echmiadzin, situated in today’s Armavir Province.

In medieval times, the northern part of Aragatsotn was known as the Amberd province. From the 9th to the 11th centuries, it was under the control of the princely house of the Pahlavunis. The region suffered destruction in the 14th century during Tamerlane’s invasions. By the early 16th century, it had fallen under the rule of Safavid Persia, and following the 1639 treaty, became part of the Yerevan Khanate. In 1828, Aragatsotn, along with the rest of Eastern Armenia, was incorporated into the Russian Empire.

Aragatsotn is rich in architectural and cultural heritage. Its medieval landmarks, though weathered by time, still stand in solemn grandeur. Among them are the imposing Amberd Fortress and the cliffside monasteries of Saghmosavank and Hovhannavank, both remarkable for their endurance and historical value.

Just outside Ashtarak, in the village of Oshakan, lies the tomb of Saint Mesrop Mashtots, the revered creator of the Armenian alphabet—a figure held sacred by Armenians worldwide. The region is also home to the renowned Byurakan Observatory, established by eminent astrophysicist Viktor Ambartsumian, a towering figure in 20th-century science.

Ashtarak is one of the oldest settlements in Armenia. On ancient Roman maps, it appears under the name “Shtrang-Urpya”—literally “Serpent City”—a reference to the way it stretches and twists along the banks of the Kasagh River. The name “Ashtarak” itself means “tower” in Armenian.

Today, Ashtarak is essentially a suburb of Yerevan—a town of around 21,500 residents located some 20 kilometers from the capital, at the start of the Yerevan-Gyumri highway. Though modest in size, it holds remarkable historic and architectural interest.

Among European travelers, Ashtarak is best known for the small church of Karmravor, a 7th-century chapel. Humble in appearance, it’s nonetheless a regular stop for visitors, with a nearby restaurant built to accommodate tourist groups. Karmravor has brought a flicker of attention back to Ashtarak—but there’s much more to see.

Just beyond it, within direct sight, stands the 5th-century basilica of Spitakavor. Not far away is the semi-ruined Tsiranavor Church, as well as the domed Church of St. Marine, built in 1271. The town also preserves the remnants of a Turkish bathhouse and a stone bridge constructed in 1664.

A local legend ties these three churches to a tragic tale of love and sacrifice. It tells of three sisters who all fell in love with the same prince, Sargis. The two elder sisters, dressed in orange and red, chose to end their lives for the sake of the youngest, hurling themselves from the cliff into the Kasagh Gorge. But grief overtook the youngest sister as well. Clad in white, she too leapt into the river. All three perished. In memory of their story, the townspeople built three churches: Orange (Tsiranavor), White (Spitakavor), and Red (Karmravor).

Ashtarak also holds a place in military history. In 1827, the town and its surroundings became the backdrop for what is now known as the Battle of Ashtarak. That August, General Krasnovsky led a force of about 5,000 men in an effort to relieve the Persian siege of the Echmiadzin Monastery. Their route led through the Ashtarak-Vagharshapat road, directly into the path of a 30,000-strong Persian army. The maneuver nearly ended in disaster. The aftermath sparked fierce debate: should Krasnovsky be honored for bravery or reprimanded for reckless command?