Armavir region

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Armavir region

Area: 1,242 sq. km
Administrative Center: Armavir
Distance from Yerevan: 44 km

Armavir, the smallest province in Armenia by land area, lies between Mount Aragats and Mount Ararat, nestled within the vast Ararat Valley—the largest and most fertile of the forty valleys that make up the Armenian Highlands. Though modest in size, Armavir holds the highest population density in the country. Agriculture remains the core of daily life, and most residents live in rural communities.

The region’s only river that originates within the marz is the Metsamor, fed by the Kasagh River, Lake Aygher, and surrounding springs. Despite its size, Armavir is rich in historical heritage. One of its most significant archaeological sites is the ruined Urartian city of Argishtikhinili. Further south, along the former course of the Araks River, once stood the ancient city of Armavir—a long-standing economic and cultural hub. Not far to the west, near the confluence of the Araks and Akhuryan rivers, lie the remains of Yervandashat, the final capital of the Orontid dynasty.

The crown jewel of Armavir is Etchmiadzin—the spiritual heart of the Armenian Apostolic Church. It is here that one finds the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the Cathedral itself, the seat of the Catholicos, and the administrative center of the Church.

The City of Armavir

Modern-day Armavir is a young, steadily growing city named in honor of the ancient capital of the same name—one of twelve capitals Armenia has had throughout its history. The original Armavir was the seat of the ancient kingdom of Ayrarat, founded in the 4th century BCE by the Orontid dynasty. It rose on the foundations of the Urartian city of Argishtikhinili.

In 316 BCE, the Kingdom of Ayrarat became independent, only to fall under Seleucid control by 220 BCE. By the 2nd century BCE, the territory became part of the newly consolidated Kingdom of Greater Armenia, with its capital moved to Artashat. As a result, Armavir’s prominence began to fade, though it remained inhabited until the 5th century CE.

Near present-day Armavir, two Hellenistic inscriptions carved into stone still survive, offering fragments of history and literature in ancient Greek. The region once boasted refined architecture, and remnants of cyclopean fortresses, burial sites, and palace structures have endured from antiquity into the present. The ruins of ancient Armavir lie just beyond the modern city, quietly reminding visitors of the region’s deep historical roots.

Armavir region

In the Shadow of Monasteries: A Day Beyond Yerevan

From$160
1 Day

Walk through Saghmosavank monastery grounds
Admire panoramic views from Amberd
Explore ruins of a medieval fortress
Discover legends at Karmravor Church
Visit Mesrop Mashtots’ tomb
Learn Armenian alphabet’s origin story

Discover Armenia’s spiritual and historical gems on a day trip from Yerevan. Explore cliffside monasteries, ancient fortresses, and sacred legends, from Saghmosavank to Amberd and Oshakan—home of the Armenian alphabet’s creator—all set against breathtaking highland landscapes.
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