Tavush region Region
Area: 2,704 km2
Population: 128,609 (2011)
Tavush Region is located in the north-eastern part of Armenia. It is borders on Georgia in the north and Azerbaijan in the east. The region’s climate is mild and humid. A half part of Tavush region is covered with forests and wonderful natural monuments.
The administrative center of the province is Ijevan, other cities are Dilijan, Berd, Noyemberyan, and Ayrum. Ijevan is surrounded by mountains covered with thick forests. The city is famous for its handmade rugs and carpets which are kept in the History Museum of Armenia. If you are a wine lover, you can find here the greatest wines of Armenia. Ijevan Wine-Brandy Factory is a leading enterprise of Armenia for the production of wine.
The half of Tavush region is covered with forests and wonderful natural monuments. It is a beautiful place, especially in autumn, when the trees change their colour creating fairly scenery. People compare this view with a colourful carpet.
This region is famous for its resorts and is a lovely place for passive rest lovers. One of the most popular and beautiful places in Tavush is Parz Lake; a wonderful place in the heart of the forest, where the clean and pure water reflects the sky and the lush trees.
Historical sights of Tavush Region
Dilijan National Park
Dilijan is probably the most beautiful town of Tavush region. It is a major resort town of Armenia. Dilijan National Park is known for its forest landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, mineral water springs, natural and cultural monuments. The ancient Monastery of Haghartsin (10-13th centuries) and Goshavank Monastery (12-13th centuries) are located near Dilijan National park.
Haghartsin Monastery
HaghartsinMonastery complex was founded by Bagratunies, in the 10th century. It is located in the town of Dilijan, Tavush Region. According to historian Kirakos Gandzaketsi, the monastery was built in the 10th -13th century. The monastery complex includes four churches: Saint Grigor (1244), Saint Astvatsatsin (1281), Saint Katoghike (12th century) and Saint Stephanos (1232), as well as two courtyards, refectory, prayer halls and khachkars(cross-stones).
Goshavank Monastery
Goshavank is a medieval monastery complex. It is located in the village of Gosh, at the left bank of Getik River. The previous name of the church was Nor Getik, but after the death of Mkhitar Gosh, the church was renamed Goshavank in honour of Mkhitar Gosh who was a famous Armenian scientist, historian, parable writer, and teacher. Once this church was a remarkable religious, educational and cultural centre where Gosh lived and worked for 25 years.
The complex includes two churches, courtyard, two-storey writing house, bell tower and many khachkars (cross-stones). Near the monastery complex, a small domed church called Saint Gevorg is located. The monastery had a school and a book depository where numerous manuscripts were kept. At the school Armenian, Latin, Greek, Grammar, Philosophy, music, drawing and other disciplines were taught.
Makaravank
Makaravank monastery is another attraction in Tavush region, which was built in the 13th century. The main Church of the complex (1205) has a wide, bright and impressive structure. The unique sculptures of the interior walls are considered masterpieces of Armenian medieval art. St. Astvatsatsin is the oldest church of the monastery which was built in 1198. There is also a small round chapel of the 10th century in the northern part of the monastery.
Lastiver Cave
Another great place in Tavush is Lastiver; a magnificent place to enjoy the fantastic nature of Tavush Region. Lastiver is perfect for lovers of extreme tourism. The footpath to Lastiver starts from the village of Yenokavan. It takes nearly an hour to get to the place which reminds of a fairy tale with wooden gazebos, cottages, tree houses and a large bonfire. Not very far from the wooden structures, you will have a beautiful view of the waterfall of Lastiver. And of course, the cave itself is an interesting and mysterious site to visit and discover.
The Climate of Tavush Region
Tavush is called “the region of forests”. The climate here is mild and humid.
The population of the region
According to the calculations of 2011, 128 609 people live in Tavush region. At the beginning of the XVIII century, a significant number of people from Artsakh moved to Tavush.
Ijevan
Ijevan is the capital of Tavush region. It is located on the banks of River Aghstev at the foot of Ijevan ridge of Gugark Mountains. The name of the city means ‘inn, hotel’; as the area of modern-day Ijevan used to have many roadside inns which served the travellers of the international trade routes which passed through this territory.
They say that when King Artavazd I built the city of Ijevan, he gathered there thousands of beautiful girls and handsome boys from all parts of Armenia so that they would get married and have beautiful children. Thus the residents of Ijevan say that they are the heirs of those beautiful first inhabitants of the city.
Sights of Ijevan
The town of Ijevan has a beautiful Botanical Garden founded in 1962. The plant collection of the garden includes over 625 species and varieties. The place is ideal to stroll and enjoy the fantastic nature. There is also a beautiful park in the centre of the city and a lake called Spitak Jur where locals like to spend time and have a rest.
The famous Makaravank Monastery of the 10th century at the village of Achajur is not far from Ijevan. The Monastery is situated in the picturesque forest of Tavush Region. It is a favourite tourist destination in Armenia. Another popular tourist destination in Ijevan is Arakelots Monastery of Kirants. This ancient monastery dates back to the 13th century.
Only a few kilometres north of Ijevan is the village of Yenokavan where famous Yell Extreme Park is located. The park offers more than 8 unusual and creative activities and is recognized as one of the most unique amusement parks of the region. The most popular attraction of the park is the zip-line. Actually there are 5 ziplines on the height of 300-500 m above the ground.
The Apaga resort just in the middle of the forest welcomes its guests in Yenokavan. The resort looks like a fairy tale so if you are an extreme rest lover and nature lover, this place is perfect for you.
Ijevan is famous as a major centre for traditional Armenian handmade rugs and carpets. The largest carpet factory in the South Caucasus is situated in Ijevan. The city is also famous for its Wine-Brandy Factory, a leading enterprise of Armenia for the production of wine and cognac. So in Ijevan you can watch the rug-making process and taste real Armenian wine.
City/town
Sights
Makaravank
Makaravank monastery is located on the slopes of Paytataph mount, in Tavush Region. It was built in the 13th century.The Makaravank Monastery in its uniqueness, richness, and diversity occupies an important place in Armenian architecture.
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