Park Apartments, Yerevan

Have you considered staying in a holiday apartment during your stay in Yerevan?  It could definitely be worth considering.  You may not get the benefit of some of the 24-hour services and housekeeping available in a hotel, but there may be benefits that you have not contemplated.  If you choose your holiday apartment well, you could benefit from a private, well-appointed home-from-home that gives you unlimited freedom to enjoy your holiday at your own pace – giving you somewhere to relax and cook for yourselves if you do not fancy eating out, for example. 

Park Apartment Yerevan

Park Apartments are situated in the heart of the capital of Armenia, at Aram Street – just 700 metres from Republic Square and the Metro Station; therefore, exploring the city, its attractions and eateries (many within a 5-minute walk) is both easy and convenient from here.  However, the apartments are also spacious and well-appointed places to relax – that perfect home-from-home.

Arrival Information

Check in is from 2pm and checkout is until 12 noon.  Payment will be accepted by American Express, Visa and MasterCard and the right to pre-authorise your card is reserved.

Services and Amenities

The apartments the following range of services and facilities: free Wi-FI in all areas; free, onsite private parking, without reservation; an airport shuttle; a 24-hour front desk; a lift, family rooms and multi-lingual staff (Armenian, Russian and English).

Guest Rooms

Park Apartments has 6 different apartment rates available: One-Bedroom Apartment; Two-Bedroom Apartment; Deluxe One-Bedroom Apartment; Deluxe Two-Bedroom Apartment; Superior One-Bedroom Apartment; and Superior Two-Bedroom Apartment.  Rates start at 28,872 AMD per night and rise to 50,182 AMD per night (as of March 2014).  All children using existing beds/cots stay free.  The maximum number of extra beds/cots allowed per room is one.  Pets are not allowed.  The apartments feature the following facilities: a wardrobe, a dressing room, a balcony, cleaning products, kitchenware, refrigerator, oven, stovetop, washing machine, kitchen, electric kettle, seating area with sofa, dining area, flat-screen TV with cable channels, bathroom, hairdryer, heating, air conditioning, ironing board and iron.

Trip Advisor Rating and Testimonials    

Overall, this hotel/hostel has been awarded 5 stars out of 5 on the Trip Adviser website (written by independent visitors to the hotel).  When broken down, the hotel received: 5 stars across the board for service, value, sleep quality, cleanliness, rooms and location.  Some of the guests said the following:

‘Great location near the park and great service.’

‘Outstanding location, clean and comfortable.’

‘Can’t think of a better place to stay in Yerevan!’

‘Armenian hospitality.’

Sometimes, all you want to do on holiday is relax and feel totally at ease – nothing enables you to do that more than a private space where you can come and go at your own leisure.

Garni and Garni Temple

Garni and Garni Temple

Looking for something interesting to do outside Armenia’s capital city? Located just 12 miles outside Yerevan, Garni and Garni Temple is a great day trip for a broad spectrum of visitors.  If you fancy driving to these attractions, yourself, they are less than an hour’s drive from the country’s capital along roads that afford you picturesque views of the Armenian landscape and occasional glimpses of the iconic Mount Ararat.  However, if you would feel safer going on an organised tour with a local guide, then why not consider taking a look at www.toursbylocals.com (a site that has been connecting travellers with local guides since 2008).

A Brief History of the Garni and Garni Temple

Many people mistake Garni for the 1^st century AD Hellenistic pagan temple, nearby.  However, Garni, itself, is a major village in the Kotayk Province of Armenia - an area which was first settled in the 3^rd millennium BC.  Situated at a bend in the Azat River, it is originally thought to have been a summer dwelling for two royal dynasties – which is when the famous fortification, excavated briefly between 1909 and 1910 and continued in 1949, was built.  Over time, this region quickly became one of the most renowned metallurgical and trading powers in Mesopotamia and Asia Minor.  However, the fortress was sacked by Timur Lenk (historically known as Tamerlane – a Turko-Mongol ruler who conquered West, South and Central Asia and founded Timurid dynasty) in 1386 and, in 1679, an earthquake ravaged the area and demolished the nearby Temple of Garni.

Excavated in 1909 – 1910, it is believed that the Temple of Garni was erected on top of a Urartian temple during the reign of King Tiridates I of Armenia, using money secured during his visit to Emperor Nero in Rome.  It is further believed that it was built to honour Mythros, the pagan Goddess of the sun – an entity it shared with Persia and the Eastern Roman Empire (who adopted Mythros as a patron goddess) – and to revere fire as an ultimate gift from the gods.  However, it is also likely that the real political reason for its construction would have been the declaration of Armenia as a Roman province.  During the excavation, it transpired (fortuitously) that most of the original architectural members and building blocks from the basalt construction remained at the site – allowing the temple to be reconstructed between the years of 1969 and 1975.

Garni and Garni Temple, Today

Not only do several tourist attractions nestle within the walls of the original fortress complex at Garni, but it is also central to many other attractions in the area.  Garni Gorge can be found nearby, which is home to the ‘Symphony of Stones’ – a series of basalt columns carved out by the Goght River.  It can be reached via a cobblestone road that leads down from the village and in to the valley.  Once in the valley, turning right will lead you to an 11^th century medieval bridge and the ‘Symphony of Stones’; whereas, turning left will lead you along the river and up to the Khosrov State Reserve.  Within the reserve, itself, you will find the 13^th century Aghjots Vank, the Church of Saint Stepanos and the Fortress Kakavaberd.  If you progress a little further from the reserve, you will reach Havuts Tar Monastery (which can be viewed from the temple). 

Garni Temple is one of the attractions that nestle within the walls of the original fortress complex at Garni.  Situated on a cliff surrounded by jagged rock walls, it is a magnificent and unique example of pagan architecture, constructed from basalt (a material not commonly utilised at the time) – designed and built to the revered geometry of the age and oriented to the East, to meet the rising sun.  To the north of the site, on the side of the temple, sits an extremely well-preserved Roman bathhouse with an exceptional example of a mosaic floor.  In fact, this work of art has been so well-preserved that it was awarded a prestigious UNESCO International Award in May of 2011.

If you choose to visit this amazing complex, you will also have the chance to meet and mingle with the local people.  In the car park, you will find a souvenir shop and a gathering of people attempting to sell you their merchandise – including compact discs of local music and ropes of pastegh (a local delicacy consisting of nuts and grape juice).

Trip Advisor Ratings and Testimonials

Garni Temple is ranked 8^th out of 38 Armenian tourist attractions on Trip Adviser, with 110 out of 192 independent reviewers giving it 5 out of 5 and 56 more giving it 4 stars out of 5.  Some of the guests said the following:

                ‘Well restored temple.’

                ‘Spectacular construction.’

                ‘It’s a must.’

                ‘Well-preserved Greco-Roman structure.’

There is certainly a lot to do and see at Garni – a chance to visit an amazingly well-preserved and  reconstructed pagan temple, breath in some magnificent scenery and meet the local people!  

Tsakhadzor - Snowboarding Paradise

Tsakhadzor - Snowboarding Paradise

When considering your next snowboarding adventure perhaps Armenia does not jump to mind. Well, maybe it should because you would be hard pressed to find a more exciting place to ride the slopes. In Yerevan, the Armenian Capital, which is not far from the slopes and you have plenty of things to keep you busy, when hanging your boots up. Yerevan is one of the oldest cities in the world and nestled in the heart of one of the oldest countries in the world, as such you will have plenty of culture to soak up will you wait to visit the ample skiing on offer.

Unique Location
Armenia is a unique country, with a unique ecosystem and due to the variation in environments you can experience summer and winter sports in the same holiday. Whilst in the winter you can go skiing north of Yerevan but in other regions you can go mountain climbing, undertake water sports or hike through lush, green forests.

Tsakhadzor
Located north of Yerevan is the countries only ski resort which is in the resort of Tsakhadzor. However, it is worth noting that a number of new ski resorts are planned in the future. The resort has only four lifts but at least that means you are guaranteed some quality time on the slopes. This resort is an untapped source for the snow fan and you should get yourself on the slopes before word gets out to the wider skiing community and the slopes become packed out as they commonly are in France and Italy at the height of the season.

Plenty of Slop Time
Any snowboarder will tell you that what they like is space on the slopes and whilst Tsakhadzor is popular with Armenians, and so it should be, it is still relatively quiet, giving you plenty of slope time. However, you just wait until the secret is out and the skiing and snowboarding community gate crash the party.

Olympic Standards
Whilst there are only four ski lifts, Tsakhadzor can offer Olympic standard facilities and the slopes can offer challenge to even the most seasoned skier. It is worth noting that the Soviet Olympic Ski squad used to train here and that is saying something as they have many quality facilities of their own, on their own soil, as such this gives you an idea of the quality of the slopes available in Tsakhadzor. Instructor services are available for the beginner and the experience skier or snowboarder alike and cost from 12000AMD (30 USD) per hour and often the 5th hour is free. There are plenty of wide open spaces for the experienced skier/snowboarder to have fun and the slope has a monstrous vertical of nearly 1400 meters (4,593 feet). The ski tracks length is a whopping 7200m in length, more than enough to test the skills of any Olympic hopeful.

Armenian Music

Armenian Duduk

Folk music plays a major part of Armenian culture; however, Christian music is also very popular, as is light pop. Religion plays a large part in Armenia culture, as such it follows that religion will have an influence on the creative arts, and music is no different.

Folk Music
There is a wide range of musical instruments that are unique to Armenia or to the Caucasus region.  These include instruments like the Duduk, the Dhol, the Zurna and the popular Kanun, all of which are found in Armenian folk music. This form of music plays a significant part in Armenian culture and can be found far and wide throughout the country.

Diaspora
The Armenian Genocide caused a wide spread displacement of Armenian citizens across the world, as such Armenian music has spread far and wide, however, the influence of other cultures on Armenian music can also been seen in the country’s pop music, which is heavily influence by western popular artists. In the United States of America the so called “Kef” style of Armenian dance music (which combines Armenian and Middle Eastern folk instruments with modern western electronic ones) is very popular in both the American Armenian community as well as in Armenia itself.

Tradition
Traditionally, Armenia has been known for its classical music and during the Soviet rule of Armenia Aram Khatchaturian (the noted composer) became internationally well known for his classical music compositions. However, the oldest form of music found in the country is the Armenian Chant which takes its format from religious music in medieval times. Many of these chants can trace their origins to pre-Christian times and whilst some are relatively modern, most of these chants are more traditional.

Influences
During the 1940’s and 50’s the big jazz bands of America and Europe proved to be very popular with the Armenian communities abroad and had a big influence on the music of the Armenian diaspora. However, in more modern times, many young Armenians living abroad have found popularity in songs of Armenian patriotism and revolutionary songs which generally discuss Armenian history and national heroes.

Armenians Abroad
In more recent times, there are many examples of successful musicians or artists who are Armenian and have settled in other communities around the world, or can claim Armenian heritage, whose style of music is far removed from the traditional Armenian style of music such as the heavy metal band System of a Down and the pop star Cher.

Armenian Apostolic Church

Armenian Apostolic Church

The Armenian Apostolic Church is the oldest established national church in the world. The oldest form of Christianity is the Oriental Orthodoxy and the Armenian Apostolic Church forms part of that community. It is well known that in AD 301 Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity and with the formation of the Armenian Apostolic Church Christianity officially became the national religion. What is not so well known is that, according to the elders of the Armenian Apostolic Church, they can trace their origins back to the missions of the Apostles Bartholomew and Thaddeus in the early days of Christianity.

Apostles
The Armenian Apostolic Church is sometimes mistakenly referred to as the Gregorian Church, however, the church are not keen on this title as they consider the Apostles Bartholomew and Thaddeus to be the churches founders and so the church is rightly named after them. However, Gregory the Illuminator was not the founder of the church but instead the churches first official governor.

Legends
Legends with in Armenia tell of the early missions of Bartholomew and Thaddeus who visited Armenia on the orders of Abgar, who was the uncle of King Sanatrook of Armenia, with the express purpose of evangelizing the local population. However, as with many of these legends, the stories vary wildly. That said, what is common with all the stories is that Thaddeus converted Sandookdht, the kings daughter. It is said in some versions that Sanatrook was converted and in fact later apostatized, however, in other versions of the story he was never converted and was hostile to Christianity. What is clear is that Sanatrook martyred both Thaddeus and Sandookhdt but some versions do have the apostle Bartholomew arriving in Armenia at a similar time to be martyred.

Constitution
Within the Republic of Armenia the role of the Armenian Apostolic Church is defined in the constitution. In 2005 an amendment to the constitution was granted and it allowed the Armenian Apostolic Church an exclusive mission to provide for Armenians spiritual and cultural life.

Subsequently, in 2009, further amendments were made to the constitution so minority groups would be banned from spreading distrust in other faiths; however, these amendments were heavily criticized and put on hold when human rights activist Stepan Danielian stated "the Armenian Apostolic Church today wants to have a monopoly on religion".

Woman’s Role
The Armenian Apostolic Church do not ordain woman into the priesthood, however, woman have made a large impact on the church and have historically been ordained as a deaconesses when in a convent environment. That said, woman do serve the church in the choir and the organ, and well as on parish councils, volunteers, fundraiser, Sunday schools and as staff members in church offices.

The Carpet Weavers of Armenia

Armenian Carpet (Vishapagorg)

Armenia has many traditions dating back to antiquity. However, none are as ingrained and wide spread as the tradition of Carpet Weaving. Armenian woman have traditionally been the carpet weavers, however, whole families have been known be self-employed carpet weavers. That said, in Karabakh, prominent carpet weavers have also been men, demonstrating that across the region the skills of carpet weaving have been passed from generation to generation, regardless of gender, for thousands of years. Subsequently, the skilled carpet weavers of Armenia, and the surrounding regions, have been highly sought after form thousands of years.
Artsakh
The oldest Armenian carpet in existence is from the early 13^th Century and is referred to as Artsakh Carpet and was made in the village of Banants, with the earliest known reference to a carpet, or Gorg, in Armenian text was an inscription on the Kaptavan Church wall (circa 1242/43) which is in the province of Artsakh, Armenia.

Ornate Designs
The Artsakh region in Armenia has a special place in the history of carpet weaving in the country. Many common themes and patterns found on Armenian carpets are the depictions of Dragons and Eagles and these designs found their origins in the Artsakh region.  Many ornamental motifs, styles and colours are available to the carpet weaver and so each family can create their own unique designs.  The carpets mentioned in the Kaptavan Church inscriptions were made up of three arches and as art historian Hravard Hakoby notes “it was covered with vegetative ornaments and bears an artistic resemblance to the illuminated manuscripts produced in Artsakh.” The illuminated manuscripts were medieval documents and books which had very ornate, often in gold, decorative design work within the pages, as such, these carpets were highly decorative with ornate, hand crafted work added to individualized them, hence their collectors status.

Medieval Skills
Carpet weaving in Armenia has been heavily linked to that of curtain making, so much so that in 13^th Century Armenian the wife of the regional prince Vakhtang Khachenatsi (along with their daughters) was praised by an Armenian art historian from the Artsakh region for their skill in combining carpet and curtain weaving with luxurious, ornate and decorative results.

Quality
Foreign travelers to Armenia often remarked on the quality of the carpets and a trip to the Artsakh region was often accompanied with a trip to the many carpet sellers throughout the region. In fact, the noted geographer and historian Al-Masudi commented that among other works of art he had never seen such high quality carpets anywhere else in his life.

To this day, carpet weavers in Armenia still produce high quality, durable and unique carpets that are the envy of the world and a carpet purchased in Armenia makes for a fine gift and a reminder of ones travels across the world.

Hostel Glide, Yerevan

Offering a mix of private rooms and shared dormitories with private and shared bathroom options, Hostel Glide is a basic budget option in a peaceful district of Yerevan.  Decorated in neutral colours, it is an oasis of calm in a busy city.  Located on Galents Street, it is not exactly central, but if you are looking for a more peaceful stay and do not mind a 15 minute drive to the train station or airport or a 10-minute walk to attractions such as the Yerevan Opera House, then this is the place for you.

Arrival Information

Check in is from 2pm and checkout is until 12 noon.  This property only accepts cash and in accordance with Armenian law, payment can only be accepted in Armenian Dram. 

Services and Amenities

This hostel offers a range of services and facilities, including: free public parking, on site, without reservation; 24-hour front desk; tour desk; shuttle service; free Wi-Fi in all areas; a garden; fantastic views from rooms; luggage storage; laundry and ironing services; meeting and banqueting facilities; and bicycle rental service.

Guest Rooms

Hostel Glide has 6 different room rates available: Double or Twin Room with Shared Bathroom; Standard Double or Twin Room; Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room; Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room; Single Room with Shared Bathroom; Standard Single Room.  Rates start at an amazingly reasonable 6,217 AMD per night and rise to a reasonable 15,199 AMD per night (as of March 2014).  Children cannot be accommodated at the hostel, at all.  Pets are allowed for no extra cost.  The hostel is non-smoking throughout, there is heating and fans in the rooms and hardwood/parquet flooring throughout.

Trip Advisor Rating and Testimonials                                       

Overall, this hotel/hostel has been awarded 5 stars out of 5 on the Trip Adviser website (written by independent visitors to the hotel).  When broken down, the hotel received: 5 stars for service and value; and 4.5 stars for sleep quality, cleanliness and rooms; and 4 stars for location.  Some of the guests said the following:

‘A home from home - brilliant!’

‘A place to come back to.’

‘Makes my second home!’

‘Excellent hosts.’

Overall, a great alternative if you are wanting somewhere away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

Travelers Hostel, Yerevan

Travelers Hostel is budget accommodation with excellent reviews on Trip Adviser.  It offers a basic, but very clean, bright and comfortable place to stay at extremely reasonable rates during your visit to Armenia’s capital.  Located in the heart of Yerevan, on the Abovyan Pushkin Street crossroad, you will find that this is an ideal base for touring the city – you will be near Republic Square, Northern Avenue and the Cascade; only 300 metres from Hraparak Metro Station; and 400 metres from Freedom Square.

Arrival Information

Check in is from 1pm and checkout is until 12 noon.  Accepted forms of payment are: Maestro, MasterCard or Visa.  The hostel reserves the right to pre-authorise your card prior to your arrival.

Services and Amenities

This hostel offers a range of services and facilities, including: 24-hour service at reception; free linen, blankets and pillows (towels can be hired); free Wi-Fi; free continental breakfast; free luggage storage; travel desk and tours; common room with 10 beds; kitchen and small dining room; free bicycle parking zone, with locks; reception desk; air conditioning; clean bathrooms; free safe box at reception; daily maid service; multilingual staff (Armenian, Russian and English); first aid kit; free tea and coffee, all day; and laundry (for a surcharge).

Guest Rooms

Envoy Hostel has 3 different room rates available: Economy Twin Room with Shared Bathroom; Bed in a 10-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room; and Single Bed in 5-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room.  Rates start at an amazingly reasonable 5,527 AMD per night and rise to a very reasonable 17,962 AMD per night (as of March 2014).  Children under 5 who do not require a bed, stay free.  An extra bed for an older child/adult will be charged at 5000 AMD per night.  Any extra bed or cot will need to be confirmed by management.  Pets are allowed, on request – but charges may be applicable.

Trip Advisor Rating and Testimonials                                       

Overall, this hotel/hostel has been awarded 4.5 stars out of 5 on the Trip Adviser website (written by independent visitors to the hotel).  When broken down, the hotel received: 5 stars for service and location; and 4.5 stars for sleep quality, value, cleanliness and rooms.  Some of the guests said the following:

‘Excellent hostel and staff.’

‘Big and comfortable rooms, great location.’

‘One of the best in the city.’

‘Very good!’

This is another great alternative to a hotel that offers great value for money.

Envoy Hostel, Yerevan

Envoy Hostel, Yerevan

Envoy Hostel in Yerevan offers excellence in budget accommodation, which can be identified by the fact that they have been awarded Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence three years running – from 2011 through to 2013. Primarily, it offers a clean, colourful and comfortable space to stay in at extremely reasonable prices. Therefore, if you are looking for budget accommodation, you may want to take a look at Envoy. However, a unique selling point of this hostel is that if you have a social conscience and are concerned with the environment, this is an organisation that takes pride in caring for the environment and giving back to the community; so by choosing to stay with them, you are helping them to help others. As a further bonus, it is also situated in the heart of Yerevan and, as such, is only a leisurely walk away from the main tourist attractions, pubs and eateries.

Arrival Information
Check in is after 2pm and checkout is up to 11am. Accepted forms of payment are: Maestro, MasterCard or Visa. Payment required is paid on arrival, for the night ahead or the total stay. By law, cash can only be accepted in the local currency.

Services and Amenities
This hotel/hostel offers a range of services and facilities, including: air conditioning; 24-hour reception; free breakfast; free Internet access and Wi-Fi; airport pickup; free tours; free tea/coffee facility; kitchen; personal lockers; bed linen and towels; a common room; fun and games; satellite television; laundry facilities; central heating; 24-hour water; free luggage storage; and car rental.

They also run a schedule of fun events, which can be viewed at: http://www.envoyhostel.com/hostel/whatson.php

Guest Rooms
Envoy Hostel has 10 different room rates available, which vary between two seasons: 8 Person Standard Shared Room, 4 Person Standard Shared Room, 8 Person Superior Shared Room, 4 Person Superior Shared Room, 4 Person Private Room Shared Bathroom, 1 Person Private Room Shared Bathroom, 2 Person Private Room (Double Bed) Shared Bathroom, 2 Person Private Room (Bunk Bed) Shared Bathroom, 2 Person Ensuite Room Private Bathroom and 1 Person Ensuite Room Private Bathroom. During low season, between 1 November and 31 March, prices start at an amazingly reasonable 5,300 AMD per night and rise to a reasonable 24,000 AMD per night (as of March 2014). During high season, between 1 April and 31 October, prices start at an amazingly reasonable 5,700 AMD per night and rise to a reasonable 30,000 AMD per night (as of March 2014). Children not requiring a bed, stay free. If you would like to know what facilities and amenities are available in each room, please visit: http://www.envoyhostel.com/hostel/facilities.php?cat_id=18

Trip Advisor Rating and Testimonials
Overall, this hotel/hostel has been awarded 4.5 stars out of 5 on the Trip Adviser website (written by independent visitors to the hotel). When broken down, the hotel received: 5 stars for service and location; and 4.5 stars for sleep quality, value, cleanliness and rooms. Some of the guests said the following:

‘Wonderful place to stay with very kind staff and fun tours!’

‘Absolutely amazing place with great tours!’

‘Friendly, caring and welcoming.’

‘Great location, fantastic staff, good value.’

This is another great alternative to a hotel that offers value for money in a unique package.

Penthouse Hotel and Hostel, Yerevan

Koryun St. Yerevan

Are you looking for a true alternative to the traditional hotel or Bed and Breakfast during your visit to Armenia’s capital city? Well, why not consider the Penthouse Hotel and Hostel in Yerevan? Located in the centre of Yerevan and awarded Top Hostel in Armenia by HOOSCAR in 2013, this budget accommodation can offer you comfort and hospitality at very affordable prices. The hostel is decorated in a rainbow of bright, cheerful colours that reflect what an exhilarating, fascinating and pleasurable place this is to stay – with fabulous balconies that offer stunning views of biblical Mount Ararat and occasional celebration parties held during Armenian and International holidays. Just around the corner from the city’s main bus station and a metro station, this establishment is also in close proximity to several top attractions: Matenadaran, the Cascade, the Opera House and Republic Square, just to name a few.

Arrival Information
Check in is after 1pm and checkout is up to 12 noon. Accepted forms of payment are: American Express, Maestro, MasterCard, Visa Electron or Visa.

Services and Amenities
This hotel/hostel offers a range of services and facilities free, including (but not limited to): 24-hour check in and checkout; Armenian/Continental Breakfast; a common space with karaoke, satellite television and board games; Wi-Fi in common space and room; seminar, conference and cultural event facilities; views of Mount Ararat from the balconies; multilingual staff (English, French, Russian, Italian and Armenian); a tour desk; maps of Yerevan; washing machine, iron and hairdryer; daily housekeeping; air conditioning and heating; linen and towels; tea and coffee amenities; equipped kitchen; baggage storage; safe at reception; First Aid Kit and medical aid; babysitting or childcare; and celebration parties (during certain holidays).

For an extra charge, the following services are available: tours around Armenia and in Yerevan for group reservations (six people and more); arrival and departure point transfer; vehicle hire and car rental; and dinner or lunch delivery.

Guest Rooms
Penthouse Hotel and Hostel has 7 different room rates available, which vary between two seasons: 8-Bed Dorm, Twin Room, Double Room, Triple Room, Quad Room, Private Deluxe 3 Bed Apartment and a Single Room. During low season, between 1 November and 15 March, prices start at an amazingly reasonable 4,300 AMD per night to stay in the 8-Bed Dorm and rise to a reasonable 30,000 AMD per night for the Private Deluxe 3 Bed Apartment (as of March 2014). During high season, between 15 March and 31 October, prices start at an amazingly reasonable 5,500 AMD per night to stay in the 8-Bed Dorm and rise to a reasonable 31,200 AMD per night for the Private Deluxe 3 Bed Apartment (as of March 2014). Infants staying with their parents in existing beds stay free. If you would like to know what facilities and amenities are available in each room, please visit: http://www.penthousehostel.org/index.php/component/content/article/175

Trip Advisor Rating and Testimonials
Overall, this hotel/hostel has been awarded 4.5 stars out of 5 on the Trip Adviser website (written by independent visitors to the hotel). When broken down, the hotel received: 4.5 stars for cleanliness, service, sleep quality, value and location; and 4 stars for rooms. Some of the guests said the following:

‘Excellent’

‘Excellent hostel’

‘If you want to travel without research...PENTHOUSE’

‘Very good place’

If you want an alternative experience, you won’t regret taking a look at this unique hotel/hostel.

Armenian Opera

Yerevan Opera House

It was Dikran Tchouhadjian (1837-98) who founded the tradition of Opera in Armenia. He was a big admirer of Verdi and studied his work at length whilst undertaking his musical education in Milan. Born in Constantinople (in what was the Ottoman Empire) he was a political and musical nationalist who combined Armenian influences with Western ideas in his work.

In 1868 he wrote what is regarded as the first Armenian Opera with the ground breaking Arshak Erkrord, however it was not until 1945 that the Opera was fully staged. The story was about an Armenian prince who served as a Roman Client King of Arsacid Armenia from 350 until 368.


Arshak Erkrord
Tovmas Terzian is another composer who has contributed heavily to the Armenian Opera, especially with his work The Libretto which is also based upon the life of Arshak Erkrord who was a popular Armenian hero from classical times. Furthermore, he contributed many notable operas including: Arifi khardakhutyune (1872), Zemire (1891), Kyose Kyokhva (1891), Lelebidi (1892) and Indiana (1892).

Anoush
In 1878, Armen Tigranian (see separate article regarding Tigranian) was born and he went on to become one of Armenia’s most influential composers. He wrote the opera Anoush in 1908 and it was set in the Armenia countryside and made heavy use of Armenian folk music and culture and is perhaps the most popular Armenian musical or theatrical work. The opera is a tragic love story set in an Armenian village; Anoush is a young girl who falls in love with a local shepherd who is murdered by a rival.

Despite being first performed in 1912 in Alexandrapol it was not until 1935 that the opera had its first professional staging at the Armenian National Opera Theatre, even now Anoush remains in the repertoire of the Armenian National Theatre.

David Bek
Before he died Tigranian’s wrote his last and arguably most famous opera David Bek (1950), based upon the novel David Bek (1882) by the Armenian author Hakob Melik Hakobian better known by his pen name of Raffi. It was based upon the life of the national hero David Bek and is set in the 18th Century where a struggle between Armenians and Persians unfolds. With Tigranian’s untimely death in 1950 the opera was completed by Levon Khoja-Eynatov and G. Budaghyan.

Life Under Soviet Rule (1922 -1991)

Life Under Soviet Rule (1922 -1991)

In 1922 Armenia was annexed by the newly established Bolshevist Russia and they, along with Georgia and Azervaijan, were incorporated into the Soviet Union becoming part of the Transcaucasian SFSR. However, this lasted only until 1936 when the three countries were once again separated into three distinct countries, namely Georgian SSR, Armenian SSR and Azerbaijan SSR.

Stability
Despite being occupied and under Soviet rule, for the first time in many decades Armenians were able to enjoy a period of comparative stability. The Soviet overloads provided food, medicine and other essential provisions direct from Moscow and their rule proved to be kinder than the Armenian people experienced under the rule of the Ottoman Empire.

Church
However, as with many religions under Soviet rule, the Armenian Church struggled and when Lenin died in 1924 things got a lot worse under the rule of new leader Joseph Stalin. Many ethnic Armenian groups suffered under this new regime and during Stalin’s Great Purge (1934-1939) tens of thousands of Armenian citizens were deported or executed.

World War II
The devastation that was brought upon the majority of the Western Soviet Union during the Second World War failed to reach Armenia, The German war machine was unable to reach the South Caucasus which was a major part of their plan to capture the oil fields in Azerbaijan. That said, this does not mean the Armenians did not contribute to the Allied war effort, they contributed through industry and agriculture and over 500,000 Armenians made an active contribution to the war effort with 175,000 of these men died in the war.

Improvements
Stalin died in 1953 and when Nikita Khruschev became Soviet leader life for the Armenian people began to improve rapidly. Even the Armenian Church, which had suffered under Stalin’s rule, was revived under Khruschev’s sympathetic rule. In 1965, after mass demonstrations on the 50th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, Khruschev commissioned a memorial to the victims of the Armenian Genocide to be built in Yerevan.

Glasnost
During the 1980’s, when the Gorbachev administration took over , the Soviet reforms of Glasnost and Perestroika began to impact on occupied territories and Armenians began demanding an end to the pollution caused by Soviet built factories and wanted better care to be taken on their environment. Furthermore, tensions grew between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. However, in 1988 disaster stuck when a devastating earthquake hit the Spitak region of Armenia with an enormous magnitude of 7.2.

Independence
When the Gorbachev administration was unable to solve many of Armenia’s growing social, economic and environmental difficulties it fed and increasing desire for independence. In mid-1990 the New Armenian Army was formed and served as a defence force which was separate from the existing Soviet forces in the country. Inevitably clashes soon broke out between the two forces, especially during the commemorations of the establishment of the first Armenian Republic in 1918; full independence was granted 1991.

Hotel Aviatrans, Yerevan

If you are looking for a newly-renovated, relaxing and charming 3-star hotel in the heart of Yerevan, then Hotel Aviatrans may be the one for you.  Only a 15-minute drive from Zvartnots International Airport, this hotel can be found on Abovyan Street – one of the oldest and best-known streets in the capital.  It is ideally located for those travelling to Yerevan for pleasure and business, as it is within a 3-minute walking distance of Republic Square – home to the National Gallery, the Museum of History, the Central Bank of Armenia, the Armenian ministries, the metro station and the Vernisage.  It also offers clean, spacious and well-appointed rooms with windows that offer stunning views of the surrounding city.

Hotel Aviatrans, Yerevan

Arrival Information

You can check in from 1pm and check out until 12 noon.  Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to the room type, so ensure you check the room conditions when booking.  The hotel accepts payment by American Express, Maestro, MasterCard or Visa.

Services and Amenities

This hotel offers a wide-range of services and amenities, including: free private parking, on site, with a reservation; breakfast served in your room; a bar; a restaurant, a la carte or buffet (special diet menus on request); free Wi-Fi; room service; airport shuttle; car hire; shuttle service, at a surcharge; 24-hour front desk; express check in and checkout; currency exchange; tour desk; luggage storage; concierge service; laundry, dry cleaning and ironing services; meeting and banqueting facilities; a business centre; fax and photocopying services; a barbers and a beauty shop; a massage service; a wake-up service; a lift; and a designated smoking area.

Guest Rooms

Yerevan Deluxe Hotel has 7 different room rates available: Single Standard, Single Deluxe, Double/Twin Standard, Double/Twin Deluxe, Family/Triple Standard, Family/Triple Deluxe and Luxe and prices vary between seasons.  Rates start at an reasonable 30,000 AMD per night and rise to 85,000 AMD (as of March 2014).  Children under 6, using existing beds, stay free of charge and children under 2 stay free if they are using a cot.  Older children or adults requiring an extra bed will be charged 5,000 AMD per night and you can have 2 extra beds per room.  Supplements are not calculated in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately.  Pets are not allowed!  Facilities and services in rooms include: a bathroom, a minibar, a radio, a flat-screen television with satellite channels, a telephone, heating, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.

Trip Advisor Rating and Testimonials                                       

Overall, this hotel has been awarded 4 stars out of 5 on the Trip Adviser website (written by independent visitors to the hotel).  When broken down, the hotel received: 5 stars for location; and 4.5 stars for rooms, cleanliness, service, sleep quality and value.  Some of the guests said the following:

‘Excellent mid-price option in Yerevan.’

‘Good hotel, good situation.’

‘Nice and affordable.’

‘Good central location, large and clean rooms, nice staff.’

This is the hotel for you if you are looking for an affordable alternative to the more expensive chains in the heart of the capital. 

Yerevan Deluxe Hotel

Yerevan Deluxe Hotel is a 3-star hotel that is located a 5-minute drive from the centre of the country’s capital on 32/1 Komitas Avenue, making it perfectly placed if you want to stay somewhere quiet, away from the hustle and bustle of the heart of the city.  Spacious, colourful and well-appointed rooms provide you with great views of the surrounding area and shops, supermarkets, restaurants, a bus stop and Barekamutyun Metro Station are within a short walking distance – meaning that you can enjoy the peace and quiet without feeling too secluded during your stay.

Yerevan Deluxe Hotel

Arrival Information

You can check in from 1pm and check out until 12 noon.  Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to the room type, so ensure you check the room conditions when booking.  The hotel accepts payment by American Express, Maestro, Mastercard, Diners’ Club International or Visa.

Services and Amenities

This hotel offers a wide-range of services and amenities, including: free private parking, on site; BBQ facilities; a sauna; breakfast served in your room; a restaurant, a la carte or buffet (special diet menus on request); free Wi-Fi; room service; packed lunches; airport shuttle; car hire; shuttle service, at a surcharge; 24-hour front desk; express check in and checkout; luggage storage; concierge service; private check in and check out; laundry, dry cleaning and ironing services; meeting and banqueting facilities; a business centre; fax and photocopying services; a barbers and a beauty shop; a wake-up service; a designated smoking area and newspapers.

Guest Rooms

Yerevan Deluxe Hotel has 3 different room rates available: Single Room, Double/Twin Room and Triple Room and prices vary between seasons.  Rates start at an extremely reasonable 17,000 AMD per night and rise to an equally reasonable 36,000 AMD (as of March 2014).  However, there is a 10% discount for groups of 10 or more persons.  Children under 7, using existing beds, stay free of charge.  Older children or adults requiring an extra bed will be charged 9,000 AMD per night and there can only be one extra bed per room.  Supplements are not calculated in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately.  Pets are not allowed!  Facilities and services in rooms include: buffet breakfast, 12-hour housekeeping service, free Wi-Fi, a wardrobe, a dressing room, seating area with a sofa, a desk, a shower, a hairdryer, a telephone and fax, a flat-screen television with cable channels, non-smoking and soundproofed rooms, heating, air conditioning and iron/ironing board.

Trip Advisor Rating and Testimonials                                       

Overall, this hotel has been awarded 4 stars out of 5 on the Trip Adviser website (written by independent visitors to the hotel).  When broken down, the hotel received: 4.5 stars for rooms, cleanliness, service, sleep quality and value; and 3.5 stars for location.  Some of the guests said the following:

‘The hotel was very good.’

‘Excellent staff and accommodation!’

‘The perfect staff and service!’

‘It was like my home.’

Overall, if you would like to stay in a 3-star hotel away from the hustle and bustle of the city, then this one is definitely for you! 

Armenian Wrestling

Armen Nazaryan

Wrestling has a long history in Armenia and has been a part of the culture since the earliest records. Whilst Armenians have their own modern version of the sport ancient records explain the sport was practiced way back in 281 AD when at the 265th Olympiad King Tiridates III of Armenia (286 – 342 AD) became an Olympic Champion in wresting.

Soviet Era
However, it was during the Soviet occupation that the sport of Wrestling became one of the most popular sports in Armenia and it continued to be popular after the country gained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

Post-Independence success
During the past twenty years Armenian Wrestlers have been very successful in international competitions with many world and European champions. However, Armenia do not just practice one form of the sport, they have been successful on the world stage in both Greco-Roman and Freestyle Wrestling. It is worth nothing that half of the twelve Olympic medallists were wrestlers and Armenia’s only gold medal at an Olympics was a wrestler.

Wrestling Federation of Armenia
In 1992 the Federation of Freestyle Wrestling of Armenia was founded as was the Federation of Greco-Roman wrestling and in 1996 the two organisations merged and formed the Wrestling Federation of Armenia. The new governing body oversees the training of elite standard wrestlers across the country, where 25 wrestling schools have 304 official coaches teaching over 2500 athletes.

Olympic Record
It was back in 1996 at the Summer Games in Atlanta when Armenia claimed their first gold medal in the Greco-Roman Wrestling (52KG). Since then Armenian wrestlers have claimed another four Olympic medals in the Greco-Roman Wrestling and a further medal in the Freestyle Wrestling. As well as at Atlanta, where Armenia gained two of their medals, it was in Beijing 2008 and London 2012 where they gained another 4.

Armen Nazaryan
The most successful Armenian Wrestler in recent times has been their Olympic gold medallist (Atlanta 1996) Armen Nazaryan. He went into the event as the favourite and won by a landslide in all five of his matches. In the process of winning the gold medal he had the opportunity for revenge when he defeated the reigning World Wrestling Champion Samvel Danielyan who had beaten Nazaryan in the 1995 World Championship final. He went on to become a six-time European Champion, a three-time World Champion and a two-time Olympic Champion. In 2012, he went on to become the head coach of the Bulgarian Greco-Roman Wrestling team.

Hotel House, Yerevan

Another Bed and Breakfast in Armenia’s capital city, Hotel House offers its guests clean, modern, rooms in a friendly, warm, yet lively environment.  Located at 42 Arami Street, this Bed and Breakfast is in the heart of the city, only 300 metres away from the National Gallery of Armenia or 600 metres from the Yerevan Opera House and the stunning Blue Mosque.  Not only is it ideally placed for you to explore the city, but it is also a mere 10km from the Zvartnots International Airport – so arrival and departure will be quick and easy.

Hotel House, Yerevan

Arrival Information

Check in is from 2pm until midnight and checkout is between 12 noon and 1pm.  Payment is accepted by Visa, Mastercard or Maestro and the establishment reserves the right to pre-authorise your card prior to your arrival.  Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to room type, so ensure you check the policy that applies when you are booking.

Services and Amenities

This Bed and Breakfast offers a range of services and amenities, including: free public parking, on site; BBQ facilities; a garden and terrace; a restaurant; free Wi-Fi; room service; car hire; airport shuttle, for a surcharge; 24-hour front desk; express check in and checkout; tour desk; luggage storage; laundry, dry cleaning and ironing services; daily maid service; fax and photocopying services; a gift shop; and a wake-up service.

Guest Rooms

Hotel House has 3 different room rates available: Standard Double or Twin Room, Deluxe Double Room and Suite.  Prices start at a reasonable 34,583 AMD and rise to 53,949 (as of March 2014).  All children under 6 years of age stay free, if using existing beds.  For an extra bed, you will be charged 10,000 AMD per night and you can only have one extra bed per room, which must be confirmed by management upon booking.  Supplements will have to be paid for separately from the total costs.  Pets are allowed, upon request.  Facilities and services in rooms include: a wardrobe, extra long beds, a minibar, breakfast in your room, non-smoking rooms, heating, air conditioning, safety deposit box, free Wi-Fi, a flat screen television and a telephone.

Trip Advisor Rating and Testimonials                                       

Overall, this hotel has been awarded 4.5 stars out of 5 on the Trip Adviser website (written by independent visitors to the hotel).  When broken down, the hotel received a remarkable: 4.5 stars for service, cleanliness and location; and 4 stars for sleep quality, rooms and value.  Some of the guests said the following:

‘A great place to stay.’

‘Fantastic stay!’

‘Exceptional service!’

This is a hotel that it seems is ideally suited to those that prefer a lively environment!

American University of Armenia (AUA)

American University of Armenia (AUA)

Founded in 1991, the independent American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, non-sectarian institute of higher education. The University is modelled on a Western style University and is committed to research, service and of course teaching.

Postgraduate Education
Currently, the University specialises in postgraduate education with Master of Arts and Science programmes available in Political Science, Public Health, Law, Comparative Legal Studies, Computer Systems Management, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering and teaching English as a Foreign Language.

English Language
The American University of Armenia hopes that by offering these courses in English the University will be able to include qualified students from other countries in the wider region. Also, because the AUA teaches its course in English they offer students additional instruction in the English Language and the use of computer applications to help with their studies.

Leninakan Earthquake
The Universities founding was in unfortunate times when in 1988 the infamous Leninakan Earthquake struck the region. Subsequently, a number of engineers specializing in earthquake damage and repair arrived in Armenia from various western nations to help with the reconstruction of the devastated area.

Development
As such, to foster educational progress in the country it was suggested by Yuri Sarkissian of the Yerevan Polytechnic Institute that a University based on the American Model would help Armenia to develop the skilled people the country needed to progress. Armen Der Kiureghian, Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley assisted in the establishment of the American University of Armenia in 1991 and it has gone from strength to strength. The institute now has 440 full time students studying a range of postgraduate courses and 71 academic staff engaged in teaching and research.

Barsam Building
In 2005, the Hye Business Suite Hotel was donated to the AUA. The hotel was gifted to the University by Hasmig Barsam to assist with the housing of international students; the building was renamed by the University after its benefactor. To assist with the transition and to prepare the building for its new purpose the United States Agency for International Development invested $300,000 under their American Schools and Hospitals Abroad programme. This ensured the building was reequipped to suit is new purpose and a number of significant repairs to the building we made in advance of its first intake of international students.

Papazian Library
In 1991, just after the American University of Armenia was established, the Papazian Library was built. Named after the Papazian family, who were generous benefactors of the American University of Armenia, the library was the most impressive in Armenia and whilst the university has just over 400 students enrolled on its courses the library’s subscribers are well over 10,000.

Villa Delenda, Yerevan

Villa Delenda is a compact and traditional-style Bed and Breakfast in the heart of Yerevan, which features stone walls and basic, neutral decoration mixed with antique furniture and traditional Armenian rugs to present a warm and homely feel to the guests.  Located at 22 Yeznik Koghbatsi, it is merely a brief 4-minute walk from Republic Square; a 2-minute walk from Yerevan’s main avenue, Mashtots Avenue; and a 5-minute walk from the History Museum of Armenia.  Therefore, this Bed and Breakfast is ideally placed for exploring the capital city during your trip to Armenia.

Villa Delenda, Yerevan

Arrival Information

Check in is from 2pm and checkout is until 12 noon.  However, please be aware that this Bed and Breakfast does not accept any credit or debit cards – it is strictly cash only.  Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to room type, so ensure you check the policy that applies when you are booking.

Services and Amenities

This Bed and Breakfast offers a range of services and amenities, including: free Wi-Fi; a seating area; a 24-hour front desk; express check in and checkout, free public parking, at a nearby location; packed lunches; car hire; shuttle service, for a surcharge; airport shuttle, for a surcharge; a tour desk; luggage storage; a laundry and ironing service; meeting and banquet facilities; fax and photocopying services; and a shared kitchen with a dining area, where Armenian cuisine is served to guests (with special diet menus upon request).

Guest Rooms

Villa Delenda Bed and Breakfast has eight non-smoking rooms with one room rate: Double or Twin Room.  A Double or Twin room at will start at a reasonable 24,899 AMD for one person per night and rise to an equally reasonable 35,274 AMD for two people per night (as of March 2014).  All children under 2 years of age stay free, if using existing beds.  For an extra bed, you will be charged 10,000 AMD per night and you can only have one extra bed per room, which must be confirmed by management upon booking.  Supplements will have to be paid for separately from the total costs.  Pets are not allowed.  Facilities and services in rooms include: a wardrobe, a flat-screen television with cable channels, a telephone, free Wi-Fi, safety deposit box, heating and air conditioning.

Trip Advisor Rating and Testimonials                                       

Overall, this hotel has been awarded 4.5 stars out of 5 on the Trip Adviser website (written by independent visitors to the hotel).  When broken down, the hotel received a remarkable: 4.5 stars for service, value, cleanliness and location; and 4 stars for sleep quality and rooms.  Some of the guests said the following:

‘Perfect!’

‘Charming B&B in central Yerevan.’

‘Exactly what I was looking for.’

‘Very good hotel – excellent location – very helpful personnel.’

If you want to stay in an affordable Bed and Breakfast, whilst experiencing traditional Armenian food and excellent service, you may want to consider the Villa Delenda.

Mher Avanesyan - Paralympic Skier - Sochi 2014

Mher Avanesyan

The 2014 Winter Paralympic games are to be held in Sochi, Russia between 7- 16 March 2014 and Mher Avanesyan will be competing for Armenia in both the Slalom, standing and the Giant slalom, standing events.

Paralympic Games
Armenia has a recent history of participation in the Paralympic games having made their debut at the 1996 Summer Games, held in Atlanta. At those games, Armenia had two entries with Gagik Gasparian competing in the power lifting and a 4 man team competing in the sailing event. Two years later and Armenia took part in its first Winter Paralympics Games and had an impressive 8 athletes competing in the many Alpine skiing events. Since its Paralympic debut Armenia has participated in each and every Summer and Winter Paralympic games. However, as is to be expected from such a small country, the Armenian Paralympic teams have been small and they are not amongst the favourites. 

Mher Avanesyan
Whilst no Armenian has yet won a Paralympic medal they do have the distinction of having Mher Avanesyan compete in both the Winter and Summer Paralympic games, few athletes have managed this impressive feat. He competed in the Alpine Skiing event in 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010 whilst in the Summer Games in 2000 he competed in the Sailing event.

Record
Mher Avanesyan was born in Artsakh, Armenia and is a double – arm amputee who competes in the Alpine Ski event and is also a competitive sailor. Avanesyan was not born without arms but at the age of seven touched a high – voltage wire at a power station and lost both arms in the accident. He holds the distinction of being one of the few athletes to compete at a Summer and Winter Paralympic Games and in Sochi, Russia during the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games he will have competed at 5 winter games.

Experience
Despite Armenia not winning a medal at a previous Paralympic Games, in Mher Avanesyan Armenia have a very talented and capable alpine skier whose Winter Olympic experience is second to none and will serve him well as he takes on the might of the world’s alpine skiers in Sochi, Russia.