Armavir Marz is located in the Arax (Yeraskh in historical times) River valley, and has some of the richest and most fertile land in Armenia. Jewel in the touristic crown is Ejmiatsin, the mother church of Armenia, with its treasury and outlying early medieval churches (S. Hripsime, S. Gayane), including the ruined Zvartnots Cathedral. S. Astvatsatsin church of 14th c. in Bambakashat has also an architectural interest. The Sardarapat battle monument includes a splendid, recently refurbished ethnographic museum worth a separate visit.
The archaeological sites of the marz are of considerable scientific significance, though somewhat mysterious to non-specialists. Inhabited since the Neolithic period, and of great importance in Urartian and Hellenistic times (Armavir and Yervandashat were ancient Armenian capitals), under Mongol, Turkish and Persian occupation these fertile river lands were too tempting to the conquerors, who pushed the Armenian population into the foothills. Though flat, the country is intersected by streams, ponds and canals, with rich bird life. Swifts dart along the road at evening and storks soar sternly overhead. more >>