Things to Do and Sightseeing in Artashat, Armenia
Artashat is one of the oldest cities in Armenia. It is the administrative capital of the Ararat province. The modern city was established by the Soviet Union government in the year 1945. But, the city was first founded by King Artashes, after whom the city is named in 176 B.C. This city remained the capital of the region for over four decades. Back then it was known by the name Vostan Hayots which means court city. The ruins of the ancient city are among interesting historical places to visit in Artashat. There is a statue of King Artashes in the modern city among things to see in Artashat.
The construction of the famous Church Khor Virap or Khor Virab is also attributed to King Artashes. The monastery is one of the prime examples of the region’s architecture style. The church is known among Artashat tourist attractions for the incredible view of the Mount Ararat located in Turkey. The church is built on the site where Saint Gregory was imprisoned. The legend says that a plague was set upon the region until the king released the fabled saint. It is after his release, Armenia became the first Cristian country in the world. The church is among the most popular places to visit for pilgrims. Another well known Artashat tourist attraction is the Saint Hovhannes Monastery. The church was constructed in 2015. It is not a historical place for sightseeing, but architecture attracts many people.
Aside from the ruins of Artashat, the ruins of Dvin are also historically significant among things to see in Artashat. The ruins are close to the village of Dvin. There are remains of various structures among the ruins including a church, a palace, and a citadel. There is also a small museum you can visit near the ruins while sightseeing in Artashat. This museum exhibits various artefacts retrieved from the excavation.
As there are only a few places to visit in Artashat, you can consider a day to explore all the tourist attractions. The town is fairly close to Yerevan, which most likely the beginning for any sightseeing tour in Armenia. You won’t have to look for accommodation in the town. You can stay in Yerevan and travel to Artashat for a day and return at the end of the day. There is a popular wine cellar you can visit during Artashat travel. It is known for local Armenian wine as well as its cuisine.
Table of Contents
Things to do in Artashat, Armenia
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Artashat, Armenia
- Khor Virap
- Saint Hovhannes Monestary
- Artashat Ancient Ruins
- Dvin Ancient Ruins
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Places to Visit in Artashat, Armenia
- Artashat Lake
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Places to visit in Artashat, Armenia
- Tushpa Wine Cellar
Shopping in Artashat, Armenia
- Artashat Plaza
- Rostelecom
- H8 Street
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Artashat, Armenia
- Sis Ev Ararat Restaurant
- V Shaurma
- Ralina Restaurant
- Shopyuxa
- Ararat Bread
How to Reach Artashat, Armenia?
By Air
Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan is the closest airport to Artashat town. The airport is about 30 km north of the town. It wouldn’t take more than an hour and a half to reach tourist attraction in and around Artashat from Yerevan. You will be able to get public transport option from near the airport itself to visit Artashat. You can also get cab service or rent a car to travel for Artashat sightseeing directly from Yerevan. Its public transport system is quite convenient, but you will have to be dependent on the bus and train timings for things to do in Artashat.
By Road
You would be using the road quite frequently on Artashat travel. The places to visit in Artashat are not exactly located in the town. So you will need to travel a little bit to visit Artashat tourist attractions. You have the option to use public transport to reach the town or you can get a private vehicle with a driver or rent a car to drive yourself around for Artashat sightseeing. The fastest way to reach the town from Yerevan is by train. The Artashat train station is located in the dead centre of the town. The second option is to take a bus to visit the things to see in Artashat. The train will get you to the town, but for things to do near Artashat, you will have to either use a bus or private vehicle.
If you are travelling by road, you have to look for Route H8 to reach Artashat. The Route passes from between the town. It is also the best route to take for shopping and eating in the town. This route also connects to other major and minor roads you will need to take for Artashat sightseeing.
By Water
As there are no water routes for Artashat travel. Armenia has land on all sides and so does this town in Ararat. The story goes that this place used to be flooded. But this was back when Noah was cruising around in an Ark. The water has receded and hence there are no water routes you can take for visiting tourist attractions in Artashat.
