【Caucasus Travel】Armenia: Romantic Pink City, Traditional Attire Photo Op, Millennium-Old Monasteries - Unveiling Central Asian Ancient Kingdom with Belt and Road Travel | GreaterGo

【Caucasus Travel】Armenia: Romantic Pink City, Traditional Clothing Photo Op, Millennium-old Monasteries - Charms of Central Asian Ancient Kingdoms through Belt and Road Travel

As we set foot in the Caucasus region, we find ourselves in Armenia, the oldest Christian country in the world. When you wear traditional Armenian clothing and listen to the echo of monastery bells, you will feel as though you have transformed into a local, feeling moved by the cultural traditions and religious devotion of this ancient nation. Today, 【GreaterGo】 takes you to Armenia, one of the Belt and Road related countries and regions, to explore the mysterious veil of ancient Central Asian civilisations.

Belt and Road Travel: Armenia - One of the Three Small States of the Caucasus

The "Three Small States of the Caucasus," composed of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia, are located in the South Caucasus, south of Russia and east of Turkey. This region is considered the cradle of ancient Central Asian civilisations. Although Armenia is a small country, covering an area of about 30,000 square kilometres and with a population of 3 million, its unique Christian background, ancient architecture, natural scenery, and cultural heritage still bring visitors a rich and unforgettable travel experience.

Belt and Road Travel: Best Places to Visit in Armenia - Yerevan, the Pink City, Traditional Clothing Photo Op

As soon as you arrive in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, you will fall in love with it. Most of the buildings in Yerevan are made of pink tuff, and when you look out over this Pink City, you will see rows upon rows of pink buildings.

In addition to watching opera and enjoying folk rock music in bars, you can also experience the fun of wearing traditional Armenian clothing called Taraz. Men wear traditional fur coats, while women wear beautifully embroidered dresses, making it an essential cultural experience not to be missed when travelling in Yerevan!

Belt and Road Travel: Best Places to Visit in Armenia - Strolling among the Ancient Monastery Bells

According to the Bible, there is a story of a flood that destroyed the world, and Armenia is said to be the final landing place of Noah's Ark, which profoundly influenced the religious background of Armenia. As early as 301 AD, Armenia became the world's first Christian country, and many of its churches and monasteries have been independent for over a thousand years.

The Noravank Monastery is one of the most important religious, cultural, and educational centres in mediaeval Armenia, dating back to the 13th century. The monastery's must-see design features include the gorgeous cross-stones and a bas-relief of the image of God designed by the famous artist Momik who was a talented poet and calligrapher; his works are considered masterpieces of mediaeval Armenian literature. At the Noravank Monastery, you can visit the museum inside the ancient church and appreciate Momik's works, or take a walk outdoors at dusk and listen to the monastery bells while admiring the beautiful scenery of the monastery and the magnificent deep mountain valleys behind it.

Want to discover more Belt and Road travel destinations? Read more articles from 【GreaterGo】 to find more new travel inspirations!