Discover Ashtarak: Churches, Old Town and Cultural Heritage

Historic churches, old bridges and the residential architecture of the Old Town give Ashtarak several facets of cultural history. There is also a house museum, a water and irrigation system believed to date back to the Urartian period, and a landscape of vineyards and orchards. If you are looking for hotels in Ashtarak, you can tailor your trip planning to your interests: religious buildings, architecture, literary history or the character of the landscape each offer a different focus.

Churches and Historic Buildings

Ashtarak is associated with the 7th-century Church of Surb Astvatsatsin (Karmravor), the 5th-century Tsiranavor and the 13th-century Spitakavor in Berdatagh. The Church of Saint Sargis in Ashtarak also dates to the 13th century. Karmravor stands out for its red tuff stone and distinctive architecture. Tsiranavor is believed to have been converted from an ancient pagan temple. A local legend connects Karmravor, Tsiranavor and Spitakavor with three sisters and Prince Sargis. Their dates, materials, design and local traditions offer different ways to explore Ashtarak’s religious history.

Bridges are also part of the city’s historic character: Ashtarak is associated with bridges dating from the 10th century and from 1664. Ashtarak Bridge offers a distinct connection to the landscape, with views over the Kasagh River Gorge. The dates draw attention to the history of the structures, while the gorge views add a scenic dimension.

A water and irrigation system in the Ashtarak area is listed as a tourist attraction. It is described as approximately 3,000 years old and Urartian.

House Museum and Old Town

The Perch Proshyan House Museum was founded in 1948 at the writer’s birthplace. It is located in Old Ashtarak, near the churches of Karmravor, Tsiranavor and Spitakavor, as well as the old Kasagh River bridge. The house museum includes a cellar and a room with a tonir oven. Household items and tableware made of copper, clay and wood from the 18th and 19th centuries are displayed there. The connection to Perch Proshyan and the objects of everyday domestic life offer two different points of focus at the museum.

The Old Town includes residential houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. Its lanes are narrow and well maintained, and a small canal runs through the streets. The balconies and verandas feature wooden arches and railings. Many balconies were built to catch the cool air rising from the bottom of the gorge. Their design therefore serves a specific purpose: making use of the cool air rising from below. For those interested in architecture, the houses, lanes and balcony details offer a different perspective from the churches’ dates and stone materials.

Landscape and Winemaking Tradition

Ashtarak is characterized by a mosaic of vineyards and orchards. Winemaking also has a long tradition in the Ashtarak area. These features complement the churches, bridges and residential architecture with a focus on the landscape and agriculture. When planning your trip around your interests, you can consider the area’s landscape and winemaking tradition alongside its architectural history.

Discover more destinations: Jrambar, Oshakan, Awan, Byurakan, Yernjatap

See the overview of destinations in the wider region: Aragatsotn.