In searching through the day trips from Tbilisi, I found a trip to Armenia and thought it would be interesting to see another one of the Caucasus countries. We left early in the morning from Tbilisi and made it to the border in just under 2 hours. After a smooth crossing and a bit more driving, we arrived at Akhtala Monastery, a 10th century Armenian Apostolic Monastery. Beginning in the late 18th century the monastery has served ethnic Greeks who settled in Akhtala to work in the surrounding gold, silver and copper mines.
The next destination was Haghpat Monastery, one of the oldest religious sites in the area, founded by Queen Khosrovanush (wife of the Armenian King AshotĀ III the Merciful) in 976 AD. The complex was added on to into the 13th century increasing its uses including a book depository and places for the Monks to study the arts and sciences. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After Haghpat we stopped for a nice lunch to fuel up before stop at the old Ensejo Soviet cable car which connected the Soviet apartment blocks with the mines. The cable car is no longer in use, and we had the special opportunity of exploring the old building. It was pretty eerie, as it looked like one day everyone just walked out and never returned, leaving behind old log books, office supplies, and half finished cups of coffee.
Leaving the cable car, we weren’t sure if we would be able to access the last sites as the road had been closed due to severe damage from all of the recent rains. Luckily, it just reopened and we were able to sneak through between the construction equipment and giant washouts and potholes.
We made a quick stop in Sanahin to see an old MiG21 “fishbed” jet. Sanahin was the birthplace of Artem Mikoyan, one of the great Armenian/Soviet aircraft designers of the 20th century.
Then, we traveled just up the road to the final stop, the Monastery of Sanahin, founded in 966 AD also by King Ashot III the Merciful and Queen Khosrovanush, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. While here, we were lucky to observe a private service, hearing the amazing acoustics in the old stone structure.
And with that, we made our way back to the border and into Georgia. Of course, there was a sweet old sheep dog who won my heart and got the last of my snacks. I learned that they clip their ears because it is thought to improve their hearing. Just sad many of them become street dogs when they are deemed too old for the job.
Much love and big hugs!
Michelle
BACKPACKING ADVENTURES 