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New Logan and Sandero failed NCAP crash tests
The European New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) released the safety ratings of two new models Dacia/Renault Logan and Sandero Stepway.
Alphabet Monument
Armenian alphabet monument is located in the village
of Artashavan, at the east side bottom of Mt. Aragats. It was erected in
2005 to the 1600 anniversary of creation of the Armenian alphabet by
the design of the famous Armenian architect Jim Torosyan. The monument
is an interesting demonstration of the stone carvings of 39 Armenian
letters. The Armenian alphabet has been used to write the Armenian
language since the year 405 or 406 and is still used to present Armenian
language in written form. It was devised by Saint Mesrop Mashtots, an
Armenian linguist and ecclesiastical leader, in order to make the Bible
accessible to Armenians and spread Christianity. Originally it contained
36 letters and had been completed in the Middle Ages.
Amberd Fortress
The principal architectural features of medieval fortress-building have
found their reflection in this fortress. Having been built on a
naturally well-defended cape, Amberd has for long time served as an
important military fort. Next to this secular edifice there is a church
built in 1026 by the duke Vahram Pahlavuni.
Areni
The village of Areni is in Vayots Dzor region. This sunny village is
famous for its best wine assortments. Due to its specific flavor and
delicate taste "Areni" wine has its respectful place among the best
Armenian wines. The visit to the wine factory of the village will serve a
good testimony to the above mentioned. The St. Astvatsatsin church
built by skillful architect and sculpture Momik is in Areni village,
too.
Askeran fortress
The fortress of Askeran is in the village of the same name, 4 km far
from Stepanakert. It has been an important strategical fort since the
18th century. The formidable ramparts and watchtowers once made the
fortress almost inaccessible.
Cathedral of St. Echmiadzin
The center of Armenian Apostolic church- St. Echmiadzin is located 20 km far from Yerevan. The Cathedral of Echmiadzin was founded at the beginning of the forth century and is one of the oldest churches in the world. According to the legend the church was built in the place where apparition of Jesus Christ was seen to Grigory the Illuminator in the dream. The interior of the church is covered with frescoes created by Hovnatanyan family. The residence of the Catholicos and the Theological Academy are situated near the Cathedral.
Dilijan
Dilijan entices people with its unforgettable beauty and mild climate. The city stretches on the banks of Aghstev river, surrounded with mountains and forests. Dilijan has the fame of a health resort. The warm sun, fresh air and natural spas have great healing influence on people. Dilijan is also rich in interesting architectural monuments.
Dsegh
Dsegh is a town in the Lori Province which was renamed to "Tumanian" from 1938 to 1969 in honor of "All-Armenian poet" Hovhannes Tumanyan, a native of the town. The famous writer played a special role in spiritual life of Armenian nation. The house where the eminent writer lived and created is now a house-museum functioning since 1953. The founder and the first director was the poet's daughter. The museum is situated in a beautiful, shadowy garden, where the writer's sculpture welcomes visitors. Private objects, materials illustrating the life and activity of the writer, are displayed in the museum. In 1969, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the great writer, a new two-storey building was built. The museum also accommodates his private library of about 8000 volumes dedicated to studies on the Caucasus and Armenia, religion, culture, history and folklore of various nations.
Erebuni Museum-fortress
The fortress of Erebuni is on Arin-Berd hill. It was built in 782 B.C. by the Urartian king Argishti the first. During the excavations started in the 20th century a cuneiform inscription was found, according to which the history of nowadays Yerevan starts from this place. On the top of the hill the ruins of the citadel and the frescoes on the wall reveal the high artistic achievements of those remote centuries. The museum down the hill displays the findings that have been excavated in the territory of the fortress.
Ereruyk
Ereruyk is one of the most popular monuments of ancient architecture of Armenia. It has a very special place among the early Christian basilic churches, as it is one of their classical examples built in the 5th century. It is the highest achievement of early Armenian ecclesiastical architecture and contains the answers to various questions concerning the origination and formulation of Armenian architecture.
Gandzasar
Among the monuments
of Artsakh Gandzasar monastery has its significant and special place. It is considered
one of the pearls of Armenian medieval architecture. It consists of a
church, monk cells and other buildings of economic significance. The dome of the cupola
of the main church is of great artistic value due to its delicate bas-reliefs.
The monastery is built on the peak of Gandzasar Mountain (mountain
of treasures).
Garni temple
Garni temple which towers
over a triangular cape, is the unique survived example of heathen culture
in Armenia. It is a blend of Greco-Roman and Armenian styles. King Trdat
the First ordered building the temple in the first century A.D. and
dedicated it to the God of Sun. After adopting Christianity in 301 the
pagan temple lost its significance and the fortress of Garni became the
summer residence of the kings. Nowadays the ruins of the royal palace
and the bathroom with a stunning mosaic work can be found near the temple.
Geghard
Geghard monastery is
the unsurpassable masterpiece of the 13th century Armenian architecture.
Some of the churches of the complex are masterfully hewn in a huge rock.
From the outset the complex was called Ayrivank (cave monastery), later
it was renamed Geghard (lance), as the lance used by the roman soldier
to sting Jesus Christ's side, was kept in this monastery for many centuries.
Due to its construction Geghardavank serves the best place for singing
spiritual songs. The complex is rich in subtle sculptural embellishments
and many striking khachkars (cross-stones).
Goris
Goris is one of the main cities of
Syunik region. This park-city, despite the natural cuts, has a well-organized
ground plan. The city is surrounded with woody mountains and just next
to the forests there are stunning pyramidical rocks which seem to scratch
the clouds. Due to its exceptional nature Goris is considered the "beauty" of
Zangezour.
Goshavank
Goshavank was founded
by the famous medieval scientist, fabulist Mkhitar Gosh. The complex
consists of several religious and secular buildings. The unrivalled khachkar
put in front of the one-naved basilica was created by the skillful master
Poghos in 1291.Goshavank used to be one of the most famous religious
and cultural centers in medieval Armenia.
Gyumri
Gyumri is located
in the north-western part of Armenia, in the middle of Shirak valley, 126
km far from Yerevan. From the ethnical point of view it is the most colorful
city in Armenia. The local traditions are deeply rooted here, national
spirit is reflcted in everything. Walking along the streets of old Gyumri
one still seems to hear the voice of the smiths' hammers, it seems that
a cart will appear from the street corner and the carter will call
to show around the city. The old houses, a part of which fortunately
resisted the devastating earthquake in 1988, speak of the high architectural
achievements of the city. These buildings are notable with their architectural
solutions, combination of colorful stone and masterfully elaborated bas-reliefs.
Gyumri has always been in the center of cultural events.