A village church dedicated to St. Hripsime in Artsvanist, counted among Armenia's cultural heritage monuments in the Sevan highlands.
St. Hripsime of Artsvanist
The Church of St. Hripsime stands in the village of Artsvanist in Gegharkunik and is recognised as a cultural heritage monument of Armenia. It carries the name of St. Hripsime, one of the early Christian martyrs deeply honoured in Armenian tradition. Built of local stone in the lasting Armenian manner, it remains a quiet centre of village life.
Five days along the Arax River through all of Syunik to Meghri — the southernmost point of Armenia. Pomegranate gardens, monasteries, hot springs.
Heritage in stone
A church like this earns its place through endurance rather than grandeur. Its plain masonry walls and modest scale speak of generations who built, prayed and kept it standing. Set in the highlands near Lake Sevan, it belongs entirely to its landscape of open sky and mountain air.
An off-roader, driver-guides, and access to places an ordinary car can’t reach: Satani Kar (the natural bridge), the Vorotan gorge, hot springs.
A small monument that holds a long memory.
Artsvanist lies high in the Sevan basin, where the weather can change fast and the wind off the lake stays cool. Before you set out, check the forecast for the Artsvanist or Sevan area and pack a layer for the highland chill.
A one-day trip north: Alaverdi in the Debed canyon, Sanahin and Haghpat — both on the UNESCO list. Lunch by the river.
From Yerevan to this place a car or transfer is the most convenient — public transport reaches most Armenian places rarely. Plan a day for the road plus at least half a day for the place itself.
Tours through this place
Ready routes in which this place is a key stop
Stay nearby
Where to stay if you're going for a day or more
Glamping on the shore of Sevan
Tents with frame beds right by the water. 30 m to the lake, morning coffee with a view of the Sevanavank peninsula, kayaks for rent.
Toyota Camry 2023
A business sedan for those travelling for work or wanting a comfortable ride on asphalt. Not for gravel — low clearance.
- Leather
- Climate control
- CarPlay
Yerevan → Meghri (with an overnight en route)
The road to the Iranian border via the Kajaran switchbacks. Done over two days with a night in Goris. For experienced drivers only.