Ashtarak: Hotels and Accommodations

Culture and History

Ashtarak is associated with Saint Sargis Church, which dates back to the 13th century. Also associated with the town are the 7th-century Surb Astvatsatsin (Karmravor) Church, the 5th-century Tsiranavor Church, and the 13th-century Spitakavor Church in Berdatagh. There are also bridges dating from the 10th century and from 1664.

Karmravor Church is distinguished by its red tuff stone and striking architecture. Tsiranavor is described as a church converted from an ancient pagan temple. A local legend links the Karmravor, Tsiranavor, and Spitakavor churches to three sisters and Prince Sargis. The Bridge of Ashtarak offers views of the Kasagh River gorge.

Among Ashtarak's tourist attractions, a 3,000-year-old water and irrigation system has been identified; in the Ashtarak area, it is described as Urartian and approximately 3,000 years old. The Perch Proshyan House-Museum was established in 1948 at the writer's birthplace. It is located in Old Ashtarak near the Karmravor, Tsiranavor, and Spitakavor churches, as well as the old Kasakh River bridge. The museum includes a cellar and a tandoor room with household items and tableware made of copper, clay, and wood from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Townscape

Old Ashtarak features houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. Narrow, well-maintained lanes are accompanied by a small canal running through the streets. The balconies and verandas feature wooden arches and railings; many balconies in Old Ashtarak were built to capture the cool air rising from the bottom of the gorge. Ashtarak is characterized by a mosaic of vineyards and orchards.

Cuisine

The Ashtarak area has a long winemaking tradition. Ashtarak and the Aragatsotn region are associated with workshops on baking gata and lavash, as well as making sujukh and arishta. Visitors can sample Armenian cuisine at Yeganyan's Gastro and Wine Yard, Ashtarakats, and Tatoents Qotuk.

Anyone wishing to book a hotel in Ashtarak can continue their accommodation search afterward.

Other destinations in this selection: Oshakan, Awan, Yernjatap, Jrambar, Byurakan.

To the higher-level travel overview: Aragatsotn.