Areni: Hotels and Accommodation

Areni is known for the Areni grape variety and the wine produced from it. Those wishing to book a hotel in Areni can then continue their accommodation search.

Geographical Location

Areni lies mainly in the widened part of the Arpa River valley, between mulberry and fruit orchards. The settlement of Areni is included in the tourist destination of Areni designated by the government.

History

The Church of St. Astvatsatsin in Areni was built in 1321 and designed by the architect Momik. It was commissioned by Hovhannes Orbelian, Archbishop of Syunik. A palace belonging to the Orbelian prince Tarsayich stood directly beside the church.

Hrasakaberd is an unexplored fortress in the settlement of Areni. Its ruins have survived to this day. In the 12th century, Hrasakaberd was controlled by the Seljuks; at the same time, the fortress is described as a resource for hiking tourism.

Culture

Areni-1 Cave offers a cave experience focused on archaeology. It is described as containing a winery approximately 6,100 years old, considered the oldest discovered to date, as well as the oldest leather shoe.

The Areni flood protection wall is a 40-metre-high structure made of concrete and steel with a lattice-like sculptural design. It is a tourist attraction and a place where visitors stop to photograph its architecture.

Wine and Rural Life

Nor Areni Winery was established in 2019 in the vineyards area. Areni is classified as Armenia’s leading wine tourism destination. Vineyards with the Areni and Voskehat grape varieties were planted in 2005 at an altitude of 1,233 metres. Areni is also described as the birthplace of winemaking.

Visitors can walk around the vineyards in Areni, take part in the harvest and make wine themselves. Stays in guesthouses in Areni can be combined with a meal and homemade wine. The Areni Wine Festival offers local delicacies, folk music and dances.

Other destinations: Chiva, Vayk, Hermon, Aghavnadzor, Jermuk

For the higher-level travel overview: Vayots Dzor.