This is my final post from Armenia. It was really a fantastic journey. Look at all those divers landscapes! I can really recommend this country for people who love to go somewhere, where there is no touristic infrastructure in every corner. I would have liked to speak Russian to talk to people more, they all […]
Geghardavank (meaning: the monastery of the spear) was founded in the fourth century by Saint Gregory. It’s principal chapel was build in the 13th century. The name comes from the monasteries most relevant relic: The spear with which Jesus was wounded during crucification. Today it is displayed in Echmiadzin, currently on loan to a New […]
On one of our last days we wanted to climb Mount Azhdahak but some of us were still suffering from different physical afflictions so we decided to take our sleeping bags and mats and install a “hospital” camp in the mountains to wait on the others to come back from the trail. I was kind […]
Rosas Haiku of the day: In Stein gemeißelt Das Rund ruht über dem Geviert Zwölf Säulen tragen
The Armenian Alphabet is – after Mount Ararat, the Genocide and Christianity – one of the big contributors to Armenian identity. It was developed by Mesrop Mashtots in 5th century and was probably influenced by the Ethiopian alphabet. Just after its development Mesrop Mashtots founded schools all over Armenia where the new alphabet was taught. Rosas […]
The Monastery was build in 13th century and is picturesquely located next to the gorge of Kasagh river. One peculiarity of this Monastery is the tympanum of the “Bearded Virgins” which are obviously also depicted in Hovanavank Monastery. There is the myth that there are five wise virgins and five stupid virgins with beards and Jesus […]
Sanahin Monastery (meaning: This one is older than that one – referring to Haghpat Monastery) was clearly one of my favorite Monasteries from the felt 200 Monasteries we have seen during our stay in Armenia. It was build in the 10th century. It is more chaotic and full of hidden symbols than other monasteries I […]
The Gorge of Dsoraget partially looks like if a giant would have cut into earth with a giant knife. I didn’t find anything like an information about the geological formation history of this site, but looking at the clear and straight edges, it nearly seams impossible that a river should have done this. Even if it […]
Odzun Basilica dates back to the 7th century and differs from other sacral buildings we have seen. Some of those extravaganzas are the proportions (height vs. width ratio) which rather evokes the thought of gothic decendance than one from the early middle ages. Second are the paintings inside the church – above all a giant […]
Haghpat Monastery was build in the 10th century and was listed – together with Sanahin Monastery – as Unesco World Heritage Site.
hikeminded 