Things to do in Odzun

Visit two of Armenia’s ancient monasteries and the town of Alaverdi on this small group tour from Tbilisi. Cross over the border with your experienced guide who will take you through the highlights of Northern Armenia in just 1 day.   Depart at 8:30 AM sharp for a 1.5-hour trip across the Georgian-Armenian boarder. Almost immediately you’ll start to notice changes in the landscape—the fields will become rocky mountains and the scenery takes on a certain apocalyptic touch, due to the many abandoned Soviet mines and factories. Your first stop is the fortified monastery of Akhtala, where you can marvel at the beautifully preserved frescoes and learn about the thrilling history of this Georgian-Armenian creation.   Then, you’ll reach the UNESCO-listed monastery complex of Haghpat, where you’ll learn about the Armenian stone crosses and the mystical poet Sayat-Nova. A local family welcomes you for a traditional Armenian lunch in their house near the Haghpat monastery. After that continue to the monastery of Sanahin, also known as the brother monastery. Arrive back in Tbilisi by around 7:00 PM after a full and fascinating day.

Enjoy your best vacation in Lori region. During this one-day private tour, we will be travelling in the direction of north-east from Yerevan, to one of the greenest regions of Armenia – Lori. You will discover Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries are included in UNESCO list and Odzun Monastery as well. The monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin are located within 20 minutes of drive from each other. On your way to powerful monasteries you will have a stop next to the Sanahin Old Bridge from the 12th century. After we will visit Mendz Er or Zarni Parni cave which are located just near to monasteries. Haghpat Monastery is considered one of the largest and most important monasteries in Armenia. This high monastery is surrounded on one side by the Surb Luys and Terunakan mountain peaks, on the other side by the Lorva fortress and the Saghidzor gorge, through which the Saghik and Kayan rivers flow. Founded in 976, the monastery is a complex of architectural structures consisting of religious and secular structures surrounded by towers and fences. Sanahin monastic complex is located on the left bank of the Debed River, in the village of Sanahin. It was founded by Ashot III Bagratuni in 966. From the end of the 10th century, it became the administrative center and cemetery of the Kyurikyan dynasty. In the 10th-11th centuries, the monastery was also a cultural center. a university and a rich library were built. At the end of the 12th century, the complex was under the control of the Zakaryans dynasty. The beautiful cave called "Mendz Er" is located in Sanahin village, from where a unique view of the Lori valley opens. The cave visit is available from 01.04 to 01.12. One of the mysterious corners of Lori Province is the "Zarni-Parni" cave-fortress complex, located in the western part of Haghpat Monastery. The cave visit is available from 01.04 to 01.12. Odzun Monastery is a majestic 6th century monument located in the centre of Odzun village, in northern Armenia. It is one of the most beautiful attractions in the Lori region. Despite its age, the monastery is well preserved. The monastery is in the form of a domed basilica. It is made from blocks of pink felsite, with the interior decoration made from basalt slabs. In addition, in the 19th century, two bells were built in the distant part of the basilica. These complement the style of the ancient church.

1. Sanahin Monastery Founded in the 10th century, the Sanahin monastery complex coincides with the period of the Bagratuni dynasty. The first church, Surb Astvatsatsin, was built in 51. The monastery has five churches, a library, a bell tower, an academy, and a royal tomb. By the way, the oldest academy in Armenia is located here. Along with Haghbat, Sanahin was among the first to be included under UNESCO's global protection. 2. Haghbat Monastery Haghbat is located close to Sanahin and is a vast monastic complex with many churches and religious and secular buildings. The first church, Surb Nshan, was built in 976. The biggest library in Armenia was found in Haghbat, where there was a special way to store books. They were placed in the holes, and wine was placed with them in an open state so that moisture would not spoil the manuscripts. Haghbat has been an important center of Armenian history, culture, and education for centuries. 3. Akhtala Monastery The church named after Saint Mariam Astsvatsatsin of the Akhtala monastery complex is the largest in the region among the churches named after the holy virgin. With its unique frescoes, architecture and sculptures, this monastery has been a spiritual centre for Armenians and many other peoples for centuries. In the territory of the monastery complex are St. Grigor Lusavorich church, underground bath, royal palace and other buildings. Due to the abundance of copper, the settlement was named Akhtala, after which the monastery was named. Akhtala is one of the unique historical and cultural places with its passport, a record in the form of a khachkar, in which it is written that Mariam, the daughter of King Kyurike, founded the monastery. 4. Odzun We start our tour from Odzun, where we will see the 6th-century St. Astvatatsin Church. This tour includes many monasteries, the next one being Akhtala. 5. Mendz Er cave The cave is located in Alaverdi, on the road to Sanahin Monastery. The complex is a museum-restaurant, one part of which is inside the cave and the other outdoors. Visitors can admire the beautiful views of Debed Gorge and surrounding settlements. The complex offers Armenian and international cuisine.