This guy was still fast asleep on the hotel steps as we left!
Another full day started with some time spent in the Yerevan market hall
We saw these dried braided greens and discovered it is wild sorrel (aveluk) and what we ate last night!
Onward to a carpet weaving place – the Negerian family brought the industry back to Armenia from the U.S. in 1917 and while the carpets were beautiful and tied with the Armenian double knot – we resisted!
Next up – the Ararat Brandy makers and tasting!
A delicious lunch followed at an art school for youth – their imaginative art was displayed throughout the rooms and outside spaces.
We visited the beautiful Etchmiadzin Cathedral which includes a seminary and is the seat of the Armenian Apostolic Church Patriarch.
The original church was built in the early fourth century. It was built over a pagan temple, symbolizing the conversion from paganism to Christianity – remains of which can be found under the altar. From its foundation until the second half of the fifth century, Etchmiadzin was the seat of the supreme head of the Armenian Church. In 1441 it was restored but in 1604 was plundered by the Persians. Since then the cathedral has undergone a number of renovations. Belfries were added in the latter half of the seventeenth century and in 1868 a museum and room of relics was constructed at the cathedral’s east end.
Finally the remains of the Zvartnots Cathedral built in the seventh century (651-655) and now lying in ruins. Zvartnots was noted for its circular exterior structure, unique in medieval Armenian architecture. Mount Ararat in the background.
Dinner outside on the sidewalk at Lalil was delicious.
