Kotayk
On the relatively upland part of the Ararat valley, between Tsakhkunyats mountains, southern spurs of Pambak mountains and Western slopes of Geghama mountain range, lies a very picturesque region of Armenia - the Kotayk marz.
The healthy climate of woody mountain slopes was probably the reason that ancient people have chosen this place to settle - remains of their settlements is an evident proof of it. In a scenic woody district, on the left bank of Marmarik river the town of Tsakhkadzor ("Gorge of flowers") is situated - one of the favourite places of Armenians for spending summer vacations. In winter Tsakhkadzor attracts many skiers. Numerous boarding and rest houses, complexes for summer and winter sports make Tsakhkadzor a very attractive place both for the native people and guests.
In XI century Pahlavouni princes were in possession of these lands. They founded "Kecharis" monastery complex, the construction of which proceeded up to the XIII century. At the well-known mineral springs, in the beautiful gorge of the river Razdan, the health resort Arzni is situated. Climate here is moderately warm, dry. Archaeological excavation has shown that the water from these mineral springs was used in medical purposes even in antiquity.
The curious travellers can visit the pagan temple of Sun, situated in the eastern part of Kotayk. On the way to the temple one can see amber bunches of vineyards, a golden burden of gardens at village Jrvezh, beautifully coloured foothills of Geghama mountain range, and bright juicy greens hiding the villages beneath them. It is hard to believe that Yerevan is just 30 kilometers far from here as you see Garni - a picturesque stronghold located on a triangular ledge high above the river Azat. A great panorama of mountain slopes covered with variegated carpets of grass opens from Garni.
The temple of Sun rises beautifully above the surroundings. It reminds the monuments of the Hellenic period, but nevertheless Garni remains an unsurpassed work of Armenian architecture of pagan times.
Seven kilometers northeast from Garni is the green canyon of Geghard, surrounded with cogged towers of rocks. In the middle of this gorge, as in a huge stone bowl, the architectural pearl of Armenia - medieval Geghard complex is situated. According to historians, Ayrivank cave-based monastery was built here already in IV century. But the monastery suffered from numerous invasions: it was burnt up and reconstructed for several times, the church property - destroyed and stolen.
The monuments preserved are mainly of XIII century. Geghard stands firmly for many centuries as a symbol of greatest victory of the human over nature, as an embodiment of creative talent and unlimited energy of the Armenian people.
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