Pemzashen

The three-nave church dates back to the period of 5th-7th centuries, was used as a storehouse during the Soviet years and was partially destroyed in the 1988 earthquake. Part of it was reconstructed by the efforts of the population of Pemzashen. A liturgy is offered at the church each Sunday. The wedding ceremonies of the village also take place in that church (17th century).

Built in the 11th century.

There's a small church of St. Sion (1001 AD). It has a domed hall composition with only western masonry․ There are Armenian niches on all four fronts. Around the church is the old cemetery of the monastery. Not so far in the gorge you can see Surb Astvatsatsin single-nave, vaulted church.

One of the best views in Armenia, is looking across the Akhurian river canyon into Turkey at the ruins of the medieval capital of Armenia. Ani, the city of 1,001 churches. Once an equal to Constantinople, this city saw too many invasions and earthquakes before finally being abandoned. The seemly perfect defensive location on a cape along the river, with cliffs below much of it ended up proving no match for the huge tides of Mongols and Turks sweeping across the steppes. Today much of the monumental construction remains, while the rest of the structures have melted away with time. Huge ramparts, cathedrals, churches, bridges and a mosque stand in varying states, as a testament to the wealth and power once centered here. Even from across the river, the views are incredible, and give you pause to think about the passing of time. The soldiers in this military zone are often friendly and helpful, lending you a strong pair of binoculars, but it's much wiser to get permission from the Ministry of Foreign affairs or have it arranged by a tour guide than to show up and risk being turned away. The road to get there is in very bad condition, so be prepared for a jarring ride. Afterwards, a visit to the 7th-century Yereruyk Basilica a bit further south is worthwhile.

A big monastery complex that has survived through the ages, and has been renovated as well, Harijavank has some fun touches. The fortified compound overlooking a river has a tiny chapel on a finger-like rock jutting up from the river. It has split off from the monastery due to an earthquake, and is now impossible to access, except for a rock climber - and a good one at that! Inside are some tiny stairwells hidden in the shadows, leading up to small prayer rooms. The ceilings have different patterns built into stone. Overall a nice, often overlooked monastery, a bit down some bad road off the Gyumri-Yerevan highway.

Class in making a miniature sculpture featuring Mount Ararat with different colors of tufa stone.