As I write this, I’ve just left Armenia, a country that has been on my wish list for a while. I’ve lots to share from this fascinating part of the world, but for now a quick glance at Zvartnots Cathedral.
On my visit, these 7th century ruins happen to be the setting for a wedding photo session. What could be more perfect? There are 1 300 years of history in these beautiful columns. Add to that the stunning backdrop of the dormant volcano Mount Ararat – and the legends associated with it.
Zvartnots Cathedral hails all the way back to the foundation of the Armenian Church in 301 AD, in what was to become the very first Christian country in the world. Armenia was 10 times larger then.
Mount Ararat is surely one of the most famous mountains of all; one I remember learning about as far back as primary school. An ancient legend of angry gods sending a flood to punish humankind is passed down through generations, then retold by the authors of the Old Testament and the even older Sumerian Gilgamesh poems. After the flood has subsided, the only family left on earth climbs out of the ark at Ararat, wanders down the mountain – and begins humanity all over.
Ranoosh, a Yerevan girl, tells of an expedition that has uncovered fossilised wood high up on Ararat, beneath its eternal snowcap. No matter what you believe, it’s an interesting tale – and an imposing mountain, one I don’t seem to get tired of looking at.
Mount Ararat is only about 50 kilometres from Yerevan. Still, it’s a world away, across the closed border with Turkey. It’s visible from numerous spots in town, but the view of the fabled mountain here at Zvartnots is my favourite.
World at a Glance is a series of short articles here on Sophie’s World, with a single photo – portraying curious, evocative, happy, sad or wondrous, unexpected little encounters.
Zvartnots Cathedral is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site Cathedral and Churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots.
Here are more UNESCO World Heritage sites around the world.
Only if Mount Ararat can talk, the stories she will tell. Great historical place.
It was a special place to experience..
So beautiful 🙂
It really is 🙂
I’ve been looking forward to your stories from Armenia. I’m not sure if the children learn about Mt Arafat today but I too remember it from those old school days! A beautiful photo..I can why this spot was chosen for wedding photos! All that history!
Hm… maybe they don’t hear about it any more. Here in Norway they do, but then religion/spirituality/ethics is an obligatory subject in school here.
It took a second before I realized that was Mt. Arafat in the background. I can’t imagine how many Armenian couples have used this as a backdrop for their wedding photos. Beautiful spot.
Fabulous wedding photo location, isn’t it…
I’m always curious about Armenia and most of all about Mt. Ararat. The sight of it must be so surreal having learned and heard all about only as part of Noah’s Ark story. That photo of the ruins agains the background of Ararat is so dramatic. I can see why it’s a popular photo op venue.
That’s what I thought – a bit surreal, in such an interesting way.
Wow – what a breathtaking view. I’ve always wanted to see Mt Ararat, but got carried away before I reached it.
Curious as to what carried you away 😉
I join with others in enjoying your travel tales and looking forward to more from Armenia! A most interesting post.
Thanks, Jackie.
What an incredible setting for wedding photos! Looking forward to reading more about your experience in Armenia – it’s a part of the world that I know nothing about!
I didn’t know much either, before I went.
What a fascinating area, thanks for taking us to this heritage site, will have to put on my bucket list of places to visit.
Wanted to invite you to a Monday photo linkup called Travel Photo Mondays on my blog, come and join us on Mondays.
Thanks for stopping by, Noel.
We will be looking at this famous mountain in Turkey later in the year. It certainly is stunning.
I’d love to see it from the other side of the border.
This place really looks incredible. I’m a sucker for World Heritage sites anyway, but I’m pretty sure I could spend a little time here. Really great history and legends surrounding it too!
I like the heritage sites as well 🙂
Great shot and history lesson. I didn’t know of the angry gods legend before reading this. Thanks!
Thanks, Maria.
Fascinating stories! It must have made it that much more special to see something from the legends told in childhood! Thanks for sharing!