| Kotayk | |
 | |
| Information | |
| Country |  Armenia |
|---|---|
| Area | 2 086 km² |
| Population | 254 397 hab. () |
| Density | 121,95 inhab./km² |
| Postal code | 2201–2506 |
| Location | |
 40 ° 24 ′ 0 ″ N 44 ° 42 ′ 0 ″ E | |
| Official site | |
Kotayk is a region ofArmenia. It is rich with some of Armenia's most breathtaking landscapes and legendary monuments. Located north of Yerevan, with its administrative center Hrazdan, the Kotayk region is one of the favorite destinations of Armenians but also of foreign tourists.
Understand
A third of its territory is forested and the Hrazdan River is its main waterway. Tsakhkadzor (or Valley of Flowers) is truly the jewel of the region. In summer, we take walks among the wooded and flowery hills. In winter, we discover a ski resort with excellent slopes located at an altitude of 2,000 meters on the eastern side of Mount Teghenis.Hrazdan is the most developed industrial center in the region, but is nevertheless rich in archaeological monuments. and medieval. To the north-west of the city, one can admire, perched on a mountain side, the monastery of Kecharis (11th and 13th centuries). This pearl of Armenian architecture was once a great religious and educational center. Garnished, located at 35 km south of Yerevan, is best known for its pagan temple dating from IIIe century BC The region is also rich in Christian monuments such as the Khachkars, tombstones and frescoes from the churches of Sourp Astvatsatsin or Mashtots Hairapet. The importance of the architecture is manifested with the bridge (10-12th centuries) which spans the Azat river, thus connecting the highlands of Armenia with the Aragat valley. Geghard Perhaps the most astonishing of the architectural marvels of Armenia is to be found: the Church of Geghard, carved into the rock of a mountain slope and dating back almost 9 centuries. The name of Geghard refers to Biblical times and refers to the legendary spear which is said to have been used to pierce the body of Christ. This spear was kept in this church for a long time before being transferred to the Cathedral of ’Echmiadzin. South ofAbovian, along the Hrazdan River, opens the town of Yeghvard, famous for its unique set of stone crosses (the khachkars) dating from IVe century and its mausoleum church dating from 1301. Tegheniats (built in VIe century), the churches and fortress of Dovri, the monastery of Zoravor (VIIe century) are just a few examples of the architectural wonders found in the dense forests of the Kotayk region.
Cities
- 1 Saranist (Tutiya)
- 2 Hrazdan (Akhta, Հրազդան) – capital of Kotayk marz
- 3 Abovyan (Abovian, Աբովյան)
- 4 Charentsavan (Tcharentsavan, Չարենցավան)
- 5 Yeghvard (Yeghvard, Եղվարդ)
