WELCOME TO ARMENIA-The Cradle of Civilization Armenia is an ancient and beautiful country, emerging onto the world scene after decades of Soviet rule. It's a load of romance and religion, legend and landscape, warm hospitality and a cuisine redolent of the crossroads of history. Early civilizations flourished in the area from as early as 1500 B.C. and the kingdom of Armenia was established about 600 B.C., the first nation in the world to adopt Christianity as its state religion. Throughout the centuries, periods of independent rule were interspersed with invasion by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Mongols, Persians, and finally Russians, making Armenia a vibrant mix of cultures and a fascinating destination. Yerevan, Armenia's capital city is also the largest city in the country with more than a million people. Although it has only been Armenia's capital since 1918, Yerevan is one of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities, dating to the creation of the Erebuni Fortress on the site in 782 B.C. Today it is the cultural, industrial, and political center of the country, rapidly modernizing and sporting new shops, restaurants, and attractions, giving it a European look and feel. One of the most striking features of Yerevan is the view. From anywhere in the city Mt. Ararat dominates the horizon the majestic peak has become an iconic symbol. Just over the border in Turkey, it is the storied resting place of Noah's Ark after the Biblical flood. Yerevan is a compact city rich in attractions. It boasts dozens of museums for visitors with every interest: the History Museum of Armenia, the Matenadaran for example, is a depositary of 17000 pieces of ancient manuscripts, there are museums of fine arts, including folk art and Russian art, natural history as well as local, regional and military history. Other cultural offerings include an annual international film festival, the national opera and ballet, and theatres and performance halls. The Erebuni Fortress dates from the city's origins, the fortified city of King Argishti. Visitors can enjoy meandering through the dancing fountains in Republic Square and along the main avenues lined with large shade trees to stop at one of the many open-air cafes or parks. Sample Armenian barbeque in Proshian Street, visit the shuka (food market), and shop for handmade textiles. Romantics can savor the unique design of Lover's Park and a stroll around Swan Lake, which offers ice skating in winter. A… More