Armenia is situated between Asia Minor and the Caucasus, a small country bordered by Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Iran and the first country in the world to adopt primeval Christianity in 301 A.D.

Its capital, Jerewan, is twenty nine years older than Rome. Old Yerevan with its traditional buildings, wonderful entrances and carved wooden adornments that continue into the actual living areas, is gradually disappearing.

Etchmiadzin is the religious centre of Armenia. At the entrance to the village is Hripsime Church. It was there that the nun Hripsime died a martyrs‘ death after fleeing with a group of nuns to Armenia from Roman Emperor, Diocletian.

Etchmiadzin is the most important religious centre of Armenian Christianity and was where the seat of the Catholicos was gradually expanded and enlarged. The church treasury has been transformed into a museum and the site also contains cross-stones with images of the church's history.

North of the village of Hovhanavank is the Saghmosawank Monastery. During the monastery's heyday, psalteries were written at the famous scriptorium, the epitome of prayer.

At two thousand three hundred metres above sea level, in the middle of remote mountain countryside, is the Amberd Fortress. The surrounding cliffs and gorges were an ideal place for the construction of the mediaeval castle. The "Fortress Of Iron Ashot" was equipped with all the comforts of the noble life of that time. The lords probably moved there not only for protection against invading Seljuks and Mongols but also to spend the summer months in the cool mountains and far away from the noisy mediaeval towns.

Armenia has been populated for thousands of years and numerous historical sites bear witness to its rich cultural heritage. A Land Of Cross Stones and the Armenian Church: a fascinating culture between Europe and Asia, between Christianity and Islam.