Final day in Armenia

Our first visit this morning was to the Armenian Genocide Monument - Tsitsernakaberd. It was constructed in 1965 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Twelve pylons, representing the twelve provinces where Armenians were massacred, surround an eternal flame inside the monument which represents the Armenian spirit.  The tall, needle-shaped shaft represents the rebirth of the Armenian people. The information in the museum is harrowing.

Hovhannavank monastery was an unscheduled stop. It contains the remains of John the Baptist is enshrined.

Next is Saghmosavank Monastery which is set atop a gorge and built in 1215. It was a significant centre for calligraphy and several manuscripts written and copied there have been preserved..

Alphabet monument is next with its characters made of tuff (pronounced toof) stone, like so many of the Armenian buildings. The characters are those of the new alphabet from the 5th century and when it was introduced the literacy rate soared. From here we had a good view of Mt. Aragat, the highest mountain in Armenia at 4,095 metres.

We finally get to Gyumri with only time for a quick walk around the square before the rain came on.