Old Ashtarak brings together houses from the 18th and 19th centuries, narrow lanes, a small canal and churches built in different periods. It is also home to a house museum at the birthplace of writer Perch Proshyan, a long tradition of winemaking and views of the Kasagh Gorge from Ashtarak Bridge. This makes the town a destination for exploring local history, architecture or the connection between cultural heritage and landscape.
Churches and bridges from different centuries
The historic churches associated with Ashtarak include Karmravor, dating from the 7th century; Tsiranavor, from the 5th century; and Spitakavor, from the 13th century, in Berdatagh. The Church of Saint Sargis also dates from the 13th century. Their different dates give the town’s religious architecture a broad historical span. Karmravor is distinguished by its red tuff stone and striking architecture. Tsiranavor is considered to have developed from an ancient pagan temple.
A local legend connects Karmravor, Tsiranavor and Spitakavor with three sisters and Prince Sargis. It adds a story unique to the place to the churches’ architectural features. Bridges dating from the 10th century and from 1664 are also part of the town’s historic landscape. Ashtarak Bridge offers views of the Kasagh Gorge.
Old Ashtarak and its houses
Houses from the 18th and 19th centuries shape the character of the Old Town. Narrow, well-kept lanes are crossed by a small canal. Wooden arches and railings can be found on balconies and verandas. Many balconies were built to catch the cool air rising from the canyon floor. Their design combines visible wooden details with a practical response to local conditions.
Those interested in the town’s traditional architecture can look for differences between the houses, their projecting structures and the narrow lanes. Balconies and verandas are not merely decorative features: their arches and railings are among the Old Town’s recurring characteristics. The canal running through the streets is another distinctive feature of the neighborhood.
The Perch Proshyan House Museum
The Perch Proshyan House Museum was established in 1948 at the writer’s birthplace in Ashtarak. It is located in Old Ashtarak, near the churches of Karmravor, Tsiranavor and Spitakavor, as well as the old bridge over the Kasagh. The museum thus connects local and literary history in a setting close to several of the city’s best-known historic buildings.
The museum includes a cellar and a tandoor room. They house household items and tableware from the 18th and 19th centuries, including objects made of copper, clay and wood. This collection shifts the focus from the Old Town’s outward appearance to the material objects of everyday life at the time. Together with its location at Proshyan’s birthplace, it offers a distinctive way to explore Ashtarak’s history through the life and belongings associated with the writer and his era.
Landscape, winemaking and regional traditions
The area around Ashtarak is characterized by a mosaic of vineyards and orchards. The region also has a long tradition of winemaking. Alongside the churches and houses, this offers another way to explore the town for those interested in the connection between landscape and local culture. A water and irrigation system in the Ashtarak area is among the sights; it is considered Urartian and about 3,000 years old.
Ashtarak and the Aragatsotn region are also associated with master classes in baking gata and lavash, and making sujukh and arishta. The specific visitor offerings may change. If you would like to include a class in your trip, check what is available in advance.
Discover more destinations: Yernjatap, Jrambar, Byurakan, Awan, Oshakan.
View the regional travel guide: Aragatsotn.
