North of Yerevan
Tour 5:
5.8 Oshakan
Oshakan is considered to be one of most significant historic sites of the Ashtarak area. The village is located 6 km/3,7 mi south-west of Ashtarak. During the rule of the Arsacid Dynasty (52-428) of the Kingdom of Armenia, Oshakan was the seat of the Amatouni noble family and served as the administrative center of the Aragatsotn Province. Oshakan is famous for the St. Mesrop Mashtots Cathedral, where the tomb of the founder of the Armenian alphabet Mesrop Mashtots is located. St. Mesrop Mashtots Cathedral is also the seat of the Aragatsotn Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
Oshakan
Oshakan village is a popular tourist destination and one of the most visited villages in Armenia, because the tomb of the creator of the Armenian alphabet St. Mesrop Mashtots is located there. In 444 a small chapel was built on his tombstone by Prince Vahan Amatouni. For the subsequent thirteen centuries, the chapel hosted Armenian pilgrims. The chapel was partially ruined in the late 18th century, and a basilica bearing the name of St. Mesrop Mashtots was constructed in its place in the 19th century. The construction was initiated by then Catholics Gevorg IV. A monument was erected in 1880 to honor the founder of the original chapel, Vahan Amatouni. Oshakan is also a historically prominent site for the victory of the Russian Imperial Army over the Persian Army at the battle of Oshakan in 1827.
5.1Yeghvard
5.2Ashtarak
5.3 Hovhannavank/
Saghmosavank
Saghmosavannk ParkMatenadaraCascade
5.4 Alphabet
Park
5.5 Lake Kari
5.6 Amberd/
Byurakan
5.7 Arsacid
Mausoleum
5.7 Oshakan