Ararat Province lies in the south of Armenia, in Asia, close to the border with Turkey. It is one of the country's principal farming regions, and its landscape of fields and orchards gives the visitor a clear sense of the rural heart of the country.
What draws visitors
- Views of Mount Ararat. The province is known for its views of the mountain, which rises across the border and is one of the most recognisable sights in the region.
- Khor Virap monastery. This ancient monastery is the province's best-known historic site, and it is a natural focus for a visit.
- Agricultural landscape. As a major farming area, the province offers a quieter, working-countryside experience away from the larger towns.
Planning a visit
Ararat Province suits travellers who want a day or more of scenery and history rather than a busy city break. Because the mountain and the monastery are the main attractions, a visit is often built around them, with the surrounding farmland as the backdrop. Visitors interested in the wider country can combine a trip here with other parts of Armenia, since the province sits in the south of the country and is reachable as part of a wider route.
Those coming to see the mountain may wish to check the weather before setting out, as views depend on conditions. Taking time to walk around the monastery site and to look across the plain makes the most of what the province has to offer.