Byurakan

Byurakan

Geographical Position

Byurakan is the largest village in Armenia, which is located in the Aragatsotn Province, on the slope of Mount Aragats. There is an extraordinary combination of nature and ancient churches there. Byurakan has a population of about 4,000 people. The town's climate is subtropical with cool, dry summers and cold winters. 

General Description

The village of Byurakan, about 14km west of Ashtarak on the southern slopes of Mount Aragats, boasts several astronomical observatories and the impressive remains of the fortress of Amberd, 15km up the mountain. 

Points of interest in Byurakan

Byurakan has the basilica of Saint Hovhannes of the 10th c. and a huge 13th c. khachkar monument directly across from the Artavazik Church. The Byurakan Observatory is also found here.

Around 1900, an obelisk was found, near Byurakan. In 1929, a tomb containing weapons, tools, clay plates, and jewelry was found in Aghvesadzor, which is extremely close to Byurakan.

In the town and its surrounding areas, there is the Amberd fortress (7c.), the Artavazik Church (7c.), and a cemetery with cross-stones.

Every year, Byruakan receives about 5 thousand visitors, which are astrophysics specialists, climbers, and tourists. There are many restaurants, hotels, and guest houses in Byurakan.