Armenia is a land of ancient history, dramatic landscapes, and striking architecture. From Yerevan’s urban art and fountains to monasteries perched atop cliffs, every corner offers a stunning photo opportunity.
Here’s your guide to capturing the best of Armenia.
Iconic Landmarks & City Highlights
Mother Armenia Monument
A towering statue overlooking the city, symbolizing strength and history.
Pro tip: Capture from below to emphasize scale or from a distance to include Yerevan’s skyline. Sunset adds warm tones to the bronze statue.
Cascade Complex & Singing Fountain – Yerevan
A giant stairway connecting the city with art galleries and gardens, with fountains that light up at night.
Pro tip: Shoot from the bottom looking up to capture symmetry, or from the top looking down at the city. Evening shots of the fountain show movement with long exposure.
Geghard Monastery
A UNESCO World Heritage site partially carved into rock cliffs.
Pro tip: Wide-angle shots capture the dramatic cliffs and monastery together. Include shadows and sunlight streaming through openings for mood.
Garni Temple
The only Greco-Roman colonnaded temple in Armenia, set against a mountainous backdrop.
Pro tip: Early morning light softens stone textures; frame the temple with surrounding cliffs for context.
Kacharis Monastery
A lesser-known site with striking medieval architecture.
Pro tip: Highlight architectural details, arches, and surrounding greenery. Golden hour light adds warmth to stone walls.
Sevanavank Monastery
Perched on a hill overlooking Lake Sevan, the views are as impressive as the monastery itself.
Pro tip: Capture the lake in the background to add scale. Use panoramic or wide-angle shots to include both monastery and water.
Charenc Arch
An ancient triumphal arch near Yerevan.
Pro tip: Shoot through the arch to frame distant landscapes, or focus on its details and texture in close-up.
Ropeway of Tsakhkadzor
A cable car ride offering panoramic views of the mountains.
Pro tip: Capture the ropeway cabins against the peaks or from inside for perspective. Sunrise or sunset enhances the contours of the mountains.
Quick Tips for Great Photos
- Golden hours are key - Sunrise and sunset soften stone textures and illuminate landscapes.
- Include people - Visitors, locals, or monks add scale and storytelling.
- Play with angles - Low shots, framing through arches, or wide panoramas bring depth.
- Capture motion - Flowing fountains, cable cars, or swaying trees add energy.
- Focus on details & textures - Stone carvings, arches, and monastery walls are rich in texture.
- Contrast old and new - Blend historic architecture with modern Yerevan cityscapes for dynamic shots.
- Look for reflections - Lakes, fountains, and polished floors create striking compositions.
- Use layers - Foreground trees or flowers with distant mountains or monuments add depth.
- Be patient - Lighting and crowds can change rapidly, especially at popular landmarks.