A week ago the international media made full coverage of the visit of one of worlds famous socialite Kim Kardashian to Armenia. The keen social media guru and reality show star wanted to learn more about her Armenian roots and embarked her journey of a life time a few weeks before the Armenian Genocide commemoration. Kim Kardashian did not come alone to Armenia and took her sister Khloe Kardashian, husband famous rapper Kanye West and daughter North West with her. During her four day trip in this ancient country she did not only discover the rich cultural background and pay tribute to the victims of the Genocide at the Genocide memorial Tsitsernakaberd, but also enjoyed the dynamic modern life with glamorous restaurants, jazz clubs and modern art museums. Would you also like to follow her footsteps and experience a full and diverse four day trip in Armenia, then reading further is certainly what we advise you to do now!

Feel the strong spirit of Armenian women

The first place the famous Kardashian sisters visited was the huge statue Mother Armenia standing on top of the hill with an outlook over the capital city Yerevan. The whole monument is 55 meters high and is made of hammered copper and basalt (pedestal). The statue has a symbolic meaning as many statues, ornaments and sculptures do in Armenia. First of all it symbolizes the strength and importance of women in Armenian society. At first hand the Armenian society might seem a patriarchal country, but in the families women of course play a huge role. The Armenians even have a very interesting saying connected with this topic, namely "men are the head and women the neck, the direction the neck goes, the head goes with it." Mother Armenia also symbolizes peace through strength. In general Armenians are not keen on wars and prefer to have peace at all times, but if necessary they will take arms in order to protect the country.

Enjoy modern art in the open air

The next stop of the Kardashian sisters in Armenia was at the Cascade Complex. The Cascade is actually a giant staircase connecting the lower parts of Yerevan with the upper parts. Underneath the staircase also runs an escalator, so you don't have to cover hundreds of stairs in order to reach the top. The Cascade and the area around it cover the Cafesjian Museum of Art. At the core of the museum's permanent collection is the Gerard L. Cafesjian Collection of Art. Inside the Cascade Complex one can explore the different exhibition rooms with works of modern glass art, the Swarovski Crystal palace and other changing exhibitions. In front of the Cascade Complex one can enjoy the Cafesjian Sculpture Garden with famous modern art works, such as the Cat, the Roman Warrior and the Woman Smoking a Cigarette of Fernando Botero and the Hare on Bell of Barry Flanagan. The Cascade also offers the opportunity to make the best pictures of Yerevan.

Discover the cave churches of Geghard Monastery

One of the biggest discovery for Kim Kardashian and Kanye West was the architectural wonder Geghard Monastery. Just 50 minutes driving from Yerevan, you immediately find yourself in Medieval times. The Kardashian family took an excursion around the monastery and enjoyed the singing of a choir in one of the cave churches with splendid acoustics. The main edifices of Geghard Monastery were built in the 13th century and housed one of the most precious relics for the Armenians, the lance that was pierced in Christ's body when he was crucified. According to the Armenian Church the lance (geghard in Armenian) was brought to Armenia as early as the 1st century by Thadeus, one of the apostles of Christ. Since the 13th century the lance was kept in the Geghard Monastery. Now you can find the precious relic in the Museum of Echmiadzin. The Geghard Monastery is also famous for its hidden cave churches. It took more than 40 years to cut the churches out of solid rock. Now, Geghard Monastery is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Understand the facts of the Armenian Genocide at Tsitsernakaberd

A big emotional impact was experienced by the Kardashian family during their visit to the Genocide Memorial Tsitsernakaberd. The Genocide Memorial is dedicated to the 1,5 million Armenians who were killed during the massacres by the Ottoman Turks. The memorial stands atop a hill and is a solemn complex with different parts. Before you reach the memorial, there is a Genocide Museum which comprises all the facts about the dark pages of history of the Armenians, such as pictures and documents about the Armenian Genocide. The main part of the monument comprises a circle of 12 huge slabs symbolizing the 12 lost provinces in present day Turkey. Inside the circle an eternal flame is burning dedicated to the 1,5 million victims. The 44-meter stele next to the circle symbolizes the national rebirth of Armenians. Each year on April 24 thousands of Armenians lay flowers around the flame to commemorate the victims of the Armenian genocide.

Visit the second city of Armenia, Gyumri

Kim Kardashian's trip to Armenia was meant to bring her closer to her roots. That is why she decided to make a visit to Gyumri where one of her far relatives are living. Gyumri is around 126 km north of the capital Yerevan. For a long time it has been the cultural center of Armenia. If you really want to feel the authentic urban Armenian architecture, then visiting Gyumri is a must. In the center of Gyumri stand two beautiful churches from the 19th century. It was the Holy Mother of God Church the Kardashian family visited while exploring the city of Gyumri. Other interesting sightseeing spots in Gyumri are Sev Berd: a Russian fortress in Gyumri dating to the 1830s, Dzitoghtsyan Museum of Social Life and National Architecture of Gyumri: an old mansion, housing collections related to both history and the everyday-life of Gyumri, as well as paintings and other works of art and the Charles Aznavour Square.

Take a dive in Karapi Lich (Swan's Lake) near the Opera House

On the last day of their trip, Kanye West came with a surprise concert at midnight near the Swan's Lake in Yerevan. Through social media people got to know about this unique and impromptu event and gathered in no time around the lake. During the surprise concert Kanye West decided to have plunge in the water of Karapi Lich followed by dozens of Armenian fans. Although the Swan's Lake is actually not meant for a swim, you can certainly enjoy the beautiful and cozy surroundings. Around the lake the many benches welcome you to have a sit and enjoy a relaxing evening. At special occasions film and music festivals are organized near the lake. Walking a bit further, you can enjoy a refreshing drink in one of the many open air cafe's. And if you are more cultural oriented, then you can attend one of the opera spectacles or music concerts at the Opera House.

Would you like to follow the footsteps of the Kardashian's and visit all the given hot spots of Armenia? Ravina Tours will offer you a similar tour or customize a trip to Armenia adjusted to all your needs. Contact us here for all your questions.