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Martuni
is the second largest urban center of the region and is famous for
its highly developed fishing industry. The town is situated on the
commercial crossroad between Syunik and Gegharkunik, not far from
the historic town of Koti, dating back over a thousand years. The
fields of Masrik are famous for its gold mines that have attracted
enthusiasts since ancient times.
The Gegharkunik landscape is dotted with impressive churches. Off
the main road leading to the town of Kamo is the church of Hairavank
(9-10 century). This edifice is a perfect example of the harmony
of architecture and nature. Northeast of Gavar, on the shores of
Lake Sevan is Noradouz, famous for the largest collection of stone-crosses
(khachkars) in Armenia, some of which date as far back as the 7th
century.
At the crossroads of civilizations, Armenia has historically been
at the center of many international commerce and military routes,
including the renowned Silk Road connecting China to Europe. Caravansaries,
the rest-stops of antiquity, were a welcome sight to traders, travelers,
and explorers of old. These architectural monuments of Medieval
Armenia are a testimony to those legendary times of adventure. One
of the better preserved is the Selim Caravansery, built in 1332
and situated high in the Selim (Sulema) mountain pass at 2410 m
above the sea level, on the road connecting the historical regions
of Gegharkunik and Vayots Dzor.
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