Picturesque Vayots Dzor is a province located in rural South East Armenia. It means the “Valley of Woes”, because of the numerous earthquakes that have devastated the region several times in its history. Almost completely mountain-locked, it is bordered by several spectacular mountain ranges - including volcanoes-- the most beautiful of which is Vayots Sahr, a hangats herabukh (dormant volcano). The land is sparsely populated, but it has breathtaking landscape, which more than makes up for it.
The heart of the province is its attractive capital, Yeghegnadzor, which lies on the banks of the winding Arpa River. It is considered as one of Armenia's oldest settlements, as evidenced by the countless Armenian princes that have lived in the place, especially the noted Orbelyan family. The town is a treasure trove of ancient vestiges that date as far back to the 1st millennium BC. Visitors are encouraged to see the Regional Museum of Yehgehnadzor, the City Art Gallery and of course, the History Museum of the 700-year old University of Gladzor. Visit the Noravank Monastery, one of the country's most stunning structures – an edifice laid against a backdrop of gorgeous canyons and fiery red rocks.
In addition, Vayots Dzor is renowned all over the world for its plethora of expansive cave systems, including the Archeri, Jerovank and Magili. They have been hailed by the French Speleological Society as the most spectacular and awe-inspiring in the whole of Europe. Formed years before mankind started walking the Earth, these caves are home to countless stalagmites and stalactites - stunning formations of myriad colors that present a wonderful feast for the eyes.
