Ashtarak | Armenia

Ashtarak is the administrative center of the Aragatsotn Province and one of the oldest cities in Armenia. Located just 20 km northwest of Yerevan on the banks of the Kasagh River, it is defined by its deep river gorge, medieval bridge, and a cluster of ancient churches tied to a singular tragic legend.

Historical Timeline

Bronze Age: Earliest archeological traces of settlement.

9th Century: First historical mention as a rural settlement.

17th Century: Construction of the iconic three-arch stone bridge (1664).

1963: Granted official city status.

2026: Ashtarak serves as a critical junction for the North-South Transport Corridor, with the 34-km Ashtarak–Talin highway section scheduled for completion this year.

Demographics & Population

The 2026 estimated population is approximately 17,600 for the urban center and 66,100 for the wider municipality. The population is predominantly Ethnic Armenian. The economy is centered on Winemaking (notably Sherry-style wines), Physics Research (home to the Institute for Physical Research), and Agro-tourism.

Urban Layout & Key Districts

Central Square: Named after Catholicos Nerses V, it is the social heart of the town.

The Gorge (Kasagh Dzor): A deep volcanic canyon that separates the older and newer sections of the town, housing historic mills and the old bridge.

Old Quarter: Narrow, winding streets lined with 19th-century houses built from black and orange tuff.

Top Landmarks

Karmravor Church (7th century): Meaning "Reddish," it is one of the best-preserved early medieval churches in Armenia. It is the only one that has retained its original red-tiled roof for over 1,300 years.

Tsiranavor & Spitakavor Churches: Respectively the "Apricot" (5th-6th c.) and "White" (13th c.) churches. Now mostly in ruins, they sit on the edge of the gorge and are central to the city's legend.

Ashtarak Bridge (1664): A three-arch tuff stone bridge spanning the Kasagh River. It is a masterpiece of medieval engineering, designed to be hollow inside to withstand seismic activity.

Saint Marianeh Church (1281): The tallest and most visible church in the city, recognizable by its soaring proportions and octagonal drum.

Perch Proshyan House-Museum: Dedicated to the famous Armenian novelist; it preserves the ethnographic atmosphere of 19th-century Ashtarak.

The Legend of the Three Sisters

Ashtarak’s three main churches are linked by a famous legend:

Three sisters fell in love with the same man, Prince Sarkis. To allow the youngest to be happy, the two elder sisters threw themselves into the Kasagh Gorge-one wearing an apricot dress and the other a red one. Upon finding them, the youngest sister also leaped, wearing a white dress. Sarkis became a hermit, and the three churches-Tsiranavor, Karmravor, and Spitakavor-were named for the colors of the sisters' dresses.

Transportation Network

Location: 20 km northwest of Yerevan.

Bus: Frequent minibuses (marshrutkas) depart from Yerevan’s Kilikia Central Bus Station (approx. 250–400 AMD).

Highway: Ashtarak sits at the fork of the highways leading to Gyumri and Vanadzor.

Regional Hub: It is the primary jumping-off point for expeditions to Mount Aragats (Armenia's highest peak) and the Amberd Fortress.

Safety & Health

Ashtarak is extremely safe. As of January 1, 2026, international travelers must possess mandatory health insurance (minimum 30,000 GEL/equivalent coverage) for the duration of their stay. Tap water is safe and sourced from the nearby mountains.

Climate & Ecology

Dfb (Humid continental). Summers are hot and dry, while winters are cold and snowy. The city is famous for its walnut and apricot orchards. In 2026, the region is a focus for the "Sustainable Irrigation" initiative to preserve ancient water channels that have operated since the Urartu period.

Local Cost Index

1 Standard Meal: $7.00–$14.00 USD.

Museum Entry: $2.00–$4.00 USD.

Mid-range Guesthouse Night: $35.00–$65.00 USD.

Facts & Legends

Ashtarak is the birthplace of the world-renowned Ashtarak Sherry. The local winery won a gold medal at the 1970 international wine tasting when a specific "sherry fungus" was found to thrive in the local volcanic tuff cellars. Another fact: the city's name translates to "Tower" in Armenian, likely referring to its elevated position overlooking the river valley.