The Best Things to Do in Jermuk, Armenia

Gndevank Monastery is an ideal place to go for the enjoyment of being surrounded by the harmony of nature. The monastery is one of the most charming landmarks in the country, and is the best example of medieval Armenian architecture. Built in the 10th century, the area features tombs and khachkars from the 10th-16th centuries.

Even though Armenia might not be home to the most magnificent waterfalls in the entire world, it does nonetheless have its share of beautiful ones. Jermuk Waterfall is the second largest waterfall in the country, situated at 2,000 meters (6,562 ft) above sea level and the height of the falls is 70 meters (230 ft). There’s a legend about the waterfall that locals like to tell their foreign visitors about how the waterfall got to be known as the ‘Mermaid’s Hair’ waterfall. As the story goes, once upon a time there was a very beautiful princess that many princes wanted to marry, but she fell in love with a shepherd’s son. They met secretly all the time – she would throw a rope into the gorge so that he could climb up to her. When the king learned about his daughter’s love affair, he forbade her from seeing her beloved and, if she did, she would turn into a mermaid forever. As expected, the enamored ones couldn’t resist despite the threat. This time, instead of the rope, she threw her hair down for her lover, and the curse immediately came true, turning her hair into this gorgeous waterfall.

As the town is known for its healing waters, Jermuk’s “Water Gallery” consists of several pipes that come out from the walls, from which natural mineral water runs right into stone containers. Each pipe shows the water temperature, so you know what to expect before trying it. Each water is also different from the others, and they are believed to have various properties that cure different health issues.

Art lovers will enjoy wandering through the Jermuk Art Gallery to admire the paintings of local painters in its permanent exhibition hall, which showcases around a hundred paintings and sculptures from the period of 1920-1990.