Tourism

Jermuk is part of the historical Syunik province of Armenia. The town and its surroundings are dotted with numerous historical-cultural monuments and sights, while the deep gorges, high cliffs, and caves are enticing for adventure tourism enthusiasts. Jermuk is particularly attractive for its natural sights. One of Armenia's most water-abundant rivers, the Arpa, flows through the town. Its deep gorge divides not only the town but also the mountain range of Vayots Dzor. Within this scenic gorge lies the Jermuk Waterfall – "Mermaid's Tresses" – standing 70 meters high. Other stone monuments are also found here: "The Arch of Dreams" and "The Incomparable Heart". During his visit to Jermuk, the renowned writer William Saroyan was asked to describe the town in one word. He said "sun" and wrote it in Latin letters in the Jermuk Gorge. The calling card of Jermuk is its mineral water drinking gallery, located in the center of the resort town. It's a 5-minute walk from the "Ararat" Sanatorium to the drinking gallery, passing through the city park. This columned structure with unique architectural solutions has become one of the symbols of Jermuk. Five mineral waters of different temperatures – ranging from 30°C to 53°C – flow in the gallery. The drinking gallery is adjacent to the town's small lake, where one can enjoy coffee and unforgettable relaxation on a floating raft. A beautiful promenade begins here, lined with rock fragments carved with busts of Armenian brave fedayis. Nature has created many wonders in Jermuk. Among them are the natural mineral water springs (geysers), whose healing properties were mentioned centuries ago. From the "Ararat" Sanatorium, it takes just 15-20 minutes by all-terrain vehicle to reach the currently active and famous "Sayat Nova" geyser, visited for bathing in its natural mineral water pool, relaxing, and restoring energy amidst pristine nature. Jermuk as a settlement is indeed first mentioned only in the 13th century by the historian Stepanos Orbelian (in "History of the Province of Sisakan"). However, the stone ruins, remnants of a cyclopean fortress, and an 8th-century church still present here attest to habitation in earlier times. Furthermore, the remains of a swimming pool built in the Middle Ages prove that Jermuk's mineral water was used as a healing remedy centuries earlier. The pool was reconstructed in the 1860s by Tsarist official Gevorg Khanagyants, hence its popular name "Pristav's Gyol" (Pristav's Pool). In 1967, Jermuk gained the status of a city of republican significance, and in 1970, the status of a resort of all-Union significance. The entire beauty of Jermuk and its surrounding area is visible from the town's 1 km-long cable car, whose highest point is at 2480 m. From here, one can admire the beautiful panorama of Jermuk. The cable car has 2 ski slopes, considered semi-professional, allowing for the organization of international competitions. Among the town's other attractions, it's impossible not to mention the Arpa-Sevan Tunnel, the Kechut Reservoir, and "Margartatsatsik" (Pearl Flower). The town is also rich in monuments. Jermuk has always been a source of inspiration for artists; many come here specifically to create. There is an art gallery in the town with a rich collection, where exhibitions of renowned artists are also regularly held. A vernissage of folk masters operates in the town center, featuring daily exhibitions of paintings.