Places Loec Wants to Go

Unique Armenian monastery from the 13th century, reclaimed by nature but still welcoming visitors.

This often-missed monastery, set in a scenic mountain landscape, features unique frescoes, fortifications and legends.

A museum dedicated to traditional Armenian clothing and their designer.

One man’s collection of photography books has transformed into a charming exhibition space.

Despite producing just a handful of movies, a brave and lyrical filmmaker has an entire museum dedicated to him.

Armenia's premier center of astrophysical research was established during the Soviet era.

Hundreds of intricately carved Armenian stone crosses can be found within this huge cemetery.

This modern tandoor eatery was once a canteen for Soviet farmers.

The observation point offers spectacular views of the ruins of an ancient Armenian capital.

The ruins of a medieval monastery built on a perilous slope.

This little medieval church hidden in the center of Yerevan was lost and rediscovered—twice.

This series of Armenian caves held the oldest brain, shoe, and winery in the world.

Centuries before the modern seismograph, Armenian monks measured quakes with this tilting pillar.

This ancient monastery complex was transformed from an island to a peninsula when the lake was partially drained.

This medieval manuscript collection has some of the most obscure and ancient texts in the world.

Right up until the 20th century this network of man-made caves was the biggest village in Eastern Armenia.

The most visited pilgrimage site in Armenia once held a saint in a pit for 13 years.

This Armenian monastery was carved out of cliffs and named after the spear used to stab Jesus.

A geological oddity topped with a 2,000-year-old pagan temple.

This tiny cafe is one of the last meeting places of its kind, allowing revolutionaries a place to plot.

A private garden of sculptural eccentricities.

These medieval ruins have survived since the 12th century, even providing shelter from the Nazis.

An often-shuddersome journey into a low-tech, robotic themepark.

Hidden away in the heart of the village is the curated plant world of contemporary artist Max Sauze.