The Arch of Charents is located about 20 minutes north of Yerevan’s city center, in the village of Voghjaberd, Kotayk Province. Its location could not be more ideal, as it offers a breathtaking view of the biblical Mount Ararat. The arch is named after the famous Armenian writer Yeghishe Charents, whose renowned words are carved on the tympanum of the arch:
“There is no summit as snow-white as that of lofty Ararat;
Like an inaccessible path to glory, I love my Mount Masis!”
The locals refer to Masis as the highest peak of mount Ararat, and “Masis” literally translates to “big mountain.”
The viewing platform was built in 1957 by architect Rafael Israyelyan. It is constructed from basalt and volcanic stone known as tuff.
Many people believed that Israyelyan chose this exact spot for observation because it was the favorite place of Yeghishe Charents. However, in reality, Israyelyan often visited Garni Temple and Geghard Monastery, and he admired the majestic view of Mount Ararat from this location.
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