What to Buy

The historic maps at the Book Store of the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin are a good deal, and include the locations of ancient churches and monuments in Armenia, Artsakh and Greater Armenia. The catalogue of the church treasure at the same shop is a good souvenir book, though it is a little heavy for stuffing into backpacks. Ceramic incense burners and totems, gold and silver necklaces and hand copies miniature replicas are cheaper than those found in Yerevan.

Embroidery, macramé and woven jewelry, and woodwork found at the Culture Palace Children's Center are the best priced handcrafts we found, and all proceeds go to help continue their charity work.

The Echmiadzin Shop sells reasonably priced brandy in souvenir bottles (1200-4000AMD) and rarely found and very tasty Tzirani Oghi (tzee-rahn-EE oh-GHEE, apricot vodka) at 1500AMD.

Echmiadzin has two bazaars (in Armenian tonavajar, toh-nah-var-JAR but commonly called by the Russian yarmarka), one inside the Shuka, and the other just above the cinema house off of Kirov Poghots. The bazaars sell everything from clothes and appliances to souvenirs, handcrafts and tools.

Time Out

Outdoor cafes make up the bulk of evening entertainment, but there is a bar in the Cinema House, just north of Town Hall (the Cinema is closed). Plays and concerts are occasionally performed at the Culture Palace on Mashtots Poghots (see Culture Centers above).

For other culture events, check with the Khoren Ter Harutian Sculpture Museum, who will know if an event is just about to occur.

Computer games are located next to the Dentist Polyclinic on Atarbekian Poghots. If all else fails, you can always visit the Bingo Hall, opposite the Culture Palace on Mashtots Poghots.

Swimming, Sports

A delightful surprise, the public swimming pool is 200 meters west of Guyaneh Vank on Issy les Moulineaux Poghots (take the steps to the right as you reach the point where the street curves to the left). The original pool is gargantuan, covering more than a hectare of surface. Unable to maintain a pool of that size, the city wisely focuses on the diving well, and a constant flow of water keeps the pool clean and inviting.

A caution to women travelers: the pool is used exclusively by Armenian boys and young men, who strip down to their underpants while swimming. No one will stop you from swimming, but expect a lot of awkward moments and stares. Free admission.

Just east of the steps to the pool is a weight room, open Mondays to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. Echmiadzin breeds weightlifting champions and boxers, so the workouts are taken quite seriously, and trainers are available to take you through your paces. Admission is 2000AMD per month.

Next to the pool is a large soccer field, open to any who wants to play.