Holiday apartment in Oshakan

Oshakan is a village in Aragatsotn whose special significance is linked to Mesrop Mashtots and the creation of the Armenian alphabet. The Church of Saint Mesrop Mashtots, with his grave, gives the place a specific cultural reason to visit. Anyone who wants to combine history and landscape can regard Oshakan as an independent destination in the area around Ashtarak.

Quick facts about Oshakan

Location: Oshakan is a village in the province of Aragatsotn and belongs to the Ashtarak municipality.

Special feature: The Church of Saint Mesrop Mashtots contains the grave of Mesrop Mashtots, who is associated with the creation of the Armenian alphabet.

Surroundings: Travel reports describe views of Mount Aragats from the landscape around Oshakan.

Mesrop Mashtots and the history of the Armenian alphabet

Aerial view of the Church of Saint Mesrop Mashtots in Oshakan, Armenia — The Church of Saint Mesrop Mashtots in Oshakan houses the grave of Mesrop Mashtots. Photo: Yerevantsi, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.

The reason to visit lies directly in the village: the Church of Saint Mesrop Mashtots preserves the grave of the person associated with the creation of the Armenian alphabet. In this way, history can be experienced at a specific place during a stay in Armenia.

Armenian khachkar in Oshakan — A khachkar in Oshakan as an expression of Armenian culture of remembrance. Photo: Մելքոն Մինասյան, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.

Travel sources describe Oshakan as a place of religious and cultural importance, connected with Armenian remembrance culture and pilgrimage traditions. A khachkar makes this culture of remembrance visible in the village landscape.

Oshakan or Ashtarak as a base?

The choice of location is mainly about the difference between the village itself and nearby Ashtarak. According to local information, Oshakan lies about 3 kilometers southwest of Ashtarak. Anyone choosing a holiday apartment in Oshakan consciously includes the village and its Mesrop Mashtots heritage as part of the travel plan. Accommodation in or closer to Ashtarak is, by contrast, a separate regional option.

Choose Oshakan if the local cultural site is meant to shape the stay. If you want to combine several destinations in Aragatsotn, compare Oshakan and Ashtarak according to the routes you actually plan to take. The geographic proximity is documented; however, no travel times or statements about public transport connections can be inferred from it. You can find a broader comparison of the region on Aragatsotn.

The landscape around Oshakan

The cultural focus can be complemented by a landscape impression: travel reports describe views of Mount Aragats from the area around Oshakan. This view should not be confused with a specific sight, a marked viewpoint, or a hiking route within Oshakan. This keeps the cultural site and the regional scenery clearly separate.

Frequently asked questions about Oshakan

Why is Oshakan interesting for travelers who care about culture?

Oshakan is particularly interesting because of the Church of Saint Mesrop Mashtots and the grave located there. This makes it possible to combine a visit with the history of the Armenian alphabet and religious remembrance culture.

Is Oshakan more of a destination in its own right or a base for the surrounding area?

With its Mesrop Mashtots heritage, Oshakan has its own reason to be visited. At the same time, the village lies about 3 kilometers southwest of Ashtarak. You should therefore match your choice of accommodation to your regional plans.

What kind of landscape can be combined with a visit to Oshakan?

Travel reports describe views of Mount Aragats from the surrounding area. This is an additional landscape impression, without any specific viewpoint or activity being confirmed.