Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Maralik
Maralik is situated on the southern central region of Shirak Province. It is located south of Gyumri, the capital town of Shirak. Maralik sits on the M1 motorway at the intersection of H21 motorway. Maralik is sits on the western slope of Aragats Mountain. Besides a few churches and a ruined fortress, there are not many places to visit in Maralik. It is one of those quaint little towns you would visit on the way to another major tourist attraction. All things to do in Maralik are prominently nature oriented. Mount Maralik & Mount Achkasar are great terrains for hiking and mountaineering among things to do in Maralik.
In the Armenian language the name Maralik literally translates to little deer. There is a local legend associated with Saint Stephen behind this name. The story goes that on the day of feat of St. Stephen a deer would walk down by itself to the St. Stephen Monastery and offer itself for sacrifice. Unfortunately a hunter once shot a deer with a gun before it could reach the Monastery, thus breaking the tradition. The sacrifice remained incomplete and deers have not since been seen in the locality. It is this story behind Maralik being named as such.
Among places to visit in Maralik are the Churches of St. Paul, St. Peter, and St. Stephen. The Ghushi Chapel, located not far from the town is also among things to see in Maralik. Another major Maralik tourist attraction is the Church of the Holy Mother of God, also known as the Red Monastery. The ruined castle of Gusanagyugh is also a great place for Maralik sightseeing. Engraved stones known as khachkars are also among Maralik attractions. Besides these, there are not many places to visit in Maralik travel. You can head towards the mountains for some nature views among things to do in Maralik. But that’s about it.
Maralik is a town worth a one day visit. You can also include Maralik travel while going across the western provinces of Armenia. The places to visit in Maralik fall on the M1 motorway which is a popular road between Yerevan & Gyumri, two of the largest cities in Armenia. So you can also plan for things to do in Maralik as a stopover on journey between the two cities. The things to see in Maralik are not that far from each other either, so you can be done with Maralik sightseeing within a span of few hours. Maralik tourist attractions are not considered by many as primary attractions to visit in Armenia, but you can add these places to your itinerary, if the town falls in your route to other major attractions.
Table of Contents
Things to do in Maralik, Armenia
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Maralik, Armenia
- Arakelots Monastery
- Hogevank Monastery
- Gusanagyugh Fortress
- Poghos-Petros Church
- Saint Stephen Church
- Ghushi Chapel
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Places to Visit in Maralik, Armenia
- Maralik Plain
- Mount Maralik
- Mount Achkasar
How to Reach Maralik, Armenia?
By Air
The nearest airport for Maralik travel is the Shirak International Airport in Gyumri. From the airport you will have to head south for all things to do in Maralik. The other airports for Maralik travel are an entire province away. If you are traveling from Yerevan, which is the most popular starting point for tourists in Armenia, you will have to head northwards for things to see in Maralik. You will also have to cross the at least one province before you reach Maralik.
By Road
Maralik stands on motorway M1 & also intersects with motorway H21. If you are visiting from Maralik attractions from the north or south, you will have to take the M1 motorway. If you are coming for Maralik sightseeing from east, then take the H21 motorway. The Maralik bus-stop stands at the intersection of H21 motorway & M1 motorway. The southern & eastern route are both incredible for Maralik tourist attractions.
By Water
A water route for Maralik travel is not an option. The nearest large water body is a country away from Maralik on each side. So for all means and purposes, all things to do in Maralik need to be explored by road.
