Mount Aragats ("Արագած" in Armenian) is the highest point in Armenia located in the province of Aragatsotn, northwest from Yerevan. It is a standalone extinct stratovolcano with four main peaks forming the rim of the crater, and is a popular destination for local alpinists. Located on its slopes are the Byurakan Observatory and the medieval Amberd Fortress. The observatory is known worldwide, and it is one of the main observatories in the world. Mount Aragats is a popular destination for tourists, especially in summer. To the south of the mountain is Ashtarak, one of the main cities. On the other sides of the mountains are villages and towns.
According to legend, Grigor Lusavorich (Gregory the Illuminator), climbed to the top of Aragats to pray and witnessed a light descending upon him from heaven. The legend claims that this same light can be seen today, but only by those chosen to be able to see it.
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