Sights and landmarks in Dilijan

Sights and landmarks in Dilijan

1. See

   Aghavnavank Monastery

   12th-13th century monastic complex. The church is a small structure with the dome in the center and its depositories. It is built with yellowish polished stone. Hood of the dome and roof were covered with polished slabs, but only few of which preserved. Shaped stones of cornice fell down. There are also numerous constructions remained to the south of monument, which most probably constituted logistical and residential premises of the church congregation.

2. See

   Dilijan National Park

   This park surrounds Dilijan town. Most popular activities in the area are here, i.e. hiking, because the town is compact and the surrounding countryside is beautiful and best experienced at low speeds. Some trails can also be done by bicycle—inquire at the national park HQ. It has marked trails and you can discover some lesser-known monasteries, a lake, forests, springs and wildlife. Though, it can sometimes be a "hassle" to pay the entrance, as there is usually no-one on the route who can accept the payment—it may be necessary to pay in the tourist office or the national park HQ.

   500 dram

3. See

   Ecokayan Ponds

   Set in a beautiful valley formed by the Kayenajur rivulet, a left tributary of Argstev river. Very charming landmark for the nature lovers, hikers and peoples to escape from the hustle–and–bustle of the cities. You may go horseback riding and fishing in the ponds, shoot an arrow in the archery, rent a summer house or even book a room in the nearby Ecokayan Dilijan hotel. You may enjoy Dilijan traditional food at the nearby Riverbend Dilijan restaurant - night club.

   Open now · open 24 hours·0

4. See

   Goshavank Monastery

   Goshavank monastery is surrounded by a traditional village. There is a groundskeeper who opens the main church building up for visitors and can give a tour. This is the one church in all of Armenia where entrance to one of the chambers is not free. The chamber is nice, but you can certainly enjoy the rest of the complex without it, especially since it may not be offered in English. There are excellent carved details and khachkars here, but the "lacework" khachkar at Goshavank is one of the most impressive in the world.

5. See

   Haghartsin Monastery

   One of Armenia's most popular monasteries, Haghartsin is nestled in lush forested mountains about a half hour drive from Dilijan. The monastery is in good condition and has a resident priest who sometimes gives tours. There are a few different churches, a large gavit, a huge dining hall, khachkars and a massive hollow tree. A slightly sweet bread is often being baked in an old oven.

6. See

   Lake Parz

   Parz lich

   This clear lake is a dream, a miraculous vision. As poet Gevorg Emin says: “Go to Lake Parz, I urge you to go. One last time I tell you to go as long as the magic is there.” The lake's altitude is 1,350 m, length – 300 m, width – 70-80 m. Water temperature reaches 15.5°C at summertime. There is a restaurant overlooking the lake.

7. See

   Lake Tzrka

   A long time ago, leeches were bred here for traditional and non-traditional medicines. There are no longer leeches now, but the lake is called Tzrka by their name. It is better to travel by foot rather than by car to enjoy the beautiful wildlife surrounding the lake.

8. See

   Mantash Fortress

   Ashot Yerkat Fortress, Mantashberd

   It was built under the Arab rule and was one of Armenia's invulnerable fortresses. Ruins of the fortress has two entrances, the doors of which were made of large stones. The passable parts of the mountain are fortified with walls that have pyramid-shaped towers on top.

9. See

   Molokan Villages

   If you take the highway toward Vanadzor, a few of the villages you pass will be those of the Molokans. A Russian old believer sect, much like the Amish in Pennsylvania, they grow beards and shun technology.

10. See

    Museum of Folk Art after V. Sharambeyan

    The building used for this museum was built at the end of the 19th century and served as a summer house of Princess Mariam Tumanyan. Works of contemporary folk masters and self-taught artists are collected here, as are significant ethnographic exhibits.

    Tue-Sat 11:00-18:00, Sun 11:00-16:00·300 dram

11. See

    Old Dilijan historic complex

    A little cobbled street with the traditional buildings. Created in 1979 by artist Hovhannes Sharambeyan. The aim of the historic center was to present the history of Dilijan, its lifestyle, and the interest of the people who live there. Here instead of the previously established workshops and houses, 16 studios were opened where you could see items used in everyday life as well as handmade works of Dilijan craftsmen and artists. In 2005 the territory was leased by American-Armenian businessman James Tufenkian, who has already had a list of hotel complexes named “Tufenkian Hospitality” Ltd.

12. See

    Rundown theme park

    Remains of a Soviet-era theme park. Consists of a few lanes with trees and rundown roller coasters. There have been some rumors that it will be renovated by the owners of United World College Dilijan and turned into a local Disneyland, but no exact dates are given for when this would be done.

13. See

    The Geological Museum and Art Gallery of Dilijan

    Here are some excerpts from the "Page Info" page of this small museum's Facebook site: "The Geological Museum and Art Gallery of Dilijan which was founded in 1950... provides a comprehensive view of the history of the Dilijan Region, the historical development of the local people, their way of life, material culture monuments, historical and geographical conditions.""[The land of Dilijan was so rich in archeological relics] that it... was able to provide museums of the... city with [items that are] more than 3,000 years old.... The rare pictures stored here also make the Geological Museum of Dilijan a treasury." It contains works by Armenian and Russian painters, "Dutch, Italian and French painters of the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries", etc.Following your guided tour of the museum, you can participate in a hands-on workshop The Art of Printmaking which will help you discover and differentiate among the artistic processes and practices of printmaking. The workshop will also teach you the specialized technique of transferring images from a matrix (e.g., a metal plate, block of wood, stone, linoleum) onto another surface, such as paper or fabric. All necessary materials and equipment are provided to create your own print based on already-incised images on different matrices. At the end of the workshop, you will be able to take home your new artwork.

    Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00; during summer till 21:00

14. See Not mapped

    Historic museum

    In a 19th century house decorated with furniture, carpets and crockery of that time.

    3,000 dram

15. See Not mapped

    Jukhtak Vank Monastery

    A nice little an 11th– or 12th-century monastery. Huge iron bands hold one of the two churches together, preventing its collapse.

16. See Not mapped

    Matosavank Monastery

    A 13th-century small Armenian monastery, hidden in a forested area 3 km northwest from the town. It sits in close proximity to the monastery of Jukhtak Vank as well as to a nearby cemetery. The church is in ruin and it is easy to miss, and not terribly interesting from the outside, but the inside is a cool, moist, green, mossy world unto itself. The low light illuminating bright green algae-covered khachkars is very soothing, and the environment transports you far from your daily life.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Dilijan (CC BY-SA 4.0).