Harvest of Persimmons + Odzun Monastery, Old Sanahin bridge, Alaverdi, Akhtala Monastery and Fortress, Aramyants Castle + Gift 5 kg of Persimmons

Program:

400 km

• Odzun Monastery
• Old Sanahin bridge
• Alaverdi town 
• Akhtala Monastery and Fortress 
• Aramyants Castle 
• Harvest of Persimmons

The nature and sights of the Lori region always attract numerous tourists. Today we will get acquainted with some of the beautiful sights of Lori and will combine it with the harvesting of persimmons.

During the tour we will visit Odzun Monastery, see the famous Sanahin ancient bridge, Alaverdi town, Surb Astvatsatsin Monastery in Akhtala, Akhtala fortress and Aramyants castle, as well as will take part in the process of harvesting of persimmons, receiving 5 kg of persimmons as a gift.

Odzun is located on a high plateau on the left bank of the Debed gorge, 8 km southwest of Alaverdi town. The village and its surroundings are rich in medieval architectural monuments. In the center of the village there is a domed basilica of the 5th-6th centuries. It has a pronounced commonality with the early medieval three-nave basilicas. The construction of the church is traditionally assigned to Hovnan Odznetsi, however, researchers do not consider this fact to be reliable.

The architectural composition and artistic style of church's decoration is close to the constructions of the end of the 6th century. It was known as the Church of Surb Astvatsatsin, Surb Nshan, Surb Hovhannes, Khachgond, Khachgund. The last name is associated with the name of priest Khachgund buried in the yard of the church, in whose memory an inscribed ornamented cross-stone was erected in 1291. Near the church there is a stele of the early Christian period, a beautiful monument symbolizing the victory of Christianity in Armenia.

The Sanahin old bridge on the Debed River is located on the section of the old Alaverdi-Sanain road. It stands out for its interesting construction and was built in the 12th century. The single-span bridge of the original composition is tied to the  relief of the area: one of the abutments of the bridge rests on a high rocky bank, the other on a low one. Historical sources testify that the bridge was built by one of the Armenian queens in memory of her untimely deceased husband.

The complex of architectural monuments of Akhtala is located on a high wide plateau bordered by deep gorges and occupies a special place in the Armenian medieval culture. This is one of the valuable examples of the Armenian Chalcedonian (Orthodox) architecture and fine arts. The territory of Akhtala is one of the earliest human settlements. The monuments of III-I millennium BC, the burials in stone boxes dated back to the 8th-6th centuries, as well as valuable clay and metal artifacts were found here. The Akhtala fortress is supposed to be founded in the 10th century by the Bagratuni-Kyurikyans' princely family ruling this area until the end of the 12th century. 

The next stop of the tour is the castle of maecenas Aramyants. It was built in the Swiss style. The Declaration on the establishment of the First Republic of Armenia was adopted here.

The last point of the tour program is the harvest of persimmons. Here treatment will be also waiting for us: eco dairy products and persimmons.

Departure: 07:30

Arrival: 22:30

Departure place: Hakob Hakobyan str. 1

Total distance: 400 km