Bjni - Hankavan

• Surb Astvatsatsin Church (11th century)
• Bjni fortress (9th c.)
• Bjni drinking mineral water 
• Reservoir in Hankavan
• Greek church in Hankavan (19th century)
• Hot mineral spring in Hankavan (pool)

The first stop of our tour is in Bjni, which famous for its mineral waters and a number of cultural and historical monuments. Here we will see Surb Astvatsatsin church  (Holy Mother of God) (11th century) and the cross-domed Surb Sarkis church, as well as the Bjni fortress surrounded by impregnable rocks. The exact time of the construction of the fortress is unknown. It has been mentioned since the early Middle Ages. At the entrance to the fortress we will see a secret passage leading to the Hrazdan River. It was of essential importance for the provision of population with water and food.

Then we will go to the mineral waters of Bjni. The source of natural water is a mineralized hydrocarbonate-chloride, sodium-magnesium healing mineral water, in which toxic elements are within the normal range. Bjni driking mineral water is considered an analogue of the popular Essentuki-17 mineral water.

On our way we will also stop and take photos near the picturesque Hankavar reservoir. 

Our next stop is the Greek church, which can be considered as one of the symbols of Hankavan., 250 Greeks lived in Hankavan village in 1989. Today, only three Greek families remain here. Hankavan cemetery of the XIX-XX centuries is an evidence of the large number of Greeks living here once. However, the St. George Church built in 1850-1890 is the most striking evidence of the Greek trace here.

And, finally, the last point of the tour program is the hot mineral spring in Hankavan. Those who wish can swim in the pool of a hot mineral spring or relax in the forest. The hot waters of the Hankavan mineral spring originate in the gorge of the Marmarik River. The mineral waters of Hankavan contain chloride-sodium-calcium-magnesium compounds: thanks to this unique composition, they contribute to the activation of regenerative processes in the body. The healing waters of Hankavan are indicated for gastrointestinal diseases and metabolic disorders.

Departure: 09:00

Arrival: 20:00

Departure place: Hakob Hakobyan str. 1

Total distance: 180 km