Sevanavank, Hin Dilijan, Goshavanq, Gosh lake

·         Sevanavank Monastery

·         Old Dilijan

·         Goshavank Monastery

·         Gosh Lake/ hiking                     

We will start our journey from the Sevanavank Monastery, which is located on the Sevan peninsula. The first church of the monastery complex was built on the island of Sevan in 305 by Gregory the Illuminator. The monastery of Sevanavank is also known as "Mariamashen", that is, "built by Mariam". An inscription on one of the churches testifies that Sevanavank was founded by Princess Mariam in 874.

After getting acquainted with the Sevanavank Monastery we will continue our way to Dilijan town.  In Old Dilijan we will see a unique historical street of Sharambeyan, where we will feel the breath of the old Dilijan of the 19th century. In the area there is a cafe, restaurant, bakery, and other interesting places representing the special life of the 19th century. Various craftsmen (potters, carpenters) exhibit their works in the territory of the street, that is why the street is often called the "street of carftsmen". Nearby we will also see a monument to the heroes of the "Mimino" film, where three main characters of the popular film are embodied: Frunzik Mkrtchyan (Rubik Khachikyan), Yevgeny Leonov (Ivan Volokhov) and Vakhtang Kikabidze (Valiko Mizandari).

The next point of the tour is Goshavank Monastery. The monastery was founded by Mkhitar Gosh, who was a famous spiritual scholar, fable-writer and jurist. The monastery was erected in the place of Old Getik Monastery, which was completely destroyed as a result of the earthquake of 1186. The construction of the monastery started at the end of XII century and came to its end in about one hundred years. That’s why it is more unified by the architecture of the monuments included in it. It was initially called New Getik Monastery, afterwards it inherited the name of its founder and was called Goshavank.

Goshavank was one of the famous centers of medieval spiritual culture and manuscript-writing. In the seminary working here were taught the following disciplines: law, history, philosophy as well as arts (architecture, miniature-painting, music, calligraphy). The spiritual figures who had studied here (Vanakan Vardapet, Kirakos Gandzaketsi and others), continuing the traditions of their school, later established spiritual schools in other places.

While Mkhitar Gosh was an abbot, here were erected two small churches (Surb Lusavorich, built of wood, and Surb Hovhannes-Karapet). Neither of the churches has survived. Surb Astvatsatsin Church with its narthex is also here. The construction of the monastery continued till the end of the XIII century.

Then we will continue our journey along forest paths and off-road to the picturesque Gosh lake which attracts tourists at any time of the year.

From  Gosh village we will walk to one of the most picturesque lakes in Armenia – Lake Gosh. The total length of hiking is about 5 km. It is an easy hiking. Sports shoes and comfortable clothes are required, it is advisable to have sun protection items  (glasses, hat, cream) and a daily supply of food and water.

The lake is so picturesque and nice that attracts tourists at any season of the year.

Departure: 08:30
Arrival:  21:30

Departure place: Hakob Hakobyan str. 1/ next to the Mergelyan Institute