Places to visit

Dilijan is a resort town with mild climate, fresh air in the northeast of Yerevan. It is famous for its amazing surroundings, called the "Armenian Switzerland" by the locals, due to the densely forested valleys and mountains with alpine meadows around. It is an excellent center for walking. It has about 23,000 residents.

Within town, for the most part, walking is quite easy. The tourist information center also has a few bicycles for rent if you'd like to go a bit further. If you need to get to some of the regional monasteries, your best bet is negotiating a package deal with the taxis. You can have the tourist information office help you translate and negotiate, as most of the drivers will not speak English.

Local taxi drivers

AQUA Taxi ☎ +374 98 209 009 (a taxi company based in Yerevan, preferably for Yerevan-Dilijan trips)
Armen ☎ +374 93 914 718 (limited English)
Arsen ☎ +374 98 823 288 (limited English)
Artur ☎ +374 93 997 439 (English)
Gor ☎ +374 77 959 935 (English)
Grigor ☎ +374 99 339 090 (English)
GG shuttle, offers taxi and shuttle services
YandexGo app

SEE

Aghavnavank Monastery

Aghavnavank Monastery (also Anapat St. Astvatsatsin, Aghnabat) is a 12th-13th century monastic complex located at Dilijan National Park on the outskirts of Aghavnavank village of the Tavush Province of Armenia. The forest – Aghnabat, surrounding the monastery, is famous for its Yew Grove Reservation. There is a picnic place with trees about 50 meters from the monastery, on the bank of a river. The church is a small structure with the dome in the center and its depositaries.

"Armenia" in the likeness of the goddess Anahit

This sculpture was created in 1960 by Karlen Nuridzhanyan as part of the celebrations of the 40th anniversary of Soviet Armenia. Over several weeks, artists and sculptors worked right outside the building of the Union of Artists in Yerevan. As a result of this marathon (this is what we would call this event today), the sculpture “Armenia” was designed, which was soon transported to Dilijan.
Nuridzhanyan's contemporaries believe that in traits of the warlike yet tender girl, the author embodied the image of the goddess Anahit, who symbolizes fertility, motherhood, and rebirth.

Central Bank and excursion to the museum of money

The visitors of the city may be interested in the excursions to the Museum of Armenian Dram, housed in the Center, where you might get to know not only about the history of the Armenian currency but also about trade relations in the region.

City center and the Soviet heritage

After Dilijan received the status of a resort city of republican subordination in 1958, an active improvement of the urban environment began. In addition to the recreational area, the main sight of which was the artificial lake, a new administrative center was also created. Administrative buildings were constructed in a modernist style, which was at the peak of popularity at that time (by the way, the Armenian architects of that time were distinguished by bold decisions and contributed not only to the Soviet but also to world architecture). It consisted of the Palace of Culture, the building of the city council of the Communist Party of Armenia, the communication house, the cinema, the city library, and the department store.

City park and the artificial lake

Dilijan is a perfect place for long walks, reflections, creativity, and a fresh start. This is one of the main recreational areas, which is so loved by locals and tourists that it has become associated with the city center.

Dilijan National Park

Dilijan Reserve surrounding town has some marked hiking trails you can try out and discover some lesser-known monasteries, a lake, forests, springs and wildlife.

Drunken forest

The "Drunken forest" is a great option for hikes and hikers. To get to the forest, you do not need to leave the city, since the Drunken forest is located right in Dilijan.

Gosh Lake

The Lake is a cozy corner in Dilijan mountains. The surface area of the lake is 2000 m². The depth is 6-10 meters and in parts more than 10 meters. This lake is a source of rock, located to the north of its bank. Near the lake is Gosh village. The water is used for drinking and agricultural purposes. Long ago leeches were bred here for traditional and non-traditional medicines. There are no longer leeches now, but the lake is called Tzrka by its name. It is better to travel by foot rather than by car to enjoy the beautiful and delicate wildlife surrounding the lake. Swimming in the lake is not recommended.

Goshavank Monastery

(40 minutes north of Dilijan). Goshavank monastery is surrounded by a traditional village, and has a groundskeeper who opens the main church building up for visitors, and can give a tour.

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 baked in an old oven.

Jukhtak Vank Monastery

A nice little monastery just on the edge of Dilijan, a short 10-minute hike from the Dilijan Mineral Water plant. Huge iron bands hold one of the two churches together, preventing its collapse.

King of the forest

This is how a very unusual sculpture “The King of the Forest” was created, which blended with Dilijan forests. The forest king or forest deity, by spreading his arms wide and as if embracing the whole forest, protects the forest inhabitants from all kinds of evil spirits.

Dilijan Central Library

The oldest public library in Armenia, the Dilijan Central Library named after Ghazaros Aghayan, operates in Dilijan. For over a century, the library has delighted book lovers of the city with masterpieces of Armenian, Russian, and world classical literature, professional and scientific literature, nonfiction, and novelties of modern authors.

Local Lore Museum and Art Gallery of Dilijan

Museum gallery was opened to present Dilijan mode of life in the late 19th- and early 20th-century. It was unique and different compared to other regions, because the first habitants were rich people and aristocrats from Transcaucasus largest cities. They came here because of summer cottages, which were more, than continually inhabited houses.

Mantash Fortress (Ashot Yerkat Fortress, Kara-Kala)

The fortress is located on top of a steep mountain, on the right bank of Aghstev River, about 25 km north-east from Dilijan. It was built under the Arab rule and was one of Armenian invulnerable fortresses.

Matinov's fountain

On the way to “Rotonda” take a look at an interesting, decorated fountain, which was installed more than a century ago.
This ornament memorial fountain was installed in 1880 by Vahan Matinov. Previously, such fountains were much more common, as affluent and famous families installed them in the quarters of the old city in memory of their families. The Matinovs belonged to that category, and they moved to Dilijan and Ijevan. It is known that Vahan Matinov opened a grocery store in the city.

The house of the Matinovs (Dilijan citizens call it “Matnants”) was situated right opposite the fountain.

Matosavank Monastery

(Follow the marked trail from the water bottlers.). Matosavank is a 25 minute hike from the Dilijan Mineral Water plant. It is easy to miss, and not terribly interesting from the outside, but the inside is a cool, moist, green, mossy world unto itself.

Monument dedicated to the 50th anniversary of Soviet Armenia

This monument can be surely considered the most recognizable monument of Dilijan, a distinctive symbol of the city. It’s visible from almost everywhere in Dilijan.
The monument was built in honor of the 50th anniversary of Soviet Armenia, in 1970. Each of the 5 parts symbolizes one decade. This monument can’t be described as outdated. The modernist style and minimalism, which is so trendy nowadays, give it a new symbolism and relevance. Now it is one of the main art objects of the city and fits seamlessly into the landscape.

Monument to the heroes of the film "Mimino"

An excerpt from the film:
- Valik jan (dear Valik). If you just open the tap water in the kitchen, the water starts flowing. It ranks second in the world.
- And Yerevan ranks first, right?
- No, San Francisco does.

The monument to the heroes of the cult Soviet film "Mimino", which was built near the artificial lake in 2011, is undoubtedly the most popular and photographed tourist attraction in the city. It is always crowded near the monument. At least we haven't seen it empty yet, except perhaps when the weather is bad.
Tourists take photos with bronze sculptures of the film's heroes and try Dilijan water, which was so praised by the hero of Frunzik Mkrtchyan, the good-natured truck driver Rubik Khachikyan "from sunny Dilijan".

Monument to the soldiers of the Great Patriotic War

This is the biggest monument to Soviet soldiers in Transcaucasia, the author of which is the honored Dilijan sculptor and architect Khoren Vatinyan.
It's monumental and powerful, but at the same time very emotional and profound work. In the author's view, the memorial resembles a cross, an image of a warrior carrying a wounded comrade from the battlefield.

Mount Dimats

Dimats is a mountain peak in the Tavush region of Armenia, in the southwestern part of the Ijevan Mountains, 5 km northwest of the village of Haghartsin. With a height of about 2378 meters above sea level, it rises above the surrounding forests and valleys. Dimats Mountain is visible from almost any point of Dilijan, and is also visible during hiking in the Dilijan Nature Reserve.
This majestic natural landmark is famous for its unique nature, diverse flora, as well as impressive panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Museum-Workshop of Ashot Babayan

A real wooden fairy tale, which turned into reality thanks to the skillful hands of master Ashot Babayan. Here you can find Danko's heart, and Genie's lamp, and hundreds of other bizarre works. According to the master, each work carries its unique message, he does everything for a reason.

Museum of Folk Art

Right at the center of Dilijan and near the river Agstev, the summer house of Princess Mariam Tumanyan was located. Now it is the Dilijan Branch of Yerevan State Museum of Folk Art. With the initiation of the last resident of the house, Hovhannes Sharamberyan, the building was turned into a museum of folk art. Contemporary folk masters and self-taught artists’ works are collected there. Museum includes significant ethnographic exhibits as it is well known, the folk art and ethnography are closely related to each other.

Old Dilijan Complex

"Old Dilijan" museum complex was initiated and formed in 1979 by artist Hovhannes Sharambeyan. The aim of the museum was to present the history of Dilijan, its lifestyle, and the interest of the people who live there.

Parz Litsh (Clear Lake)

Clear Lake is a dream or a miraculous vision one can ever imagine. It is located on the 9th km north-east from Dilijan, in the north-west of Areguni Mountain Chain, on a marvelously forested slope. The lake is of a landslide interdiction origin with outflow. Its altitude is 1350 m, the length – 300 m, the width – 70-80 m, and the depth – up to 10 m.

"Rotonda" and the new amphitheater

It’s a small ensemble, which consists of an amphitheater, a sculpture of a girl with a jug in her hands, and a classical arch with columns, designed in the Greek style. Therefore, guests of the city are often unaware that this is a completely new amphitheater.
At present, various cultural and youth events are held in the amphitheater. One can get a wonderful view of Dilijan from here.

Space Center

Dilijan Space is a research and culture center featuring both permanent and temporary exhibitions
The exhibition about Dilijan provides a unique perspective on the city, blending the resort theme with a narrative on its industrial heritage and how large-scale trends have influenced its architecture. Here, visitors can view not only existing objects but also those that have vanished, explore ambitious yet unrealized projects, and even get a glimpse into the future.

VereV Rope Park

The longest rope park in Armenia. VereV is located in a forested area and can be a great option for an exciting pastime in Dilijan, not outside it.

Other Sights

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, shun technology and have their own religion.

Sevan Lake and Sevanavank Monastery

Lake Sevan: Armenia’s Largest Lake. A national landmark, it is by far the largest body of water in the entirety of Armenia, taking up 5% of the country’s territory.
Lake Sevan is home to Sevanavank monastery, located on the peninsula. There are two churches on the peninsula of Sevan. These two churches were built in 874 AD and together form the Sevanavank Monastery.

BUY

You can buy many of these souvenirs and gifts at the exhibition of craftsmen at the DILIJAN RUN festival.

BuduArt

Another original art studio was founded in 2008 by Dilijan artists Arman Badeyan and Margarita Malkhasyan. Here visitors can take part in master classes in jewelry making, batik, and drawing.
Behind the walls of an old 19th-century house on Myasnikyan Street there is a studio-workshop, which was founded by a married couple, artists Arman Badeyan and Margarita Malkhasyan. Here visitors can discover their creative potential in a pleasant atmosphere: learn how to hand-paint on fabric, linocut and make jewelry from copper. Guests can take all their creations home as souvenirs. In Buduart you can buy various accessories, jewelry and paintings that reflect the natural beauty of Dilijan.

Bojo stones Shop

Jewelry made of natural stones and silver. On Sharambeyan Street (entrance from Myasnikyan Street) there is another shop selling precious and semi-precious mineral stones, jewelry souvenirs and jewelry. The owner of the store is businessman Artak Bojikyan. In the workshop, where anyone can make a gift personally, Artak conducts master classes on laser engraving on wood, painting on jewelry, brooches, magnets, etc.

Dilijan community center

Soft handmade dolls made by Dilijan children. As part of the Dilijan Community Center, which serves as a platform for arts and crafts, children make wonderful handmade dolls. Each of them has its own unique story written by the children of Dilijan. By purchasing a doll as a souvenir, you will support the activities of the community center.

UWC Dilijan merch

Souvenirs, T-shirts, hoodies, bags and much more will be sold at our festival on the territory of UWC Dilijan.

Armenecoop

A small business of creating canvas bags, pencil cases, aprons, etc. was opened by Arthur and Aida Kazaryan, a married couple from Dilijan.
Armenecoop also makes starter packages for DILIJAN RUN.

Wood Carving

The Wood Carving workshop of Grigor Hovsepyan, who has been engaged in wood carving for 25 years, is located on the old street of masters in the Tufenkian Old Dilijan hotel complex. All the carving is done manually, this process can take from half an hour to a year – depending on the amount and complexity. Grigor uses mainly wild pear and walnut wood in his works. Also in the workshop you can buy some of his artful products: khachkars, carved letters, etc.

Gogchyan Pottery workshop

In the Tufenkian Old Dilijan hotel complex there is another studio-workshop on ceramics, where Arsen Gogchyan works. It can be recognized by the plate "Ceramist". Arsen creates ceramic products – mainly tableware/crockery, but there are also small souvenirs in the form of bells with Armenian letters and magnets.

EAT

Café #2

17, 1 Maxim Gorky St, Dilijan
☎ 060 700805
9:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Cafe #2 is a community student-run cafe that offers beautiful views of the lake, natural lighting, and amazing food and drinks. Serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee and drinks. It is a cozy place and it is located in the very center of the Dilijan. It is a nice place where you can come with family and friends, have a good food and spend a nice time. The Café #2 is the first creative cafe in Dilijan.