Odzun

Located on a vast plateau overlooking the majestic Debed canyon, about 10 km south of the town of Alaverdi, the village of Odzun is one of the ancient settlements of the Gugark province of the historic Kingdom of Armenia, and one of the largest villages in the country. Odzun is renowned in Armenia for it is not only the birthplace of one of the Catholicoi of the Armenian church, Hovhannes Odznetsi (John of Odzun), but also home to a unique Armenian church, the Basilica of Odzun, the history of which dates back to as early as the 4th century.

The village derives its name from the Armenian word “to ordain,” “otsel.” According to Christian tradition, in the 1st century Thomas the Apostle, one of the 12 apostles of Christ, had priests ordained here, thus the name of the village.

Odzun is a popular tourist destination among locals, as a result of which, the village has a more or less developed tourism infrastructure, including hotels, guest houses, marked hiking trails, etc.

What to see in and around Odzun

Odzun Basilica
Horomayr Monastery (3 km)
St. John Monastery of Ardvi (8.5 km)
Odzi Port (Dragon Belly) natural monument (8.2 km)

Alaverdi

The city of Alaverdi is located in the northeastern part of Armenia, not far from the Armenian-Georgian border, at the bottom of the Debed canyon. An important commercial and industrial center, Alaverdi has a population of over 13000 people (as of 2017). The settlement acquired the status of a city in 1939 but archaeological evidence suggests that the area was most probably already inhabited during the 1st half of the 2nd millennium BCE. Later, between the 8th and 6th centuries BC, the area became part of the Urartu Kingdom.

Working tools, weapons, and jewelry made of copper and bronze were found here during archaeological excavations. The oldest find was a copper axe dated back to the second half of 3rd millennium BCE. Copper was mined in this area from ancient times.

In the 18th century, Greek miners settled in the area and founded a copper smelting plant. Not long after nearly a quarter of the entire Russian copper was being mined here. Copper played a key role in Alaverdi’s economy. Another major factor that contributed to the boost of the city’s development was the construction of the railway connecting Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, to the city of Gyumri.

Today, tourism is on the rise here, too. In and around the community of Alaverdi, there are many historical and cultural monuments, of which the most famous is the UNESCO World Heritage site monastery of Sanahin, a masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture. Another major historical site is the Old Bridge of Sanahin, built over the Debed river at the end of the 12th century.

What to see in Alaverdi

Sanahin Monastery
Sanahin Old Bridge
Alaverdi Art Gallery
Mikoyan Brothers Museum

Akhtala

Located on the left bank of the Debed river, on the slopes of Mt. Lalvar, the town of Akhtala is known for its copper mines, for which it was called Pghndzahank (Copper Mine) in the past. In 1763, experienced Pontic Greek miners settled in the area to mine copper and silver. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area of today’s Akhtala has been populated since the early Bronze Age. French archaeologist Jacques de Morgan conducted excavations in 1887-1889 and discovered an ancient burial site with items made of bronze and iron, including weapons dating back to the 8th century BC.

Today, the town consists of three neighborhoods: the old town, the new town, and the eastern neighborhood on the shore of Debed river.

The town has an elevation of 740 meters above sea level, the summers here are cool and dry, and the winters are mild.

Akhtala is one of the must-visit destinations in the north of Armenia for it’s home to a unique 10th-century fortified monastery complex, with its main church featuring incredible frescoes.

Other sites here include the 13th-century Holy Trinity church, St. Gevorg and Ayanes churches, a number of chapels and cross-stones. Located not far from the Akhtala monastery is the Nurik center, where visitors can participate in various workshops or enjoy a delicious meal.

What to see and do in Akhtala

Akhtala Monastery and Fortress
Holy Trinity Church
Akhtala Barbecue Festival
Rafting on Debed River