Awan: Dragon Stones, Churches and Stone Door Caves

Several distinct themes stand out when planning a trip to Awan: a prehistoric dragon-stone complex, two churches from very different centuries, medieval stone door caves, and organized tours. This mix helps you choose the focus of your stay according to your interests. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Awan, you can first consider whether archaeology, churches, hiking or paragliding should shape your plans.

Archaeology at Karmir Sar

In Awan, the Vishapakar complex lies on the southern heights of Mount Aragats, within the ancient site of Karmir Sar (Tirinkatar). The site dates from the 4th to the 2nd millennium BC and comprises twelve dragon stones: eight are bull-shaped and four are fish-shaped. The dating and the precise distribution of the motifs give the complex a clear archaeological focus. For your trip planning, it is therefore a different historical theme from the later churches and medieval caves.

Two churches from different centuries

The municipality is home to two churches with markedly different dates. The parish Church of the Holy Mother of God dates from the 17th–19th centuries; the Church of St. Hovhannes is a 5th–6th-century ruin. Both are among the buildings registered as monuments in the municipality of Awan. Together, a parish church and an early Christian church ruin represent different chapters in the local history of architecture and religion. In 2017, the grounds of both churches were cleared and improved as part of a monument-preservation initiative.

Stone door caves on Mount Aragats

Stone door caves lie on the southern slopes of Mount Aragats, within Awan’s municipal boundaries. They date from the early or late Middle Ages and were mostly created inside pre-existing caves. The stone door caves in several municipalities, including Awan, are considered monuments of great archaeological and historical significance. In various municipalities, caves of this type were also used for the concealed storage of food. This topic therefore brings together construction, age and a historical function that goes beyond the physical form.

Hiking and other activities

An easy hiking route that includes Awan features a visit to a local early Christian church; the round trip is listed as 5 km. Hiking boots and clothing are recommended for the trip. It also includes transportation in a Mercedes Sprinter minibus and an Armenian-speaking guide. English summaries may be available. Check in advance whether the tour is currently offered and which language options are available.

A tour route that includes Awan is part of Hamshen Tour’s “Armenian Fortresses and Castles” project. Awan is also designated as a paragliding launch site. If you plan this activity, check local conditions and availability with a provider in advance. The hiking route and paragliding launch site offer different ways to include Awan in your travel plans.

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For the broader travel overview: Aragatsotn.