"Stone Forest" of Goris. Armenia. Goris city - open air museum Goris city, Armenia
Located 240 km from and 38 km from. Population – 21,932 people (2010).
A settlement on the territory of modern Goris existed at the beginning of our era, and the first signs of urban life appeared here only in the second half of the 19th century.
Goris is located in a mountain pit, surrounded by rocky ridges and caves. From the observation deck located at the entrance to Goris from Sisian (near the sculptural composition “Zangezur”) a magnificent panorama of the city opens.
There is an airport 8 km south of Goris; it is currently being reconstructed (until 2016).
The main attractions are located in the vicinity of the city (Tatev Monastery and rock caves); in the city itself you can see the house-museum of Axel Bakunts, the archaeological and ethnographic museum, the Melik house (XVIII century).
Climate
Goris is located in the alpine climate zone, the weather is characterized by mild snowy winters and hot summers. The average temperature in January is -1.3 °C, in July +19 °C. The annual precipitation level is 700 mm.
8 km east of Goris is the village of Khndzoresk, the main attraction of which is a complex of ancient rock caves. Since ancient times, natural caves were used as dwellings, which, after the advent of metal tools, were expanded and completed, forming quite large settlements.
also known as the monastery of the Armenian Apostolic Church, located in the southeast of Armenia, near the village of Tatev near the city of Goris.
Tatev Monastery was founded in the 9th century and from its foundation was the political center of the Syunik kingdom. In the 10th century the population of the monastery was about 1000 people. In the 13th century, the monastery collected taxes from 680 surrounding villages and sought to expand its influence. In the period of the XIV-V centuries it was one of the most important centers of science and education in Armenia.
Severely damaged by the earthquake in 1931. Currently, the monastery is not operational; restoration and restoration work is being carried out on the territory. Open to visitors without restrictions.
On October 16, 2010, the longest cable car in the world, called “Wings of Tatev”, was opened, 5.7 km long, passing through the Vorotan Gorge to the monastery.
In 1995, Tatev Monastery was considered for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Main buildings of Tatev Monastery
The main architectural structure of the monastery, the Church of St. Pogos and Petros, was built in 895-906. Church of St. Gregory – adjacent to the main church on the south side. It was built in 1295 to replace an earlier building.
Astvatsatsin Gate Church (XI century) – has vertically oriented proportions, which is rare for Armenian architecture.
Gavazan - a swinging column, installed in 904 in the courtyard, near the living quarters of the monastery, is a unique work of Armenian architecture and engineering of that time. This is an octagonal stone pillar (8 meters high), topped with a khachkar mounted on a carved cornice. From seismic vibrations, and even from the touch of a human hand, the pole can tilt and independently return to its original position. The oscillations of the pendulum warned the population of the monastery about earthquakes, as well as the approach of enemy troops. Last changes: 02.11.2011
Tatevi-Anapat Monastery
Tatevi Anapat- an Armenian monastery built in the 17th-18th centuries. Located near the village of Tatev.
It is planned that after restoration, the Tatevi-Anapat monastery will become one of the main attractions of the area.
City Goris located in a unique place - a deep basin surrounded on all sides by rocks. These rocks are a rare natural phenomenon - the result of weathering of volcanic tuff. This process created unusual pinkish cones and peaks that are a fantastic sight.
Located on the Goris River (a tributary of Vorotan), 240 km from Yerevan and 70 km from Kapan on the Yerevan-Stepanakert highway. The city is located in a mountain pit, surrounded by rocky ridges and caves.
Near Goris, in the village of Khndzoresk, there is a complex of ancient cave dwellings, an archaeological and ethnographic museum. On the left bank of the Goris River there is a labyrinth of caves formed in loose volcanic rocks with stone pyramids and bizarre pillars (the so-called cave Goris). Since ancient times, natural ones were used as dwellings, which, after the advent of metal tools, were expanded and completed, forming quite large settlements.
Residential areas - in the south (old) and in the north (new). Between them is a cultural and community center. The airport is located 8 km south of the city, and the village of Khndzoresk to the east.
According to the 1897 census, 1,450 thousand people lived in the district, of which 1,082 were Armenians, 209 were Aderbeijan Tatars (Azerbaijanis).
The average temperature in July is +19 °C, in January - –1.3 °C. The average annual precipitation is 700 mm. Goris is one of the rainiest cities in Armenia.
It is also interesting that inside these cones from ancient times until the middle of the 20th century. people lived. Each dwelling, as a rule, was divided by a partition into two parts: tun - for people to live in and gom - for livestock. Large benches were carved along the walls of the residential area, and in the goms there were feeding troughs for livestock.
The cave city is multi-tiered, with the roof of the lower dwelling serving as an entrance platform for the upper dwelling. With the advent of metal tools, natural caves were increasingly expanded and completed, forming quite large settlements. Thus, with the help of cave cities, two problems were simultaneously solved - housing and the security problem, which, due to the Turkish and Persian invasions, was very acute.
Currently, there is a cemetery at the foot of the cliffs.
there is a town that is one of the most ancient settlements in the country. We will talk about the city of Goris. According to reliable historical information, settlements first appeared in this area more than two thousand years ago. Fans and connoisseurs of excursion holidays will be interested in holidays in Goris, Armenia - prices, entertainment and attractions, everything here speaks of antiquity. The population in the city, which appeared in the area before the beginning of our era, lived in caves of natural origin until the 20th century. After some time, the need for such accommodation disappeared, since a new one was added to the old part of the city. It was designed by foreign architects. It was implemented under the strict control of local architects. At the same time, in general, national outlines have been preserved.
Today there is a peaceful situation in Goris. All buildings that were damaged during the war were restored or completely replaced with new ones. Not long ago, an interesting workshop was opened in the city - Goris Crochet. Its main specialization is aimed at the production of crocheted products, which include not only clothing, but also a variety of toys. Today the restaurant business is very actively developing in the city, the tourism sector is flourishing and, which is typical for Armenia, wine production.
Goris on the map:
Due to its location, the weather in the city is quite mild. At the same time, there are no sharp temperature changes between seasons. The average summer temperature is +19 degrees; in winter, the average drops to minus 1 degree. This area in Armenia is considered the rainiest, so you should pay attention to this factor and immediately take clothes with you in case of bad weather.
Information on how to get there
Due to the fact that Goris is not so far from the city, getting here is very easy. Most often, tourists use the services of intercity buses. For more comfortable travel, you can use a taxi. The length of the route is only 240 kilometers. At the same time, the road is smooth and without difficulties. The entire journey will take an average of 4 hours.
Sights of Goris
You won’t find many attractions on vacation in 2019 within the city limits. The most interesting historical monuments are located some distance from Goris. The city is located in a gorge on the coast of the river of the same name. This place is surrounded on all sides by mountains and green slopes. The main characteristic is that there are no tall buildings in the city. Life here is measured and moves slowly. Tourists are attracted here by beautiful places with incredible nature, as well as surrounding attractions. Yerevan is only 240 km away. And getting here will not be difficult for anyone.
Cave cities
The first thing that attracts all tourists to Goris is the cave cities. These are the houses in which the population of the city lived. These rooms were cut directly into the rock. Some "apartments" had two floors. This place evokes delight and interest. Many tourists from different places come here every year.
Stone forest
Goris is surrounded by ancient rocks on almost all sides. These rocks have been exposed to wind, rain and snow for many centuries. Over time, they turned into intricate sculptures. To some extent they resemble trees of different heights and shapes. It is in connection with this that this place acquired the name - Stone Forest. In the city itself there is a specially equipped observation deck for tourists. From here you can fully appreciate the beauty of this natural wonder.
Tatev Monastery
Not far from the city, on a rock is located one of the most popular Armenian attractions - the Tatev Monastery. It is located on the very border of Armenia. The date of its construction dates back to the 9th century. For a long time, the monastery performed a defensive function. Until now, the building is surrounded by impregnable massive walls. The literal name of the monastery is “Give Wings.” There is a legend why the monastery acquired such a name. According to it, after the monastery was completely erected, the master who built it stood on the edge of the abyss and uttered the phrase “Ogni Surb ta tev” (May the Spirit send down wings) and then rushed down. The master grew wings and flew away, after which the Tatev monastery was named.
The road to the monastery stretches over green forests. It can be reached as quickly as possible only by cable car, which also has the name “Wings of Tatev”. Every tourist arriving in Goris must visit the monastery and walk along the road to it. The impressions will remain the most positive and will remain in the memory for a long time.
Tatev cable car
This road was opened for tourists in 2010. Its construction was justified by the fact that the Tatev Monastery began to be in great demand among tourists. Using the cable car you can get to the monastery and spend only 12 minutes. The lifting height is 320 meters. The cable car stretches for a distance of 5.7 km. 25 people can climb in one trip. During the ascent you can enjoy beautiful views of the area.
Sevlichi Nature Reserve
From Goris, every tourist will be able to visit the popular today Karagelsky nature reserve (Sevlichsky is its second name). Lake Sevlic is located at an altitude of 2658 meters in the crater of the volcano itself. The area adjacent to the lake is completely inhabited by a variety of unique animals and plants. In 1987, the government decided to protect the unique flora and fauna, and it was decided to transfer the entire territory to the category of a nature reserve. In the city itself it is also worth visiting the ethnographic museum.
Karahunj
In the place of Karahunj there is another attraction that every arriving tourist must visit. Here is the oldest astronomical observatory on the planet. It is located on a mountain plateau at an altitude of 1770 meters above sea level.
This complex consists of 222 stones. They are located vertically. The height of each is from 150 to 280 centimeters, while the weight is on average 8.5 tons. Some stones are distinguished by the fact that round holes are made in the upper part. The diameter of each hole is 4-5 cm, and has a conical expansion at the ends. The inner surface of each hole is perfectly flat and smooth. According to scientists, this structure has a certain meaning.
Since 1994, scientists have conducted several planned expeditions. During which they did some research. A very detailed topographic survey was also carried out. Subsequently, it was decided that all the buildings were used in ancient times as an observatory. These conclusions were also confirmed by the fact that rock paintings were found near this place. They testified that the inhabitants of Armenia in ancient times possessed quite a lot of knowledge in the field of astrology. To get to Karahunj you should take a taxi. From Goris this place is located at a distance of only 4 km.
Goris Crochet workshop
No less interesting for tourists will be a visit to the famous Goris Crochet workshop. The enterprise is small in size. This is where unique knitted products are produced. The factory was founded in 2010. The main purpose of creating this factory is to organize jobs for the female half of the population. The production specializes in crocheting a variety of toys, rugs, unique bags and key rings. At the moment, the staff is 60 people, thanks to which more than 100 different types of products are manufactured. It is worth noting that the range of products is constantly expanding.
Satani Kamurj
In another way, this place is popularly called the Devil's Bridge; this is another attraction that is located not far from Goris. This place is a natural monument that got its name because of the steam. It rises from under the bridge, which was formed at the narrowest point of the Vorotan River. The length of the bridge itself is as much as 30 meters, while the width is 60.
Tourists will also be interested in taking a dip in the healing springs located nearby. The water itself is saturated with minerals and enters the springs from cracks formed in the rocks.
Where to eat in Goris
In order to eat in Goris, you can choose any restaurant or cafe; there are quite a lot of them here. Those who want to enjoy national cuisine should visit the Takarik restaurant. This place is also great for vegetarians.
An equally popular place is the Atseni tavern. The menu also includes Armenian and Eastern European dishes.
Without fail, visiting any restaurant or cafe you need to try Armenian Khorovats, in other words, shish kebab. It is prepared according to the usual recipe, but its special feature is the marinade. This dish is served with fried eggplants, peppers and tomatoes. The meat is served not on a skewer, but in pita bread.
An equally popular dish of Armenian cuisine is dolma. This cooking principle is similar to our cabbage rolls, but instead of cabbage, grape leaves are used. The restaurant will also offer tourists the national dish Khash. Beef legs and tripe are used to prepare it. This dish can be called seasonal, since it is prepared to a greater extent in late autumn.
How to get around in Goris
As in any city, the most common type of public transport is a minibus. There are enough of them and there will be no problems with movement. The cost of the trip costs on average 15 rubles. If you wish, you can order a taxi. With its help you can get to almost any place.
Where to stay in Goris
Those who want to spend their vacation in comfortable conditions and the star rating of the hotel matters should immediately head to the Diana Hotel. The hotel is located in the city itself. Guests are offered free internet access, private parking and a fitness center. You can also swim in the pool if you wish. The cost of a room is on average 2000 rubles.
For a budget holiday, Eden Hostel & Guest House is suitable. The hostel is equipped with everything necessary for a normal holiday. The rooms are designed to accommodate different numbers of people. Everyone will be able to choose the most suitable option for themselves. The hostel also offers barbecue facilities, and there is a playground for children. The average cost of living is 600 rubles.
Goris is suitable for those who want to enjoy a holiday close to nature. Magnificent landscapes and natural attractions will leave wonderful impressions for many years. It’s worth planning your vacation in advance so that you have time to explore all the beauties.
A little more about Goris in the video:
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We did not pass the famous Lake Sevan, after swimming in which my father’s shoulder pain magically disappeared, and visited the museum of the Matenadoran Institute of Ancient Manuscripts in Yerevan.
Lake Sevan. Slide from 1979
Akhtala fortress and monastery. Slide from 1979
13th century frescoes in the Kobayr monastery. Slide from 1979
For my father, this was not the first visit to Armenia: two years before our trip, in May 1977, he traveled through Armenia and Georgia with a friend, whom, although he was much older than his father and marked his retirement with this trip, we will simply call Seva. I give the floor to the author of the presented slides, my father Anatoly Sirota ( turnepsik ).
Armenia, 1977
Our journey began with Yerevan, which was remembered, as they said in the Soviet era, for “temporary difficulties” - the lack of food. Having visited the market, we saw magnificent flowers there, but, having become acquainted with the fantastic prices for food, we realized that we were not welcome at this market Seva, who was a famous designer of metallurgical plants and had visited Egypt, India and other southern countries, said that he knew how to eat here and suggested going to the Intourist restaurant. He threw some kind of disinfectant tablet into his mouth and. I sat down at a table in a room filled with bored people. I didn’t want to waste time in the restaurant and preferred to run around the city with a camera, visiting Seva every half hour.
Fragments of the monument to the creator of the Armenian alphabet Mesrop Mashtots in Matenadoran.
Sculptor G. Chubaryan, 1961. Slides from 1977
Flowers at the Yerevan bazaar. Slides from 1977
Oganavan village. Armenian bread. Slide from 1977
I dropped into Intourist many times until, finally, a gloomy Seva left the restaurant. We made no more attempts to eat in “catering”, limiting ourselves to a constant menu for the entire time we were in Yerevan: kefir, fresh cucumbers and freshly baked delicious Armenian matnakash bread.
From Yerevan we made forays into the monasteries of Ovanavank, Ashtarak, Akhaltsikhe, Geghard and finally, admiring the green spring mountains and fields of poppies, we went to the city of Goris, where Seva had friends at the camp site, who sheltered us and fed us hearty stew with rice.
Road to Goris. Slide from 1977
Slide from 1977
Goris is located 240 km southeast of Yerevan, in the spurs of the Lesser Caucasus between the Zangezur and Karabakh ranges. At the time of our trip, in 1977, Goris was not, and even now is not, one of the famous tourist attractions. This is, rather, a base for exploring the immediate surroundings - the temple in Tatev, ancient cave cities in Goris itself and in the village of Khndzoresk. However, it was Goris that interested us: we heard that its appearance is noticeably different from other Armenian cities and that it was designed by almost foreign - either German or French - architects. And we were not deceived in our expectations! Even the amazing cave city next door did not overshadow the impressions of lovely Goris, freely spread out on a plateau surrounded on all sides by mountain slopes and bizarre rocky peaks, the so-called “rocky forest”.
The old village of Goris, cave city and “rock forest”. Slide from 1977
Cave city. Slide from 1977
Cave city. Slide from 1977
Built as if on a ruler, Goris makes an amazing contrast with both the cave city and the fantastic “rock forest”. How did this completely European city arise in the Caucasian outback? In 1977, I did not find an answer to this question: the guidebooks passed over the “European” Goris in silence. And only now, thanks to materials found by Marina on the Internet, I learned how this city was built.
Here's what she found out:
The history of Goris was carefully restored by honorary citizens of the city Hamlet and Marina Mirzoyan in the article “Goris - the cultural capital of the CIS”. Yes, don’t be surprised, in 2018 Goris will take the baton as the cultural capital of the CIS from the Azerbaijani city of Ganja, so it’s time to get to know it better.
The old village of Goris and the "rock forest". Slide from 1977
Rocky forest. Slide from 1977
Rocky forest. Slide from 1977
A busy trade route between Persia and Russia has long passed through Goris. As a result of the Russian-Persian War of 1826-1828, Goris, together with the territory of Eastern Armenia, became part of the Russian Empire.
We learn about what Goris looked like at that time from the book of the Russian army general, historian V. A. Potto, “The Persian War. 1826-1828”: “The village of Geryusy lies in a deep gorge. This gorge is remarkable because it like a palisade, lined with some tall stone pillars, probably of volcanic origin, giving both the surrounded area and the village itself an unusually unique character, unique even in the whimsical mountains of the Caucasus region, Same Geryusy with its beautiful saklas and towers, with its Armenian chapel and. a water mill on a rattling stream, shaded by spreading plane trees, are located in an amphitheater on the terraces of a steep descent into the Geryus Gorge. Thus, this area, beautiful and original, is extremely convenient for defense.”
Street in Goris. Slide from 1977
Slide from 1977
Slide from 1977.
Characteristic balconies give the architecture a Caucasian flavor
By decree of Emperor Alexander II in 1867, the Elisavetpol province was formed in Armenia, one of the five counties of which was Zangezur, uniting all the southeastern lands of the historical region of Syunik. It was decided to make Goris the administrative, military and economic center of the Zangezur district, perhaps the largest in Transcaucasia, stretching from the southern mountains surrounding Lake Sevan to the Araks River. However, rural Goris was clearly not ready for the role of a district center.
Slide from 1977
Slide from 1977.
Picturesque masonry of large stones held together with cement
Having arrived in the village for his appointment, the first district chief, Major Pyotr Pavlovich Staritsky, grabbed his head: how to place all government institutions on this patch among the mountains - the district administration, court, police, post office, veterinary and other services?! He liked the plateau opposite the village, which the locals had long ago inhabited and adapted to their needs: the plateau was filled with fields, meadows, pastures and buffalo pastures. Bread was threshed here, and a market was held on Fridays.
Slide from 1977
Slide from 1977.
Another characteristic detail is the gate with semicircular arches
Staritsky, like Peter the Great, decided that “a city will be founded here,” and on the plateau, next to the old Goris, a new European city with a Caucasian flavor began to be built. Along the wide straight streets stood solid and at the same time picturesque stone houses made of basalt and tuff. Unfortunately, we were never able to find out the names of the architects who designed Goris. According to one version, it was not foreigners, but Armenian and Russian architects Dzhanushyan, Kozlov and Kharchenko.
Slide from 1977
Slide from 1977
According to the general development project, 36 streets were supposed to be laid in Goris, intersecting at right angles. In the southeast, a square was planned, along the perimeter of which stone two-story buildings for commercial and public purposes were placed. Not far from the square, a garden was laid out and a church was built. Among the first city buildings were the buildings of an elementary state school and a county prison, then a post office, a pharmacy, and a small hospital appeared. Prosperous peasants quickly appreciated the capabilities of the city, and soon Goris was settled by people from near and far villages throughout the district.
“There are few cities in the Caucasus that could be proud of the strict layout of their streets. Goris, even from a distance, amazes with the quality of its buildings, the beautiful facade of the houses and the European-style order,” wrote historian Arakel Babakhanyan in 1888.
Slide from 1977. The lower floors most likely housed shops.
Slide from 1977
We also learn about what an impressive district center Goris has become over two decades from the notes of the ethnographer Stepan Zelinsky, who visited here in 1885: “In Goris there were 55 residential buildings, where more than 400 people lived. The city and the district were governed by 43 officials, peace and order were ensured by 71 military and 62 mounted police of various ranks."
At the end of the 19th century, no one would call Goris a village, but it officially received city status only in March 1904. At that time, the population of Goris did not exceed two and a half thousand people; in 1977, when these slides were made, the city was inhabited by 17 and a half thousand inhabitants.
Slide from 1977.
Processing of sheared sheep wool
Slide from 1977. Residents of Goris.
Let's return to our 1977 trip with Seva. From Goris we went through Yerevan to Tbilisi. We arrived at the Yerevan station early, hoping to refresh ourselves at the station buffet, but our hopes were not met. The train arrived and we took our seats on the upper bunks. Following us, a flock of women of all ages fluttered into the compartment - from elderly matrons to charming little girls. They chattered animatedly and led the ancient old woman by the arm, on whose face a kind, wise smile froze. The old woman sat down in front of the table on the lower shelf, leaned on a biblical-looking staff, and the table in front of her quickly began to fill with works of homemade Armenian cuisine. All the women brought her something for the journey. From our top shelves we looked at all this splendor with understandable envy. The train started moving, the old woman sat there, leaning on her staff, and all the way from Yerevan to Tbilisi she did not change her position, there was the same frozen smile on her face. In Tbilisi, everything was repeated: again a chirping crowd of women of all ages entered the compartment, they grabbed the old woman by the arms and led her out of the carriage, without even looking at the food that was still lying on the table. As soon as the door closed behind them, we, without saying a word, dived from our upper shelves, almost colliding in the air, sat down on both sides of the table laden with food and began to quickly destroy the Armenian still life. I remember with what fear we, “choking and slurping,” looked at the door, from where at any moment the conductor could appear and ask us to get out of the car.
But in Georgia we no longer had problems with food. The next story from the series "Travels around the USSR"
will be about Georgia.
Slide from 1977. Residents of Goris
The story about Goris uses materials from articles by Hamlet and Marina Mirzoyan
