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Photo: Picture by A. Patrick (based on the sketches of G. Kochoyan)., Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
The ruins at the entrance include an impressive capital or two and numerous bases, the foundations of the 4th-7th century Cathedral of S. Grigor, other foundations, some khachkars and other fragments of structures that once stood at the site. Upon the large hill adjacent, was where a palace and citadel were once located. All that remains now are some portions of decomposing mudbrick walls with rough stone foundations. A small museum with artifacts excavated at the site sits between the entrance and the citadel. South of Dvin about one kilometer are the remains of a large 5th c. market building.
Dvin was a large commercial city and the capital of early medieval Armenia. It was situated north of the previous ancient capital of Armenia, the city of Artaxata, along the banks of the Metsamor River, 35 kilometres (22 mi) to the south of modern Yerevan. It is claimed it was one of the largest cities east of Constantinople prior to its destruction by the Mongols in the 13th century, but with an overall area of approximately 1 km2, it was far smaller than many of the great cities of Asia. It had an estimated population of 45,000 in 361, 47,000 in 622, and around 100,000 at its height in the 8th-9th centuries. Nyura Hakobyan proposed a peak population of 100,000 to 150,000.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Artaxata
Along your walk you will undoubtedly be stopped by a young man who guards the area from looters. He rides a bicycle and is friendly as long as you are not looting the area of antiquities. Tell him "Karank nayank Artashati averakner?", meaning "May we see the ancient ruins of Artashat?" He will most likely take you there. The ruins of Artashat cover approximately the same area of land as the walled monastery of Khor Virap. Foundations remain of dwellings and other structures. There are also the interesting remains of a mosaic found in the bathhouse there.
Khor Virap is named after the "deep pit" that St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned in over 1,700 years ago before curing the king of a sickness and converting him, and the country to Christianity. You can climb down the pit to this day, down a long metal ladder. The fortified monastery has a stunning view of Mt. Ararat, so go early in the morning on the clearest day you can for the unforgettable view, otherwise haze usually sets in.