Giqor Loop

Birthplace of one of Armenia's most celebrated writers, especially popular are his children's tales. A popular stop that is interesting as a well preserved pre-Soviet village house, as well as for the story of the writer and his life. The five rooms and upstairs living quarters invite visitors to experience the early life of Toumanian and his family in the early 19th century—from bread making in the kitchen to the sleeping quarters where Toumanian’s family gathered for songs and stories. The collection also features photographs, watercolors, and selected writings highlighting the personal life of Toumanian. Visitors should keep an eye out for an intricate sculpture of the writer on the second floor rendered in a piece of gold smaller than a grain of rice and also visit the memorial in the yard where Toumanian’s heart is buried. The museum is one of five branches of the Museum of Literature and Art after Yeghishe Charents in Yerevan.

This 10th-13th-century monastery is about 2 km north of Dsegh Village where a steep wooded path leads down the side of the gorge to the monastery around 500 meters from the road. The site holds a large collection of local khachkars and the remains of an ancient pagan shrine. The monastery is in this forest location and is surrounded by mature trees. Dating from 1221, the monastery was constructed during the reign of Gregori IV and is regarded as one of the finest in the country. The main church is the 13th-century Saint Astvatsatsin, Holy Mother of God, as written in an inscription of dedication on its walls. The entrance, parts of the southern and western walls, sections of flying arches, and pillars are still well preserved. The dome however has been lost, although fragments of stone carvings remain. South of the monastery is a medieval cemetery with the remains of a number of 13th-century khachkars and the tombs of members of the Mamikonian family. Saint Harutiun Chapel is located in the cemetery – one of the few examples of a 12th-century stepped roof – its walls and roof made from large slabs of basalt. A little further from the monastery is the site of a medieval bridge and the remains of the Mankants Vank Convent.

12th century