Armenia Completes Major Restoration Project at Old Khndzoresk, Making Ancient Cave City Easier to Explore

One of Armenia's most remarkable historic sites is now easier and safer to explore after a major conservation and tourism project transformed visitor access to Old Khndzoresk, the centuries-old cave settlement in Syunik Province.

The initiative, called "Echoes of the Land," has been completed at the Old Khndzoresk Historical and Cultural Reserve following nearly two years of work focused on preserving the landmark while improving its infrastructure for both domestic and international visitors.

The project was launched in 2025 by Save Armenian Monuments with financial support from the H. Hovnanian Family Foundation and the Tufenkian Foundation. Organizers said the goal was to protect the site's historical and cultural heritage while making it more accessible and encouraging sustainable tourism in southern Armenia.

Visitors can now follow upgraded hiking routes covering about 5.4 kilometers (3.4 miles), navigate new stone and wooden stairways linking Old and New Khndzoresk, and use multilingual signs installed throughout the reserve in Armenian, English and Russian. Crews also cleaned historic monuments and surrounding areas, added benches and waste bins, and completed other improvements designed to make exploring the site safer and more comfortable.

Gayane Budaghyan, coordinator of the "Echoes of the Land" project, said the work represents an important investment in both cultural preservation and regional development.

"This project marks an important step in preserving, revitalizing and promoting one of Syunik's most significant historical and cultural landmarks," Budaghyan said. "We are confident the completed works will contribute not only to preserving cultural heritage but also to the sustainable development of tourism in the community."

The trail improvements were completed in partnership with the nonprofit organization Trails for Change.

Korioun Khatchadourian, executive director of the H. Hovnanian Family Foundation, said protecting Armenia's heritage should go hand in hand with making it accessible to more people.

He said the foundation supported the initiative because it advances regional development, promotes sustainable tourism and gives more visitors the opportunity to experience Armenia's history outside the capital. He added that the project strengthens Syunik's position as a destination for cultural and nature tourism.

The Tufenkian Foundation said the upgraded route expands Armenia's network of hiking trails while creating new opportunities for tourism-driven economic growth in the region.

"Armenia's tourism map has gained another well-maintained and safe hiking trail, offering visitors the opportunity to discover the rich historical and cultural heritage of Old Khndzoresk," said Husik Sargsyan, the foundation's director of operations. "We believe this initiative will contribute both to increasing visitor numbers and to stimulating economic activity in the Syunik region."

Responsibility for maintaining the new infrastructure has now been transferred to the Protection Service of Armenia's Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, which will oversee the site's long-term management.

Famous for its cave dwellings carved into steep cliffs, medieval churches and dramatic landscapes, Old Khndzoresk is one of Armenia's best-known heritage sites. Officials hope the improvements will preserve the landmark while allowing more visitors to experience one of the country's most unique historic destinations.

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