Old Khndzoresk Cave Village

Old Khndzoresk is an abandoned cave village carved into the steep slopes of a deep gorge in the Syunik Province of southern Armenia, near the town of Goris. For centuries residents lived in dwellings cut directly into the soft volcanic rock, with homes stacked so that the roof of one often served as the yard of the house above. At its height the settlement was one of the largest in the region, home to thousands, complete with churches, schools and workshops. Its inhabitants were gradually resettled to a new village on the plateau above, and the caves were largely emptied by the late 1950s.

The silent, honeycombed cliffs and empty dwellings lend the place an atmospheric, almost otherworldly quality, and it is sometimes described in eerie terms. Such impressions are subjective and romantic; the real story of Khndzoresk is one of a resilient community and a distinctive way of life adapted to a rugged landscape.

Old Khndzoresk holds genuine historical and cultural value, preserving the 17th-century church of St. Hripsime, the tomb of the 18th-century military figure Mkhitar Sparapet, and a remarkable record of vernacular cave architecture. A swinging suspension bridge installed in 2012 now links the gorge, drawing visitors to explore this evocative site.

Old Khndzoresk is an open historic site that can be visited year-round, most easily as a day trip from Goris. Reaching the caves involves descending stairs and paths into the gorge and crossing the well-known swinging suspension bridge, which sways underfoot but is built for regular use; a modest fee may apply for access.

The terrain is uneven, with steep drops, so sturdy footwear and care are advised, particularly in wet or icy conditions. Visitors should treat the churches, the tomb and the cave dwellings with respect, avoid damaging the fragile structures, and be mindful that some caves are still used locally for storage or livestock.