Dilijan

Dilijan (Armenian Դիլիջան, also Delijan ) is a spa town in the Tavush Province of Armenia.

Data and location

Dilijan was 1951, the town charter and in 2009 had 15,601 inhabitants, about one-third less than in 1989. The city stretches 20 kilometers along the banks of the Aghstew (Russian Akstafa on the lower reaches in Azerbaijan Ağstafacay ) and is situated at 1500 meters above sea level surrounded by mountains in Dilijan National Park was established in 2002. In Dilijan also Golowinka and Dilidschanka open into the Aghstew. The mountainous area covers a 34,000 hectare forest area. Locals call it because of this idyllic location, therefore, the "Little Switzerland " of Armenia. Dilijan is a major recreational and tourist resorts in Armenia. Are especially popular hiking and cycling, especially in the nature reserve.

Attractions

Haghartsin Monastery

Among the special attractions include mainly the monastery Haghartsin. It consists of three churches and a refectory, which were built between the 10th and 14th centuries. In the monastery and in the surrounding area also several Chatschkars can be visited. Between 2008 and 2013 the monastery was renovated with Arab donations. Another medieval monastery, Goshavank, is located in the village a few kilometers away Gosha.

Old town

In the center is located along the road Sharambeyan the restored with funds from the Tufenkian Foundation Old Town. Here can be found a museum and a gallery. In the local houses is still partially the historic interiors of the early 20th century preserved.

History

Nearby Dilidschans old bronze artifacts were discovered during excavations nearly 3,000 years. Previously, the region was called to Dilijan Hovk and was popular with local princes, including the Arsacid, as a hunting ground. 1666 mentioned the French traveler Jean Chardin first time the place Dilijan. Under Russian rule began in the 19th century population growth and first schools, and in 1908 a public library was founded.

Others

• Dilijan is rich in mineral springs, and " Dilijan " mineral water said to be healing -promoting effect by.
• Previously Dilijan was the resort of the Armenian kings. During the Soviet times the party and political bosses from Moscow came here to take the waters. Even today many call Armenian artists and filmmakers the city their home.
• The football club pulse Dilijan played in 1993 in the first Armenian football league.