Odzun: Hotels and accommodations

Culture

Odzun is particularly shaped by its church and its historic surroundings. Odzun Church stands in the central part of the settlement. Its prayer hall is divided into three aisles by two rows of pillars. An outer gallery surrounds the prayer hall on three sides and is described as a uniquely preserved example in Armenia. The church is built of hewn basalt and light brown felsite; its exterior and interior walls bear numerous Armenian inscriptions.

Odzun Church is stylistically dated to the end of the 6th century. Next to it stands an unusual funerary monument from the 5th to 6th century with carved pillars and reliefs depicting biblical scenes and the Christianization of Armenia. At the southeastern edge of the village lies the ruin of the 5th-century Tziranavor-Tzaghkavank Basilica. A relief of the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child is located above the baptismal font. Numerous older stones decorated with reliefs have been preserved in the church walls; 25 of them are dated to the 4th century. The church is described as completely preserved, although reconstruction work has been carried out over time.

Nature

Odzun Church stands on a high plateau above the Debed Gorge. The view over the gorge from the Odzun Plateau depends greatly on atmospheric conditions. At the end of the village, a viewpoint near a khachkar offers views of the Debed River. From there, there is also an elevated view of the city of Alaverdi.

Activities

The Odzun–Horomayr–Kobayr trail is described as a 9 km linear route through the Lori Gorge. A hiking excursion from the Temple of Odzun reaches the Nerkin Horomayr Monastery, then continues to Kobayr Monastery and includes a stop at Verin Horomayr Monastery. Horseback riding is offered near Odzun and Dsegh; rides range from a few hours to several days and offer views of the Debed Gorge.

In the surrounding area, a rafting activity on the Debed River follows an 8 km hike. The rafting section runs from the Tumanyan district to the Sanahin district.

Local life

Locals may offer herbal tea and homemade jam while sharing stories from the area. A local person may also offer quince vodka as a regional drink to sample.

More destination pages: Stepanawan, Haghpat, Lermontov, Alawerdi, Tumanjan, Dsoraget, Mikhayelovka, Dsegh. Anyone wishing to book a hotel in Odzun can continue searching for accommodation afterward.

To the higher-level travel overview: Lori.