Kapan: Hotels and Accommodations

Kapan and its immediate surroundings encompass everything from late medieval and medieval history, museums and a memorial complex to trails on Mount Khustup. Planning a trip may also include the desire to book a hotel in Kapan.

History

Near Kapan lies Halidzor Fortress, a late medieval architectural complex 1 km southwest of the city. In the 1720s, it became a center of Syunik’s liberation struggle. Baghaberd, which was a politically and militarily important center of Syunik from the 4th to the 12th century, is also located nearby. Napat served as a small fortified site for religious ceremonies. More than 450 historical and cultural monuments are registered in the Kapan area. A stone arch bridge from 1870 near Kapan is still standing and serves local residents.

Vahanavank is a 10th- and 11th-century monastery on a wooded slope 3 km northwest of Kapan. Its oldest church was built in 911; the monastery contains the tombs of the kings and princes of Syunik. The complex also includes the two-story St. Astvatsatsin Church from 1086, a monastery school attended by Catholicos Vahan I Syunetsi, and the Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator with its adjoining narthex. This church and the narthex have been fully restored, while the portico has only been partially restored.

Culture

The Museum of Modern Art in Kapan displays paintings, sculptures, graphics and decorative-applied art. It holds solo and group exhibitions by artists from Kapan, offers guided tours in Armenian and Russian, and has a wheelchair ramp. The Kapan Geological Museum presents the history of Syunik in the 19th and 20th centuries as well as archaeological collections. It also organizes excursions, games and events for tourists.

The Garegin Nzhdeh Memorial Complex was built in 2001 on the northwestern edge of the city, at the foot of Mount Khustup beside the Voghji River. It includes a bust, four eagles, an ear of wheat, a bell, a globe and plaques featuring aphorisms by Nzhdeh. Some of Garegin Nzhdeh’s remains, including an arm bone, were buried in Kapan’s memorial complex in 2005. Following improvement works, the complex reopened in December 2012.

Nature

Vahanavank Nature and Art Park offers a walking path of around 1 km with land-art installations, wooden bridges, benches and information about Kapan’s flora and fauna. Mount Khustup lies 10 km southwest of Kapan and reaches an elevation of 3,201 meters. The Khustup State Reserve protects high-mountain forests, meadow steppes and meadow ecosystems. The Kapan Municipality identifies ecotourism, mountain tourism and adventure tourism as areas for tourism development.

The ecotourism trail in the Kapan area connects the Shikahogh State Reserve and Arevik National Park in seven sections suitable for day hikes. Another route leads from Baghaburj through the Khustup State Reserve and over Mount Khustup to Shishkert.

Local Cuisine

Korkot is described as a traditional dish specific to the Kapan region. A Korkot festival is held annually in Kapan.

Other destinations: Agarak, Goris, Ashotavan, Sissian, Tatev, Halidzor, Meghri.

To the main travel overview: Syunik.