When you have drunk your fill, explore some of the region’s carpentry, stone carving, and carpet weaving artisans. There are a multitude of cultural traditions to witness and experience in Vayots Dzor. Watch a khachkar (cross-stone) master carve large blocks of volcanic felsite and basalt into beautifully intricate sculptures or observe local women bake lavash (traditional Armenian flat bread) in a subterranean tonir oven. Many local experts are happy to display their skills and products.
Learn more about these craft traditions in Vayots Dzor’s many museums. At the Yeghegnadzor Regional History Museum you can study interesting archaeological finds and view ethnographic collections that document more recent traditions. If you are in the mood for contemporary art, visit the Yeghegnadzor and Jermuk Art Galleries.
Jump right into Vayots Dzor to start exploring your cultural and creative sides!
A khachkar master carving (Photo by Stephanie Moore, My Armenia Program, Smithsonian Institution and USAID)
Yeghegnadzor Art Gallery, Branch of National Gallery of Armenia (Photo by Stephanie Moore, My Armenia Program, Smithsonian Institution and USAID)
Vayots Dzor Culture (Video)
Women prepare lavash around a tonir oven (Photo by Sossi and Ara Madzounian, My Armenia Program, Smithsonian Institution and USAID)
Vayots Dzor’s Cultural Offerings