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Metsamor: Echoes of Armenia's Ancient Past

Unearth millennia of history at Metsamor, Armenia's captivating archeological museum-reserve, revealing secrets of ancient civilizations.

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Explore the Metsamor Historical-Archeological Museum-Reserve, an important site near Taronik in Armavir Province, showcasing an ancient settlement dating back to the Bronze Age. Discover a wealth of artifacts, including pottery, metalwork, and jewelry, revealing insights into the lives of those who inhabited the region millennia ago.

A brief summary to Metsamor Historical-Archeological Museum-Reserve

Local tips

  • Consider joining a guided tour for deeper insights into the exhibits and archaeological significance.
  • Check the museum's opening hours before your visit, as they may vary.
  • Allocate at least two hours to fully explore the museum and the outdoor archaeological site.
  • Visit on weekdays to avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more personal experience.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Yerevan, take a minibus from Kilikia Central Bus Station to Armavir. Minibuses depart frequently, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour 8 minutes. The fare is around 100-300 AMD. From Armavir's central bus station, take a minibus (marshrutka) towards Taronik. The fare is approximately 300 AMD, and the journey takes about 30 minutes. Upon arrival in Taronik, disembark at the main stop and walk south for about 20 minutes, following the signs to the museum.

  • Taxi

    From Yerevan, a taxi to Metsamor takes approximately 35 minutes and costs around 6,000-7,000 AMD. Taxis are readily available throughout Yerevan and can be booked via ride-sharing apps. Alternatively, from the center of Armavir, a taxi to Metsamor typically costs 1,000-1,500 AMD and takes 15-20 minutes. Provide the driver with the address: 45GP+GPF, Taronik.

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Discover more about Metsamor Historical-Archeological Museum-Reserve

The Metsamor Historical-Archeological Museum-Reserve invites visitors to delve into Armenia's ancient past. Located near the village of Taronik, about 35km southwest of Yerevan, this significant site encompasses a museum and the ruins of an ancient settlement. Excavations, ongoing since 1965, have revealed that Metsamor was a flourishing center of culture as early as the Bronze Age (4th-2nd millennia BC). The museum's collection comprises over 27,000 artifacts, offering a glimpse into the lives and customs of the region's early inhabitants. Exhibits showcase pottery, metalwork, jewelry, and tools, with some of the most notable finds including an agate frog-weight belonging to Babylonian King Ulam Burarish (16th century BC) and a sardonyx seal with Egyptian hieroglyphs of Babylonian ruler Kurigalzu (15th century BC). These objects highlight Metsamor's role as a crossroads of ancient trade routes. Visitors can explore the remains of a copper-smelting system, a testament to Metsamor's pioneering role in metallurgy. The site also features a cyclopean wall and a ziggurat observatory, indicating its importance as an urban center. The museum's exhibits are spread across three floors, displaying artifacts from the Early Bronze Age to the Middle Ages. The first floor showcases finds from the castle and burial grounds, while the second floor exhibits crafts and cult objects. The basement houses a collection of ancient gold jewelry and objects from the Kingdom of Van.

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