Antica Goris: Echoes of Armenia's Past

Antica Goris, a mesmerizing historical landmark, is located a short distance from the present-day city of Goris in the Syunik region of Armenia. This ancient settlement, also known as Old Goris, presents a unique landscape of cave dwellings carved into distinctive rock formations, offering a window into Armenia's distant past.The area has been inhabited since the Stone Age, with the first historical mention dating back to the 8th century BC by the Urartians. During the Middle Ages, the inhabitants carved homes into the soft volcanic rock, creating a remarkable troglodyte village. These cave dwellings, called “Krataker” in Armenian, were functional accommodations, some featuring multiple stories and interconnected corridors. The village thrived as a stop along ancient trade routes, blending seamlessly with the natural landscape.Life in Old Goris continued for centuries until the early 20th century when residents gradually moved to the expanding city of Goris. The Soviet regime eventually prohibited cave dwelling. Today, Antica Goris stands as a protected historical site, attracting tourists with its well-preserved cave dwellings and the surrounding natural beauty. Visitors can explore the ancient homes, wander through the rock formations, and imagine life in this unique settlement. The 4th-century basilica of Surp Hripsimé, renovated in the 16th century and again in 2010, is also located in Old Goris.