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Khanjyan Summer House: A Ruined Relic of Soviet Armenia

Explore the haunting ruins of Khanjyan Summer House in Dilijan, a relic of Soviet Armenia's turbulent past, offering a unique glimpse into history.

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The Khanjyan Summer House in Dilijan, Armenia, stands as a haunting reminder of Soviet-era politics and unfulfilled dreams. Built in the 1930s for a prominent Communist leader, Aghasi Khanjyan, the villa was never truly enjoyed and fell into ruin, reflecting the turbulent times of its commissioner. Today, its skeletal remains offer a glimpse into a bygone era.

A brief summary to Khanjyan Summer House

  • 15 Maxim Gorky St, Dilijan, AM
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Explore the grounds carefully, as the structure is unstable and entering the building is not advised.
  • Combine your visit with a walk to the nearby statue "The King of the Forest" by Ara Sargsyan.
  • Wear sturdy shoes for walking around the ruins and exploring the surrounding wooded area.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Dilijan city center, the Khanjyan Summer House is accessible by foot. Head north-east on Maxim Gorky Street. The walk is uphill and takes approximately 20-30 minutes. The house is located at 15 Maxim Gorky St. Look for the statue of "The King of the Forest" nearby.

  • Public Transport

    Local minibuses operate in Dilijan, but service to the immediate vicinity of Khanjyan Summer House may be infrequent. Take a minibus heading towards the upper part of town and ask the driver to stop near Maxim Gorky Street. From there, it's a short uphill walk to the house. Public transport within Dilijan is generally inexpensive, costing around 100 AMD.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Dilijan. A short taxi ride from the city center to Khanjyan Summer House will cost approximately 600-1100 AMD, depending on the distance and time of day. Ask the driver to take you to 15 Maxim Gorky Street, near the statue of "The King of the Forest".

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Discover more about Khanjyan Summer House

Nestled on the wooded slopes of Dilijan, the Khanjyan Summer House is a historical monument with a mysterious past. Constructed between 1928 and 1936, this circular villa was intended for Aghasi Khanjyan, the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Armenia. Khanjyan, however, never had the chance to reside in his summer retreat. He died under mysterious circumstances in 1936, with many suspecting assassination. The villa's location was personally chosen by Khanjyan and is rumored to have once been the site of a Russian Imperial Army regiment cemetery. During World War II, the property was repurposed as a cattle ranch, leading to the loss of much of its original ornamentation. Although renovations were attempted, the original designs could not be fully restored. Since the late 1980s, the summer house has been abandoned, resulting in its partial collapse. The painted ceilings, walls, wooden interiors, and ornate staircases have vanished, leaving behind bare walls and stone pillars. Despite plans for reconstruction announced in 2018, the villa remains in ruins. Today, visitors can see the skeletal remains of the once-grand structure, offering a tangible link to Armenia's Soviet past. The site is located near Gorky Street and the statue "The King of the Forest" by sculptor Ara Sargsyan.

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