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Aghdzk: Mausoleum of Armenian Kings

Discover Armenia's royal past at Aghdzk, home to the Arshakid Mausoleum and the final resting place of Armenian kings.

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Aghdzk, a village on the slopes of Mount Aragats, is home to the Arshakid Mausoleum, a significant grave monument complex and basilica dating back to the 4th-5th centuries. It holds the remains of Armenian kings and offers a glimpse into the nation's royal heritage.

A brief summary to Հովանելիք Aghdzk Kond

  • 8772+RV, Aghdzk, AM

Local tips

  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking and exploring the historical site.
  • Combine your visit to Aghdzk with other nearby attractions like Amberd Fortress or Mount Aragats.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From Yerevan, a taxi is the quickest way to reach Aghdzk. Taxis are readily available in Yerevan, and the ride to Aghdzk takes approximately 35 minutes. Expect to pay around $10-13 USD for the trip.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Aghdzk from Yerevan using public transport, take a bus from Yerevan's Kilikia bus station to Vagharshapat. From Vagharshapat, take a taxi to Aghdzk. The combined journey takes approximately 54 minutes and costs around $7-12 USD.

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Discover more about Հովանելիք Aghdzk Kond

Nestled in the Aragatsotn Province, the village of Aghdzk holds a unique place in Armenian history as the location of the Arshakid Mausoleum. This mausoleum is a large grave monument complex and basilica from the 4th to 5th centuries. The site is not only a historical landmark but also a testament to Armenia's resilience and cultural heritage The story of Aghdzk is intertwined with the Arshakuni Dynasty, who ruled Armenia from 12 AD to 428 AD. In the 4th century, King Shapur II of Persia sought to take the bones of Armenian kings to Persia, believing he would also take their power and glory. However, Sparapet Vassak Mamikonian defeated the Persians and returned the relics to Aghdzk, where they were reburied. The mausoleum was constructed in the mid-late 4th century to house these royal remains. Inside the mausoleum, the bones of both pagan and Christian kings were laid to rest. The interior features rectangular ossuary niches and bas-relief decorations, including the biblical story of Daniel in the Lion's Den. Adjacent to the mausoleum, a basilica was built in the late 4th to early 5th century, further emphasizing the site's religious significance. Today, Aghdzk attracts visitors interested in Armenian history, architecture, and spirituality.

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