Levon's Divine Underground, Syunik Travel Guide

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Explore a hand-carved subterranean labyrinth in Arinj, Armenia, a testament to one man's 23-year vision and dedication.

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Levon's Divine Underground

Hidden beneath a modest home in Arinj, near Yerevan, lies Levon's Divine Underground, a unique cave system hand-carved over 23 years by Levon Arakelyan. What began as a request for a potato cellar evolved into a sprawling labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, and sculptures, a testament to one man's vision and dedication.

A brief summary to Levon's Divine Underground

Arinj, AM

Monday 10 am-6 pm
Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
Thursday 10 am-6 pm
Friday 10 am-6 pm
Saturday 10 am-6 pm
Sunday 10 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Levon's Divine Underground.

Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be navigating uneven surfaces and climbing up and down stairs.
The temperature inside the cave is around 10°C (50°F) year-round, so bring a light jacket.
Donations are accepted in lieu of an entrance fee.
Be prepared to climb approximately 80 steps to reach the cave system.

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Explore Levon's Divine Underground on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Levon's Divine Underground, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Yerevan city center (e.g., Republic Square), take bus #10 from Perekrestok Mashtoca-Amirjana bus stop towards Arinj. The bus departs every 10 minutes and the journey takes approximately 44 minutes to the National Centre for AIDS Prevention stop in Arinj. From there, it's a short walk to 5th Street, 9th house. The bus fare is 100 AMD.
Taxi

From Yerevan, a taxi ride to Levon's Divine Underground in Arinj takes approximately 12-15 minutes, depending on traffic. Use a ride-sharing app like Yandex Taxi or GG Taxi for convenient booking. A one-way trip typically costs between 1900-2900 AMD.

Discover more about Levon's Divine Underground

Levon's Divine Underground is a mesmerizing labyrinthine cave system located in the village of Arinj, a short distance from Yerevan, Armenia. This extraordinary attraction is the result of one man's unwavering dedication and vision. Levon Arakelyan, a former construction worker, began digging in 1985 at the request of his wife, Tosya, who simply wanted a cellar to store potatoes.However, Levon's endeavor quickly transcended the mundane. Inspired by visions and claiming divine guidance, he spent the next 23 years carving into the earth beneath his home, using only rudimentary hand tools like hammers and chisels. He worked tirelessly, sometimes up to 18 hours a day, facing immense challenges, including working without electricity and encountering extremely hard rock.The result is an astonishing underground complex spanning over 300 square meters and reaching a depth of 21 meters, equivalent to a seven-story building. The cave system comprises a network of interconnected hallways, spiral staircases, chambers, and intricately sculpted walls. Levon never used blueprints or engineers, relying solely on his intuition and inner vision to create this subterranean world.After Levon's death in 2008, Tosya opened the Divine Underground to the public as a museum to honor her husband's legacy. Visitors can explore the caves, marvel at the unique sculptures and carvings, and learn about the incredible story behind its creation. Tosya and other family members guide visitors, sharing stories and legends surrounding Levon's work. One room in their family home has been converted into a small museum displaying Levon's tools, clothing, photographs, and newspaper articles about his creation.Levon's Divine Underground is more than just a cave; it's a testament to human creativity, perseverance, and the enduring power of a dream. It reflects Armenia's rich history, where underground structures and caves have been integral to the region's architecture for millennia. A visit to this unique attraction offers a glimpse into the soul of an artist and the magic he brought to life beneath the surface.