Historic and Cultural Sites in Armenia Granted Monument Status: Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports
Armenia continues to prioritize the preservation of its rich cultural and historical heritage. In its first session of 2025, the expert commission of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports (MoESCS) granted historical and cultural monument status to several sites across Yerevan and various regions of the country.
Key Sites Granted Monument Status
During the session, the commission approved the following sites for historical monument status:
- Aragats Scientific Research Station (1943) – Located in Byurakan village, Aragatsotn region.
- Nor Amberd Research Station (1960) – Situated in Antarrut village.
- Gate of the Saint John Church Wall (19th century) – Located in Voskevaz village, Aragatsotn region.
- Lorut Burial Ground (3rd-2nd millennium BC) – Found in Lorut village, Lori region.
- Vardenis City Entrance Monument (1968) – A symbolic structure marking the entrance to Vardenis city in the Gegharkunik region.
- Dzoragyugh Olive Press (19th century) – A traditional olive oil production site.
- Khachkar Cross-Stone (11th-12th centuries) – Located in Dzoragyugh.
- Khojaghuli Tombstone (1695) – Found in Kahakakn village.
- Yeghegis-1 Cave Settlement (Chalcolithic era) – An archaeological site in Yeghegis village, Vayots Dzor region.
These sites represent various periods of Armenian history, from ancient burial grounds to Soviet-era monuments, highlighting the nation’s diverse cultural landscape.
Preservation Zone Projects Under Discussion
In addition to approving monument status, the commission reviewed several preservation zone projects for key historical sites, including:
- Shamiram Burial Ground (2nd-1st millennium BC) – Aragatsotn region.
- Shamiram Ancient Settlement (2nd-1st millennium BC) – Listed as site 2.81.1.
- Moshaghbyur Settlement Site (13th-20th centuries) – Lanjanist village, Ararat region.
- St. Sargis Church (19th century) – Site 3.48.3.4 in Lanjanist.
- Spitak Vank Settlement (13th-17th centuries) – Ararat region.
- Vardenis City Entrance Monument (1968) – Gegharkunik region.
- Red Fortress (19th century) – Located in Gyumri, Shirak region.
- Khot Village Site (10th-20th centuries) – Syunik region.
The commission noted that protecting these areas would not only safeguard Armenia’s heritage but also provide educational and tourism opportunities.
Collaborative Efforts for Preservation
Following the meeting, the approved projects will be submitted to local municipal authorities and regional administrative bodies for final approval. Once these bodies review the documents, the Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports will finalize the recognition process.
Additionally, the commission presented:
- Zoning Plan for Yerevan’s Nor Nork District – Focused on urban heritage integration.
- Utilization Plan for Old Goris Settlement (Kores) – This ancient village site, dating back to the 1st millennium BC, will undergo preservation efforts to protect its historical integrity.
Impact on Tourism and Cultural Identity
The recognition of these historical sites is expected to boost cultural tourism by offering visitors deeper insights into Armenia’s past. Moreover, the development of preservation zones will ensure that these sites remain protected for future generations.