Aygestan
From Janapar
Aygestan (Այգեստան) is a village located in Askeran Region.
The village church of Surb Astvatsatsin is a monument of XIXc. It's a three-nave basilica 20.1 meters by 11.45, having a vaulted cover which rests on four pylons, the mutually-connected arches and pre-wall pylons. It has two vestries. The church was built from trimmed lime-stone. The interior of the temple has ornamentation and reliefs of classical national motifs covering the passages and portals. Of these decorative ornaments, certainly the most impressive is the snake on the southern wall of the church by the two windows.
Contents |
History
Known as Paluja or Baluja in Soviet times (the older names were Kolavar, Mets Khmahat).
Aygestan has monuments in four settlements worth mentioning. The first is Kolavor with its ancient cemetery and even older church Surb Vnes. It is situated not far from the church in a picturesque area. The church is a typical medieval basilica, with a vaulted cover. Written sources indicate that the protectors of the area showed their devotion and loyalty with the oath- “Surb Vanes is witness”. The cemetery has the tombs of those villager who fought and died in the Russo-Persian war (XIXc). The epigraphs on their gravestones testify to this.
The second settlement with an ancient cemetery and destroyed church was situated towards west from Paluji and was called Alukhanashen.
The third settlement Tamtsi Yeghtsi is situated on the right bank of Tsrtsaget River. The preserved ruins of Hangats Yeghtsi Church, other buildings and a large cemetery with khachkars remain.
The fourth settlement Mlkunts was in the Gomerashen area, between villages Aygestan and Hnatsagh. These settlements have numerous ornamented khachkars, dated XII-XIIIcc, epigraphic inscriptions, trimmed stones, gravestones and the ruins of numerous buildings, including also semi-preserved serf-walls.
Homestays
Nver Dadayan
The Nver Dadayan (Նվեր Դադայան ♂) homestay is run by a woman who lives in the home with her 2 sons and daughter. They have plans to install running hot water, but in any case can provide a bucket bath.
- Overall condition: Very good
- Restroom
- Toilet: clean outhouse with hole
Alvart Dadayan
Alvart Dadayan (Ալվարդ Դադայան ♀) can accommodate 3-4 people in poor conditions.
Gago
Gago (♂) Tel: 201-204 Gago is married, with three young daughters. He provided us with a good meal, lots of vodka, and plenty of laughs.
- Overall condition: Good
- Restroom
- Toilet: Clean outhouse with bonus hole (one big hole and one smaller hole for bonus points)
- Not recommended for large groups
Camping
Trails
| Himnakan Janapar (Backbone Trail) |
|---|
| Nor Manashid > Dadivank > Vaghuhas > Vank > Kolatak > Ptretsik > Aygestan > Stepanakert > Mkhitarishen > Avetaranots > Karmir Shuka > Azokh > Togh > Hadrut |
