Զարնիայր քարանձավ

Zarniayr k’arandzav - Zarniayr Cave - Zarni-Parni Cave Fortress

Useful Information

Location:	H25, Haghpat 1705. (41.0963829, 44.7040062)
Open:	JUN to AUG Tue-Sun 11-21. [2023]
Fee:	Adults AMD 1000. [2023]
Classification:	Cave Castle
Light:	n/a
Dimension:
Guided tours:	self guided
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	Zarni-Parni Cave Fortress, H25, Haghpat 1705.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

11th century	cave castle built.
2013	cave castles renovated.

Description

Զարնիայր քարանձավ (Zarni-Parni Cave Fortress) is a huge cave shelter which was used for the construction of a cave castle. The walls were built during the 11th century. They were recently renovated and contains a small local history museum.

The complex consists actually of two cave castles, Zarni Er and Parni Er, and a cave named Tsak Er. Zarni Er was named in honor of Governor Zareh, who, according to legends, took refuge here with the nobles of his dynasty and cherished the manuscripts and treasures belonging to the famous Haghpat monastery complex. Parni Er translates Gentleman’s Cave. In the cave Tsak Er (Holy Cave), according to historical records the famous scientist and philosopher Hovhannes Imastaser lived and worked. He is one of the greatest medieval Armenian scientists, a successor to the traditions of Aristotelianism.

At the road is a restaurant of the same name, which you probably best avoid. According to online reviews, the service is subterranean.