Private excursion to the underground cave-museum of Master Levon
Private excursion to the amazing underground cave-museum of Master Levon. During your stay in Armenia do not miss the opportunity to visit one of the hidden treasures in the village of Arinj (about 10 km from Yerevan) the mysterious cave-museum named after Master Levon.
Highlights:
Master Levon's underground cave-museum
Includes:
Pickup and transfer
Private transportation
Driver (guide)
Photo Service
Coffee or Tea
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Not included:
Admission fee (4 per person)
Builder Levon Arakelyan was already 44 years old when his wife Tosya asked him to make a potato cellar under their home in Arinja, Armenia. Levon began digging back in 1985, but once he started, he couldn't stop. He was motivated by dreams and visions in which a voice told him that he had to keep building the cave. He created an entire underground world, more reminiscent of Dark Souls levels than the most elaborate cellars imaginable.
Lavon worked every day, often until 6 p.m., almost without rest, and only carved hard rock with his small hand tools, avoiding traditional support structures or power tools. He created staircases, halls, bends and numerous rooms going up to 70 feet below the house. He also created small sanctuaries and artistic carvings throughout the cave system, giving it the feel of a sacred place.
In 2008, Levon passed away, though he still planned to work on expanding the caves. Today, his widow Tosya runs a small museum dedicated to her husband's labors and leads tours of the outlandish caves. The small room now serves as a makeshift museum, displaying artifacts, photographs, and publications about Levon's life dedicated to the cave. Levon's dedication to creativity and stonemasonry is also reflected in the stone mosaic portraits he built into the courtyard walls around his home.