Lasti Ayr Cave Complex

Hard-to-Reach Monument of Haghpat Village

The Lasti Ayr cave complex is one of Armenia’s unique monuments. It features a distinctive defensive structure and holds scientific and cultural significance. It is located in the Haghpat gorge, near the village site of Jraghatsadzor, in a vertical cliff approximately 70 meters above the ground.

According to preserved information, it was used from the 10th to the 15th centuries. It served as a repository for manuscripts of Haghpat Monastery, a workshop for parchment production, and a living space. During studies conducted in 1978 and 2024, ancient parchment fragments, pieces of clay bowls, and large jars were discovered. The parchment fragments are preserved in the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts (Matenadaran) in Yerevan.

Unique Defensive System

In front of the caves, wooden scaffolds were built on several levels, from which the name Lasti Ayr (cave) originated. Oak beams were placed in deep openings carved into the cliffs, over which mats woven from thick grapevine branches were spread. After entering, the mats were gathered to prevent enemies from approaching the caves. To stop enemies from descending on ropes from the Akner village plateau, a small opening was made above the main caves, where the stationed archer remained unseen from above or below, yet could easily shoot at any unwanted visitor. Historically, a secret passage also led from the main cave to the plateau.

Visiting Information

The ascent is extremely dangerous. The area is monitored by the management of the nearby recreational zone. Permission for climbing must be obtained from them. For more detailed information, see the article “Rock Climbing to Lasti Ayr.”