Cross-stone Makers Yerevan
Talking stones
This place is located on one of the oldest streets in Yerevan named Arami. Here you are going to find a uniquely interesting workshop spot. While you’re approaching it you’ll start hearing the sounds of the metal tools drumming on the stone. Last time I went there, I was surprised to discover that this is a very meditative sound. Indeed, it is, for it gives birth to a cross-stone which is a richly ornamented rectangular piece of stone curved with an image of cross. You can almost meditate before this engraved stone just by looking at its meandering patterns, intertwining with one another, finding and losing each other on the surface of the stone, never repeating each other. Can you imagine that? There are thousands of cross-stones in Armenia and none are alike.
Armenians started to create cross-stones in the Early Middle Ages. The earliest known example is dated back to 879 AD and it is still standing in the village of Garni. These commemorative stones are still being made in Armenia by local masters and you can find the most famous artisans in this studio that has been enlivening Arami street for more than 20 years.
Once you go there, you can find several masters simultaneously working on tuff stone. If you have already been in the countryside, you may have already seen old cross-stones called khachqars in Armenian. Now take your chance to observe how these masterpieces are being created. The sculptors will not mind you watching them work.
Find your way with 162 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Yerevan
George’s DOM
Have brunch in an indoor-garden
Central Yerevan's quickly-gentrifying Saryan street is home to a new eatery: George’s DOM. The atmosphere's really something special...
by
Raffi
Elliott
Homeland Handycrafts
Armenian fair trade
Homeland Handycrafts in Yerevan is a social enterprise designed to revive traditional Armenian crafts while employing the most vulnerable population...
by
Raffi
Elliott
American University
Education comes first
The "American University" of Armenia in Yerevan is in the ex-Communist HQ. Having studied here, I would often go to the Green Bean coffee shop for lunch...
by
Raffi
Elliott
Impact Hub
A community of shapers
Impact Hub Yerevan is part of the global community of shapers. Excellent for digital nomads! My startup is based in this space, so I can vouch for it...
by
Raffi
Elliott
Cafe Central
For some good coffee
Cozy café with rich, traditional-style coffee and amazing cakes. Best choice for sweet lovers or a warm escape on a gloomy day.
by
Sofia
Manukyan
A Ride on a Trolleybus
Green and cheap ride
Ride Yerevan’s trolleybuses for an authentic, slow tour! See residential areas, meet locals, and discover the city beyond tourist spots.
by
Sofia
Manukyan
Natura Gold
For some good tea
Natura Gold is a calm, cozy tea shop in Yerevan. Come for a good chat and a sweet treat. Sit inside and sip ever-changing tea blends!
by
Sofia
Manukyan
Araks Restaurant
Tasty Middle-Eastern cuisine
Araks offers affordable, delicious Middle Eastern food in a cozy setting. Come for a quick lunch or relaxed dinner and try the Krdieh or falafel.
by
Sofia
Manukyan
Fourchette Buffet
Colorful and affordable
Fourchette Buffet in Yerevan is affordable and tasty. There are options for meat-eaters and vegetarians. They even have some sweet stuff, coffe and tea!
by
Sofia
Manukyan
12 Ktor Pizza
Pizza for delivery
12 Ktor Pizza in Yerevan is just different. Here the ingredients are real and you can really taste the quality. Grab a pizza for delivery!
by
Arpi
Janyan
Heading to Yerevan?
162 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Yerevan?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 162 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Yerevan
Get to know our other Spotters from Yerevan
As featured on:
