I found this small, semi-natural, semi-human made cave by accident while cycling around Yerevan’s Davtashen district this summer. Hrazdan river’s gorge, with its crystal-formed beautiful rock-walls attracted me to explore a bit.

When I crossed Davtshen bridge over the gorge, I found a narrow path going through a random, unfinished construction site which ended on a steep downhill footpath going to the gorge. On the second left turn I noticed that dark little hole a few meters up from the path, which appeared to be a nice corner for hiding from the sun or rain. I first thought it’s completely natural, but then I found various signs of human activity, mainly parts of concrete visible between some stones. I thought – this place must be known to at least some people, since there was an effort to fix parts of it, to adjust its space and make it more comfortable. But unfortunately I still haven’t found anyone who has ever heard about this cave.

Anyway, whoever they were, they definitely enjoyed the beautiful diverse view: the wide and rough gorge with river on one side, a part of urban landscape from above, yellowish dry bushes from another side… all contrasting with each other but in some kind of strange harmony, which feels better, especially when you remind yourself you are actually just 2km away from Barekamutyun metro station, which is the edge of the so-called big center of Yerevan.

But don’t forget: there might be snakes in summer.