Facts About Dilijan

Dilijan, often affectionately referred to by locals as the “Armenian Switzerland” or “Little Switzerland,” unfolds as one of the most charming and renowned resorts of Armenia.

We have singled out some noteworthy details about this picturesque little paradise-like city.

Formerly known as Delijan, the city is situated in the Tavush region, along the bank of the Aghstev river.

The name Dilijan first danced into the pages of history in 1666, finding its place in the travel chronicles of the esteemed French voyager, Jean Chardin.

Numerous narratives swirl around the name of the city of Dilijan, with two prevailing tales standing out. In the first rendition, the city allegedly draws its name from a shepherd named Dili, who was in love with his master’s daughter. Learning of this forbidden love, the prince commands the shepherd to be lost in the woods. The shepherd’s anguished mother, lamenting ceaselessly, embarks on a relentless quest for her son, her heartrending cries echoing, “Dilly, Dilly jan!”

In another enchanting narrative, “dili jan” resonates with the mellifluous cadence of “sweet language,” a testament to the locals’ charming dialect.

Dilijan, renowned for its natural beauty, hosts the “Dilijan National Park,” one of the designated areas under nature protection.

Dmitri Shostakovich composed the musical score for the film “Hamlet” at the Dilijan Composers’ Creativity House, adding a touch of artistic resonance to the city’s cultural tapestry.

Enriching Dilijan’s cultural landscape further is an art museum. This museum showcases a splendid array of Russian, Ukrainian, and Armenian paintings from the 19th-20th centuries, featuring notable artists such as Hovhannes Ayvazovsky, Minas Avetisyan, and Tatyana Yablonskaya. Additionally, it boasts a collection of Western European paintings from the 17th-19th centuries, including works by Jean Greuze and Hubert Robert, among others.

Dilijan hosts enduring monuments paying tribute to the cinematic legends Ruben Khachikyan (Frunzik Mkrtchyan), Valiko Mizandari (Vakhtang Kikabidze), and Ivan Volokhov (Yevgeni Leonov), renowned for their roles in the film “Mimino.”

Dilijan mineral water factory crafts the renowned “Dilijan” brand of mineral water, a testament to the region’s natural offerings.

The city and its surroundings boast a rich tapestry of history with 32 architectural monuments. Among them, the most celebrated include Haghartsin, Jukhtak Monastery, Matosavank, and Goshavank, paying homage to the legacy of Mkhitar Gosh.

From the late 19th century to the early 20th century, Dilijan boasted the “Rotonda,” a summer amphitheater that staged renowned works by famous playwrights. This cultural hub emerged as one of the most prominent meeting places for the intelligentsia of Caucasian Armenia.