Kapan

Kapan is the largest city in Armenia’s Syunik Province and, between 987 and 1170, was once the capital of the Armenian Kingdom of Syunik. Today, it is home to around 40,000 people, many of whom work in the mining industry. Beneath the earth lie vast deposits of gold, silver, copper, and zinc—so abundant that compasses in certain neighborhoods are said to malfunction from the subterranean magnetism.

The city stretches for several kilometers along the Voghji River, hemmed in by the Meghri and Bargushat mountain ranges. Its outskirts touch the Azerbaijani border, while just beyond a mountain pass lies Iran. A strategic highway runs through Kapan, linking Armenia with both countries.

Architecturally, Kapan is defined by its terrain. Buildings climb the slopes like steps, with some structures seemingly embedded in the mountainside. Most of the city’s construction dates to the Soviet era. The city’s name, derived from the Armenian word kapel—to lock or enclose—aptly reflects its geography. Residential buildings are scattered across steep hillsides, rewarding residents with well-toned calves and panoramic views from their balconies.

The surrounding landscape is lush and unlike the arid expanses found elsewhere in Armenia. Dense forests give way to alpine meadows, which in turn yield to snowy mountain peaks. Three rivers flow within the city limits: the Voghji, Kavart, and Vachagan.

Thanks to its position in a deep mountain gorge, Kapan enjoys a mild, humid, and warm climate—unusual for a mountainous region. Summer temperatures rarely exceed +28°C, while winter nights seldom drop below –15°C, making it a comfortable destination year-round.

Originally known as Kafan, the city was first mentioned in the 5th century. The nearby mountains, rich in ore, attracted blacksmiths and craftsmen early on. By the 10th century, the population had swelled to 20,000—an impressive figure for a medieval town.

In 977, Prince Smbat II of Syunik declared himself King of Armenia and moved the royal seat to Kapan, establishing the Kingdom of Syunik. But the city’s fortune was short-lived. In 1103, Seljuk forces captured and destroyed Kapan, dealing it a devastating blow. The capital was moved to Baghaberd, and Kapan gradually declined into a provincial settlement.

In the early 18th century, Kapan became a battleground in the fight between Persian-Turkish forces and the Armenian liberation movement led by General David Bek. In the 1720s, Bek assembled an army and liberated Syunik from foreign control. A statue of the general on horseback now stands in the heart of the city, commemorating his role in Armenia’s struggle for freedom.

Kapan remained a village until the 19th century, when colored metal mining resumed. The modern industrial city was born from the merger of Kapan with four neighboring settlements. During the Soviet era, the city became a hub for mining copper, silver, cadmium, gold, and molybdenum.

Today, the extraction of non-ferrous metals still drives the local economy. The city’s key employers are the ore-processing plant and the molybdenum production complex.

As for urban attractions, the city offers little beyond utilitarian Soviet architecture. There are a few statues and monuments, including a memorial dedicated to the Armenian Genocide. A modest city park with basic amusements serves local families, but holds little appeal for visitors.

Kapan remains a quiet, secluded city, distant from major tourist routes. Yet, it has its curiosities. One is the decorative bear statue at the entrance to the city, holding the Karajan Key. Initially, the bear’s mouth was empty. But in 1972, following a suggestion from Communist Party First Secretary Rafik Minasyan—who said the bear looked too meaningless—the sculpture was updated. “Let’s give it a key,” he said. “A symbol of the treasures hidden in our land.” The change was made, and the bear has held the key ever since.

For those seeking adventure, Kapan offers a zipline that soars over the city, providing breathtaking views of its rooftops, rivers, and surrounding peaks. Nearby lies a reservoir with unusually turquoise water—beautiful to photograph but unsafe for swimming, due to high metal content.

In the Shikahogh Reserve, visitors can find the Ksajur spring, whose mineral waters are believed to treat skin conditions and rejuvenate the complexion.

Fishing is a favorite pastime in Kapan. Locals cast their lines in the city’s rivers, often in the company of cats. These animals are treated with reverence, considered harbingers of a good catch. Feeding a cat, they say, ensures luck by the water.

And indeed, cats are everywhere in Kapan—lounging on porches, wandering alleyways, or watching patiently from riverbanks. In this mountain town of miners and fishermen, even the animals have a place in its quiet, enduring rhythm.

The surroundings of Kapan offer a stark contrast to the quiet of the town itself, revealing a landscape marked by architectural remnants and natural landmarks that stir the imagination.

Known also as the Fortress of Kapan, Baghaberd is a weathered stronghold situated along the road from Kapan to Kajaran. Perched 200 meters above the valley, the fortress dates back to the 5th century and once served as the capital of the Kingdom of Syunik. In 1170, it fell to the Seljuk Turks and was never rebuilt. Today, the ruins are overgrown and silent, a relic of a vanished past. Two surviving towers attract visitors, who climb them for panoramic views and photos. The location is striking—a serene spot to walk under the sun and contemplate the deep strata of Armenian history.

Hidden in the nearby mountains, the 17th-century Alidzor Fortress began as a monastery. Later fortified, it became a defensive citadel—both in design and in placement. Its inaccessibility once helped Armenian commander Davit Bek and his successor Mkhitar Sparapet withstand prolonged sieges by Ottoman and Persian forces. Though now deserted, the fortress remains visually commanding, a symbol of endurance. Davit Bek died within these walls and was buried nearby. His tomb bears no inscription, only a carved flower beneath the stone—an unspoken sign for future generations.

Roughly 24 kilometers north of Kapan, the world’s longest aerial tramway links the village of Halidzor to the Tatev Monastery. This 15-minute journey spans nearly six kilometers at a height of 320 meters. From the gondola, passengers glimpse the deep Vorotan Gorge and densely forested slopes. In the distance, Ararat looms, along with the megaliths of Karahunj, the monastery of Khor Virap, and the village of Areni—home to ancient necropolises, hilltop ruins, and the oldest known winery.

Located just five kilometers southwest of Kapan, Vahanavank was founded in the 10th century and named after Prince Vahan. Rebuilt in part a century later, the monastery eventually became a royal necropolis. Today, its stones still echo the voices of noble lineages.

Khustup’s highest point, Katari, rivals Ararat in national significance. Its summit attracts mountaineers who favor challenge and solitude. Three trails ascend through nearby villages. The climb is steep and stony, sometimes treacherous, best tackled between April and October. Tours can be organized individually or in groups.
In pre-Christian Armenia, Khustup was seen as sacred. Pagans believed it to be the home of a sun deity, as each dawn the first rays broke over its eastern ridges.