Arch of Charents

The Arch of Charents is a memorial structure built from dark basalt and local orange tuff arranged in a rectangular configuration with a curved opening. The arched shape dominates the design, creating a simple yet strong visual form that frames the sky above.

Built in 1957 by sculptor Rafael Israelyan, the arch was created to remember the poet Yeghishe Charents and his contributions to Armenian literature. The memorial reflects a broader effort to preserve cultural memory after the difficult decades that followed.

The arch displays carved lines from Charents' poem about Mount Ararat, linking Armenian poetry with the landscape surrounding the monument. Visitors who pause to read the inscription can feel the poet's connection to this mountain and its place in Armenian identity.

The arch stands along a main road, making it easy to stop and view the structure during a drive through the area. Visiting in daylight and clear weather allows you to appreciate the carving details and see the surrounding landscape clearly.

The structure combines dark basalt with bright orange tuff, creating a striking color contrast that catches the eye. This material pairing makes the monument memorable in a way that a single stone type could not achieve.