Old Khndzoresk is one of the most captivating sights of Armenia. The abandoned cave settlement near the town of Goris is located on the slopes of a deep gorge. Most of the village houses were real caves at an altitude of 20-30 meters, and the inhabitants had to climb there using a rope equipped with special hooks. The first written mention of the settlement dates back to the 13th century. However, people lived here from time immemorial until the beginning of the 19th century. The last inhabitants of the village were two lovers, whose parents did not consent to their marriage. Eventually they ran away and secretly lived in one of the Khndzoresk caves until they had a child who reconciled the Armenian version of Montagues and Capulets families. Old Khndzoresk is connected with New Khndzoresk – the modern village – with a swinging iron bridge, which is a real finding for all fans of extreme.
