The Cilician Kingdom, which flourished in the Middle Ages on the Mediterranean coast, left a profound mark on Armenian history through its maritime culture and active trade. Armenians of Cilicia were renowned for their passion for sea voyages and their fleet played a vital role in the region's commercial and cultural connections. Inspired by this legacy, Captain Karen Balayan, together with like-minded enthusiasts, launched a unique project in 1985 – the reconstruction of a ship based on ancient designs of Cilician sailing vessels.
Thus was born the legendary "Cilicia", built entirely by hand using medieval techniques. In 2004, the crew set out under the captain's lead on a voyage following the routes of medieval Armenian merchants. Over two years, "Cilicia" visited dozens of European ports, attracting admiration and curiosity, before returning to Armenia in 2006 as a symbol of the revival of the nation's maritime heritage.
Today, visitors can connect with this remarkable story at the "Port Ayas" art and leisure center, located on the shores of the village of Artanish in one of the cleanest areas of Lake Sevan. Here guests can see the ship itself, learn about its journeys, taste traditional Armenian dishes and enjoy various activities.
👉 The presented cost includes tour inside the ship only.
👉 The reservations should be made in advance.
Admission:
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6.74 USD
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per person
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Guide fee:
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1-15
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persons
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10.79 USD
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