Master Levon's Underground Cave

VISITOR INFORMATION
🏠 Address: House 9, Davit Khachatryan Street, Arinj Village, Kotayk Province, Armenia (Abovyan Community)
🕙 Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM - 17:00 PM
🎟 Entrance Fee: Approx. 1,500 AMD
🗣 Tours: Available on-site in Armenian, English, and Russian
🚗 Accessibility: Reachable by public transport and car (nearest stop: Abovyan Street)

HISTORY

The story of Master Levon’s Cave began in 1985, when Levon Arakelyan decided to expand his home’s cellar at the request of his wife, Tosya Gharibyan. He began breaking ground in the earthen floor of the pantry where they kept their preserves. After descending about 80 centimeters, his shovel struck a stone. Undeterred, he turned to the right, hoping to carve out a space a meter and a half long - perhaps two. But once more, the earth gave way to rock. So he changed course, deciding to chisel steps into the stone instead. After shaping ten or twelve steps, another idea took hold of him - something deeper, more enduring. He would build a wine cellar, he thought, carved out of the heart of the earth. He was 44 then, and in his mind's eye, he saw himself, years later, retired and surrounded by friends, sharing stories and laughter in a stone sanctuary hidden from the world. From that day forward, he returned again and again, carving the stone with steady hands and quiet determination. Unsure whether to stop or continue digging, Levon experienced a vision - through a thick mist, a voice urged him to "keep digging, no matter what." The potato cellar was forgotten - along with the wine and the dream of the wine cellar itself. All that remained was the stone, and his quiet surrender to it.

From that moment on, the work became a spiritual mission rather than a simple home improvement. Inspired by his visions, Levon began carving chambers according to the shapes and images that appeared to him. Without blueprints or engineering plans-armed only with a hammer and chisel - he began creating a unique underground world. He firmly believed that God was guiding his hand, and that faith became the driving force behind 23 years of uninterrupted, daily labor.

Levon refused to use any electric tools, despite the soil’s hardness and the physical difficulty of the task. He also declined offers of assistance, believing the work must be done by hand, as an expression of personal devotion.

The cave, measuring 21 meters deep with a total area of approximately 300 square meters, consists of six rooms connected by narrow, winding staircases. It maintains a stable microclimate year-round, with a constant temperature of around 10°C (50°F) in both summer and winter. The entire construction was carried out by hand. Levon had a clear vision of what he wanted to create - at times, he even dreamed of the sections he would carve out the next day.

Levon Arakelyan passed away in 2009, having worked on the cave until his final days. Today, the cave is open to visitors and managed by his wife. The ground floor of the house has been transformed into a small museum that displays Master Levon’s clothing, media publications about his work, and guestbooks filled with impressions left by visitors from around the world. In the garden, you’ll see planters handcrafted by Levon from stone fragments excavated during construction. On the exterior wall, two hand-painted portraits are displayed: one of Levon holding his hammer and chisel, and another of his wife holding potatoes.

Visitors are welcome to explore this extraordinary, hand-carved monument that silently tells the story of a lifetime’s devotion. Guided tours are offered in Armenian, Russian, and English. Guests may also have the opportunity to meet members of Master Levon’s family. Souvenirs are available in limited quantity, and photography is allowed inside the cave.

Master Levon’s Cave is not just a unique architectural site - it is a powerful symbol of human perseverance, faith, and creativity. It reminds us that great things can be achieved by the strength of one’s own hands, without machinery or noise - only through vision and dedication.