Sharambeyan Street with its narrow streets, openwork balconies, and handicraft shops is the most colorful place in Dilijan

There isn’t a single Dilijan resident who does not know and honor the memory of Hovhannes Sharambeyan, an honored artist, who made a significant contribution to the cultural development of Dilijan. It is easy to guess that the street, named after such an important person for Dilijan residents, deserves special attention and is one of the city's main landmarks.

So, welcome to Sharambeyan Street, the street of Dilijan artisans, and the most colorful place in the city!

As you have already noticed, apart from the picturesque nature, the old and cozy houses of the XIX century give a special charm to Dilijan. Two-story houses with red-tiled roofs, wooden verandas, and balconies, which are skillfully decorated with fine carvings, fit perfectly into the local mountainous and wooded landscape and create its unique urban coloring.

Sharambeyan Street, named after a Dilijan resident devoted to his city, is exactly like this, it’s colorful, harmonious, and original. This is one of the oldest streets in Dilijan, which has preserved examples of traditional “folk” architecture and rich handicraft traditions. This is where the workshops and shops of Dilijan artisans are located. They pass on their skills from generation to generation.

In 2004 the Tufenkian Old Dilijan complex was built in the historic district of Sharambeyan Street, the concept of which involves the reconstruction of old houses and the restoration of the historical appearance and traditions of the ancient district.

The Tufenkian Old Dilijan Complex currently includes a museum, hotels, bakeries, cafes, craft shops, and workshops. It has everything that a tourist can call an old town, starting with the general consistency of the architectural style and ending with such details as charming signs over workshops and souvenir shops.

Indeed, the complex gave the old district that tourist gloss (in a positive way), while maintaining its authenticity, history, and traditions. Beyond its appealing form, there is equally attractive and deep content. After all, Sharambeyan Street is mainly the street of Dilijan artisans. And as we know, crafts in Dilijan have a thousand-year history! Local masters of ceramics, woodcarving, pottery,  jewelry, carpet weaving, and other traditional crafts passed on their skills and abilities from generation to generation.

It is here, on Sharambeyan Street, that you can meet artisans in the third, fourth, or even older generations. And not only can you buy souvenirs from them, but also get acquainted with the basics of traditional crafts, try to reveal your skills and talents during fascinating master classes.

Grigor Hovsepyan is one of the famous and experienced Dilijan artisans, and a third-generation woodcarving master. In his workshop on Sharambeyan Street, you can buy wooden items and souvenirs with meticulously carved Armenian ornaments.

“Guests of the city most of all love Armenian letters carved from wood. Small souvenirs attract more visitors, but it is no less difficult to make them since you have to be attentive. In my work, I prefer traditional Armenian ornaments and symbols,” the master admits. He is a man of few words, serious and he is focused on his work, but at the same time, the master is always happy to have guests in his workshop.

Here you can also find Arsen Gogchyan’s ceramics and pottery workshop. He is the kind of man who prefers to declare himself by deeds, not words. Arsen creates not only pottery but also ceramics and paintings. He tries different genres and experiments with ornaments. According to him, the source of inspiration is Dilijan. “No, I wouldn't like to live in a different place,” the master admits and invites both residents and city guests to his master classes in pottery.

Perhaps the atmosphere of Dilijan and this magical street of artisans will not only inspire you for taking beautiful photos but also reveal hidden talents in you.