Tevra Guesthouse – A Place That Preserves the History of Tevrakar Hill
This time, my journey took me to Tevrakar Hill, near the town of Ijevan, where Tevra Guesthouse is located—a place with a remarkable story that I am about to share.
The guesthouse stands on a hill where archaeological excavations have uncovered two major cultural layers. The first belongs to the Early Bronze Age, also known as the Kura–Araxes culture, dating from the end of the 4th millennium BC to the end of the 3rd millennium BC. The second is an Early Armenian cultural layer, dating from the 7th to the 4th centuries BC.
Tevrakar Hill lies within the administrative territory of Getahovit Village. According to archaeologists, it can be stated with confidence that the fortress was built by the ancestors of the Armenian people. The beginning of the Armenian ethnogenesis is associated with the Kura–Araxes culture, while its completion coincides with the period in which this fortress was constructed—around the 7th century BC.
During the excavations, archaeologists opened two exploratory trenches to study the site’s stratigraphy, identify its cultural layers, and better understand the way of life of the people who once lived here. The aim of the excavations is also to determine the preserved height and thickness of the fortress walls and to reconstruct the overall layout of the fortress, which has an oval-shaped plan.
A visit here offers much more than an opportunity to discover history—you can also experience the unique energy of this remarkable place. The guesthouse offers a variety of activities, while the real surprises are yet to come: an evening bonfire, potatoes roasted in the fire, and fresh seasonal vegetables.
Standing on the hill, within the territory of Tevraberd Fortress, you begin to realize just how overwhelmed our lives have become with countless worries, both big and small. We often forget to slow down, truly rest, and appreciate the simple joys that surround us.
Armenians are often described as hospitable, friendly, and caring people. We respect our elders, treat children with tenderness, and cherish strong family values. I was reminded of these qualities once again while spending time with the Tevra family.
Don’t worry—you’ll find enough warmth and hospitality here for everyone.
A cup of fragrant hot Tevra herbal tea, the legend of Tevraberd, and the breathtaking natural beauty of Tavush together create the perfect setting to escape the worries of everyday life.
The archaeological discoveries at Tevraberd testify that people settled in the Armenian Highlands thousands of years ago, and there is no doubt that their culture remains a lasting and invaluable source of Armenia’s ancient history.
The excavations are still ongoing.
Tevraberd still has many secrets waiting to be revealed.
