Aramyants's Abandoned Mansion - A Glimpse into Urbex Decay and Tours in Armenia

During my urbex tours in Armenia, particularly in the Lori region, one of our must-see stops is the abandoned mansion of Armenian philanthropist Mikael Aramyants in the town of Akhtala. This mansion, with its rich history and architectural beauty, offers a unique glimpse into Armenia's past and is a key attraction on my urban exploration tours in Armenia. Let's delve into the story of this remarkable place.

Mikael Aramyants was a prominent Armenian oil magnate, industrialist, financier, and philanthropist of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was the founder of the "National Benevolent Society" of Tiflis and a major benefactor who funded constructions of schools and hospitals in both Georgia and Armenia. In Tbilisi, one of his contributions still stands as the building that now houses the Ministry of Education.

The Story Behind the Mansion

The story of Aramyants's mansion begins with Georgian Prince Baratov, who had amassed significant debts and was forced to pledge his estate to the state land bank. Unable to repay these debts, Baratov turned to Aramyants for financial help. However, Baratov's reckless spending led to the estate being put up for auction. To recover his investment, Aramyants paid off the bank interest and purchased the estate.

A historical photo of the mansion

In 1885, Aramyants built a Swiss-style mansion on this land for his daughter, who was suffering from tuberculosis. The mansion was exquisitely decorated, with furniture imported from Europe and rare plants like Californian pines (cypresses) brought from Japan. It was a symbol of Aramyants's wealth and taste.

The Soviet Era and Beyond

During Soviet times, the mansion was converted into a holiday home for workers and peasants, later becoming the "Debed" boarding house. However, after Armenia gained independence, the mansion fell into neglect. In 2005, it was sold to a private company for a mere 1.2 million drams, with promises of restoration and development that were never fulfilled.

Today, the mansion, covering 3,700 square meters, is in a state of disrepair. Despite its dilapidated condition, a café operates nearby, and visitors must purchase tickets (1500 AMD per person for foreigners) to see the mansion.

Aramyants's mansion today

Fascinating Facts

The mansion hosted notable figures such as Hovhannes Tumanyan, Catholicos Khrimyan Hayrik, opera singer Fyodor Shalyapin, and theater director Vsevolod Meyerhold.

The declaration of the First Republic of Armenia was adopted in Aramyants's mansion.

The first tennis court in Armenia was located on the mansion's grounds.

On December 15, 2016, the mansion was officially recognized as a historical and cultural monument.

Exploring Aramyants's mansion is a journey into the past, revealing the grandeur and decay that characterize much of Armenia's pre Soviet-era heritage. Join me on one of my urbex tours in Armenia to experience this and many other hidden gems.

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