The Submerged 16th Century Church Of St. Karapet In The Tolors Reservoir
In the village of Tolors, in the Syunik Province of Armenia, there is an exceptional monument of the 16th century, the Church of St. Karapet, which is literally submerged in the waters of the Tolors Reservoir.
In the Soviet years, it was decided to build the Tolors Reservoir on the territory where the church is located. These plans were implemented in the 70s of the last century. Some scientists and architects then offered options for transferring the church to another place, but officials preferred to flood the church.
Depending on the season, the water level of the reservoir drops and the church becomes visible. During certain times of the year, you can sail to the church by boat, and several days a year the church is within walking distance - you can even go in and pray in it!
Local residents claim that for more than 40 years, when the water in the reservoir rises above the usual level and the church is filled with water up to the dome, a heavy downpour with hail begins, destroying the entire crop. The inhabitants of the village take this pattern as God's punishment for such a dismissive attitude towards the shrine.
You can get to the Tolors from Sisian, the journey time is about 15 minutes. The village of Tolors is a good place to swim during the summer, the sun is intense, the water is quite hot all July-August.
Contact us and we will arrange your visit to the reservoir at any time of the year! For more information contact us at info@phoenixtour.am
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