When you travel to Dilijan, make sure to stop by the statues of the iconic characters from the Soviet comedy "Mimino" (1977). The “Mimino” is a classic of Soviet cinema, and this monument celebrates it, and it is also a tribute to famous spring water of the Dilijan.

The bronze monument, symbolizing the friendship of Armenians, Georgians and Russians, represents the figures of WWII Russian veteran Ivan Volokhov (actor Yevgeny Leonov), Georgian pilot Valiko Mizandari (actor Vakhtang Kikabidze) and Armenian truck driver Ruben Khachikyan (actor Frunzik Mkrtchyan). The opening of the monument in Dilijan is not accidental - after all, Rubik from “Mimino” is a native of Dilijan.

A short synopsis of the film:

Georgian bush pilot Valiko Mizandari a.k.a. “Mimino” (Georgian actor Vakhtang Kikabidze) works at small local airline, flying helicopters between small villages. But he dreams of piloting large international airliners, so he decides to go to Moscow to follow his dream. There in a hotel he meets Armenian truck driver Ruben Khachikyan (Armenian actor Frunzik Mkrtchyan) who is given a place in that hotel by mistake instead of another Khachikyan (Professor), and they have many adventures in Moscow.

It is a fun to see how local people and tourists of all ages, kids, students, middle aged as well as the retired, especially from Russian Federation get excited seeing this monument. Cars and buses passing through Dilijan, stop here only for people to come out and touch the three figures and take a photo.

Don't forget to rub the nose of actor Frunzik Mkrtchyan for good luck, and enjoy a cold spring water from the drinking fountain at the monument. All good fun and a great picture opportunity!

You can watch the movie “Mimino” on YouTube, since it has English subtitles, and spend a nostalgic hour with a bottle of Armenian wine! “Mimino” was released in 1977. In the late 70s and early 80s, the film broke all records at the box office in terms of the number of viewers, it was watched by more than 24 million people. The movie was awarded the USSR State Prize and became a classic of Soviet cinema.

Visiting DILIJAN is on the itinerary of the good number of our tours. For more information, please visit our ТOURS page, or contact us at info@phoenixtour.am