Poland in Armenia

Metsamor is one of the most studied unique archaeological monuments of V-I century BC in the Armenian Highland, and throughout the Ancient Near East. The Museum is an important scientific research center. Archaeological excavations continue in the area nowadays.

Due to lack of infrastructure, absence of appropriate indications (often visitors try to reach the site using GPS, but the system shows long and difficult way), unsatisfactory service conditions (lack of toilets, recreation areas) the Museum has not been used its whole potential to be accepted and be known as a tourist center. During the archaeological excavations as well as high tourist season and the harsh weather conditions (the temperature reaches 40 degrees Celsius) the lack of roofing discourages visiting this place and archaeologists work.

The project "Support for tourism development in the Metsamor archaeological site” implemented by "Eurasia CPO" and the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Yerevan was aimed at improving access to the museum and the excavation zone, improving the working conditions of archaeologists, preparing the museum and the archaeological excavation zone of Metsamor to welcome more tourists and thus creating appropriate conditions for development.

Thanks to the implementation project in 2022 a solid movable roof was made over the excavation zone, direction indicating two boards were prepared, two museum toilets have been renovated and two new toilets were built and equipped outside the museum building in order to be used by archaeologists and tourists during excavations.

The beneficiaries of the project are the tourists visiting the museum and the excavation zone (about 1,400 visits were officially recorded in 2021). Indirect beneficiaries will also be administration staff of the Museum (about 20 people) and the members of archaeological missions, which will perform the work in better conditions.