The Well of Armenia is an intriguing architectural monument located in Kamianets-Podilskyi, Ukraine. Carved into solid stone at a depth of 55 meters, this well has a rich history and is well-preserved. Although it was closed during the visit, its construction is worth exploring for those planning to visit.
According to local guides, the Well of Armenia is considered a symbol of medieval corruption. It is said that funds allocated for water supply were used to construct only a well instead. This interesting backstory adds to the fascination surrounding this monument.
The well features an elevator, which is a convenient addition for visitors. Additionally, it is adorned with beautiful backlighting, adding to its charm and appeal.
Situated on the Polish market across from the southwest corner of the town hall, the Well of Armenia follows Western European architectural traditions. It is also known by other names such as City Well, Armenian Well, Central Well, and Turkish Well.
There are varying opinions regarding the construction history of the well. One suggests that it was carved in 1638 by an Armenian named Narses from Kamenets. Another theory claims that the Turks built it during their rule from 1672 to 1699. A third version proposes that the well dates back to 1581, with an accompanying "pillar of shame" on top. It is likely that the construction began in 1638 but was not completed, and the work was finished during the Turkish rule. In the 1760s, an octagonal baroque pavilion was added to the well by architect Jan de Witte.
The well itself is 55 meters deep and features a smooth bottom plate without any openings. Water enters through cracks in the rocky walls, resembling rainfall. However, the water is known to be unfit for consumption due to the high salt content, resulting in bitterness. Historical records suggest that the water was occasionally used for other purposes when properly treated. Over time, the building served as a city warehouse and later as a film distribution warehouse in the 1960s.
The single-story building stands at 6 meters tall and has a square plan with truncated corners. The walls are made of stone, measuring 0.9 meters thick. The facades showcase baroque elements, with round windows and a doorway on the eastern side. The building is completed with a two-tiered tent roof crowned with a spire.
After undergoing repair and restoration work in the 1990s, the well now serves as an exhibition hall for the Museum of Wax Figures since 2014.
Overall, the Well of Armenia is a captivating historical site that should not be missed when exploring the medieval Old Town of Kamianets-Podilskyi. With its intriguing history and architectural beauty, it is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors.
Quite an interesting architectural monument, well preserved. It was closed at the time of the visit. An interesting history of construction - it is worth finding out who plans to visit.
08.07.21
Vlad
As the guides like to tell, it is a symbol of medieval corruption. When the money was bequeathed for the water supply, and only a well was built.
04.05.21
Джиэрка
The elevator is there, and it's good
13.12.20
Artem
Pretty and backlit ❤️??
11.07.20
Alexander
The Armenian (City) well is located on the Polish market opposite the southwest corner of the town hall. It is built according to Western European traditions, which the city authorities were so eager to follow in building the central part of the city.. Read more ». The well is known as the City, Armenian, Central, Turkish.
Three opinions are expressed regarding the construction history of the well: the first is a well cut into a solid stone rock in 1638 at the expense of the Armenian Narses from Kamenets; the second is a well cut down by the Turks during their rule in 1672-1699. According to the third version, the well dates back to 1581, there was an overlap over it, on which a "pillar of shame" was installed. It is probable that the construction of the well began in 1638 at the expense of Narses, but for some reason was not completed, and the work was completed during the Turkish rule. In the 1760s, a baroque pavilion with an octagonal brick pavilion was built over the well by architect Jan de Witte.
The depth of the well is 55 m, the bottom of the well is a solid smooth plate without any holes, water comes from cracks in the rocky walls and falls down in the form of rain. It is finally known that the water in the well turned out to be unfit for consumption (salts washed out of the rock make it very bitter). According to historical sources, water from the well was occasionally used for other purposes, when timely treatment was carried out. Later, the building was used for a long time as a city warehouse, and in the 1960s the monument was a warehouse for film distribution.
The building is single-storey, 6 m high. The plan is square with truncated corners; long sides - 6,6-7,4 m, short - 2,9-3 m. Thickness of stone walls 0,9 m. In the center under a cement floor - the concrete plate covering mine shaft with a diameter of 3 m. Facades are solved in baroque forms. On the wide sides they are divided by two pilasters, on the narrow - one in the center.
On the three facades between the pilasters are round windows with white stone outer quarters; on the eastern facade there is a doorway with an arched jumper. The facades are plastered. The construction is completed by a two-tiered tent roof with shingles, topped with a spire.
After repair and restoration work in the 1990s, the well is used as an exhibition hall of the museum. Thus, in 2014, its premises were donated to the Museum of Wax Figures.
18.08.19
Андрей
Armenian Well (also Armenian Well, or City Well) is an architectural monument in Kamianets-Podilskyi, located in the center of the Old Town near the City Hall. The well, an underground part of the monument, is believed to have been carved into a soli.. Read more »d rock by local Armenians in 1638. Subsequently, an octagonal baroque pavilion was erected over the well. Now the building is the object of Kamenets-Podilskyi State Historical Museum-Reserve and has the status of a monument of national importance.
30.07.19
Yurii
Memo medieval Old Town. Will there - do not miss ... I wonder telling numerous guides
12.07.19
Adam
A building that's always closed with a sign on it for costume rentals.
29.04.19
Тетяна
On the territory of Krinitsa there is a costume museum, where you can try on antique suits for a completely symbolic fee. And the excursion itself is beyond praise! The guide tells very interestingly, even men do not get bored. Such subtleties, detai.. Read more »ls and historical reasons for which this or that costume was worn, which you will not find in the usual historical reference. At what the tour affects the whole of Europe, and not only the territory of Ukraine.
29.10.18
Lenka
It's a lovely garden in the centre. I really liked just walking around.
26.07.18
Oleg
A well that has long provided citizens with clean water
29.01.18
Ігор
Beautiful square with town hall. There are many in Kamianets-Podilskyi.
4.7 / 35
