January 19, 2013 | 18:20
An official opening and blessing ceremony of Armenian khachkar was held in Italy’s Bari on January 11. The khachkar was built 11 years ago by architect Ashot Grigoryan.
The opening of the khachkar was delayed several times for a number of reasons, but this year, thanks to the City Hall of Bari, and the efforts of the local Armenian Ruben Timuryan the khachkar was placed in one of the most important squares of Bari, near the main harbor.
Interestingly, the khachkar is put on the same shore where many thousands of Armenians entered Italy during the years of the Armenian Genocide.
It was a surprise for everyone, when Bari’s mayor presented to the representative or Armenian embassy documents recognizing Armenian Genocide, with which Bari became the 70th city of Italy to recognize Armenian Genocide.