Itinerary

1. Gyumri City Tour

   • Connect with your tour guide at the meeting point to start the program.
   • Begin by visiting the Marmashen Monastery, a 10th-century Armenian monastic complex consisting of five churches near the village of Marmashen in the Shirak Province of Armenia.
   • Go to Sev Berd or Black Fortress, which is built on top of a hill, and the full fortification took a decade after the first stones were laid in 1834. The fortress is a 360-degree round structure made of black stone, from which it gets its name.
   • Then, head to the Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God or Our Lady of Seven Wounds. This is a 19th-century church in Gyumri, Armenia. Occupying the northern side of the Vartanants Square, the cathedral is the seat of the Diocese of Shirak of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The church was constructed between 1873 and 1884.
   • Now, move to St. Nshan (St. Cross) church, which was built with the funds of Ghahraman Arghutyants Ruller and Alexandrapol citizens during 1859-1864. According to the inscriptions above the southern and northern entrances, the church was named St. Astvatsatsin until 1870. This is one of the earliest apostolic churches in Gyumri, with a centralized dome and belfry to the next.
   • Next, proceed to St. Gregory, the Illuminator's church or "Gyughatsots" ("Villagers"). This name was given to the church not because most visitors were poor peasants, but because of the construction the peasants carried out with their expenditure and according to their own "taste", without maintaining the symmetries accepted in the Armenian architecture.
   • Stroll through the Vartanants Square, the large central town square in Gyumri, Armenia. It is bordered by Abovyan street from the west, Gai street from the north, Shahumyan street from the east and Vahan Cheraz street from the south. It has a rectangular shape (280 by 140 meters). The square is decorated with several fountains with a memorial to the Battle of Avarayr at the central part.
   • Afterwards, roam across the Varpetats street. Varpetats or Varpetneri means belonging to the Masters-The Street of Masters. This is where you meet can three greatest masters of Gyumri of all times. The three house museums of Hovhannes Shiraz, Mher Mkrtchyan and Avetiq Isahakyan. For this reason, a decision was made to rename that part of Shahumyan street and into Varpetats street.
   • Explore the Avetiq Isahakyan Museum. Since ancient times Gyumri was the birthplace of outstanding artists, poets, musicians, composers and sculptors. Here you can find the museum of famous Armenian poet Av. Isahakyan.
   • Take a walk through Gorki Park, located in the heart of the town, where Gayi Street starts. It is a lovely green large area both with walking alleys and children's amusement facilities. Besides the amusement attractions, you can find many statues and monuments while walking through the park.
   • Later, wander around Khachkar Park. The word "khachkar" is formed by two Armenian roots: "Khach" (cross) and "kar" (stone).
   • A typical khachkar is made out of volcanic basalt or tuff. In the center of the cross is the symbol of Crist's crucifixion, which is usually resting on the symbol of the sun, or of the wheel of eternity. The cross itself and its surroundings are covered by fine patterns or images of grapes and leaves.