Day 01
Gyumri Churches, Fortresses, Squares, and Museums
- 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, built on top of a hill. The full fortification took a decade to complete 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 19th-century church in Gyumri occupies the northern side of Vartanants Square and 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 funds from Ghahraman Arghutyants Ruller and the citizens of Alexandrapol during 1859-1864. According to the inscriptions above the southern and northern entrances, the church was named St. Astvatsatsin until 1870. It is one of the earliest apostolic churches in Gyumri, with a centralized dome and an adjacent belfry.
- 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 the peasants carried out the construction at their own expense and according to their own 'taste', without maintaining the symmetries accepted in Armenian architecture.
- Stroll through 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 measuring 280 by 140 meters. The square is decorated with several fountains and a memorial to the Battle of Avarayr at its center.
- Afterwards, roam across Varpetats Street. Varpetats, or Varpetneri, means belonging to the Masters - the Street of Masters. This is where you can meet the three greatest masters of Gyumri of all time through the house museums of Hovhannes Shiraz, Mher Mkrtchyan, and Avetiq Isahakyan. For this reason, a decision was made to rename that part of Shahumyan Street into Varpetats Street.
- Explore the Avetiq Isahakyan Museum. Since ancient times, Gyumri has been the birthplace of outstanding artists, poets, musicians, composers, and sculptors. Here, you can find the museum of the 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, large green area 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 Christ's crucifixion, usually resting on the symbol of the sun or the wheel of eternity. The cross itself and its surroundings are covered with fine patterns or images of grapes and leaves.
