Gyumri: Fortress, Faith and History

The journey begins in Gyumri, Armenia's second largest city, a city with a character, architecture and history of its own. In different eras it was known as Kumayri, Alexandropol and Leninakan.

The first stop is the Mother Armenia memorial complex, set on a hill above the city. The monument is dedicated to the victory in the Great Patriotic War. From the grounds of the complex there is a panoramic view over Gyumri and the Shirak plain.

Right nearby stands the Black Fortress — Sev Berd — one of Gyumri's most recognisable landmarks. The round fortress of black tuff was built in the 19th century, when the city was part of the Russian Empire and was called Alexandropol. It had military and strategic importance and served as part of the city's defensive system.

Today the Black Fortress has been restored and is used as a cultural venue hosting concerts, exhibitions and various events.

Next we visit the Church of the Seven Wounds — Surb Astvatsatsin — one of the main active churches of Gyumri. The church is built of the black tuff characteristic of the city. It holds a special place in Gyumri's history: during the Soviet period, when many Armenian churches were closed, this church continued to serve.

During the devastating Spitak earthquake of 1988 the church was seriously damaged. The fallen pieces of its domes have been kept beside the church as a reminder of one of the most tragic chapters in the city's modern history.

After exploring Gyumri we head to Harichavank Monastery, located in the village of Harich in the Shirak province. The monastery's history begins in the 7th century, and the complex saw its major development in the 13th century.

In the Middle Ages Harichavank was not only a spiritual centre but also a place of learning and manuscript copying. The architecture of the complex shows how Armenian church building changed and developed over several centuries. Its setting among the rocks and the open landscapes of Shirak gives Harichavank a special atmosphere.

This route suits those who want to see Armenia from another side — not only ancient monasteries and mountain landscapes, but also a city with a strongly expressed character and a history of its own.

In a single day you will get to know Gyumri, see the monumental Mother Armenia and the 19th-century Black Fortress, visit one of the city's main churches and finish the journey at medieval Harichavank.

The tour is especially interesting for lovers of history, architecture, urban culture and the medieval heritage of Armenia.