It is always more interesting to travel to those countries that seem exotic and unusual for a simple inhabitant. However, the usual and unfamiliar cities also contain a lot of curious, and therefore do not always need to rush to the other half of the globe to satisfy their curiosity.
For example, in the Republic of Armenia there is the city of Gyumri, the second largest after Yerevan . This is a very ancient settlement, the first settlements of which appeared in the Bronze Age. During the existence of the city gave different names - Kumayri, Alexandropol, Leninakan. Such a history of Gyumri, rooted in antiquity, could not but leave a mark on its modern form. Unfortunately, because of two strong earthquakes (in 1926 and 1988), many ancient buildings were destroyed. There are a lot of historical monuments that fascinate beauty and atmosphere. So, we will tell about the sights of Gyumri in Armenia.
Architectural monuments of Gyumri
Religious architectural monuments of the city of Gyumri are represented by five churches, an Orthodox chapel and a monastery. For a long time the Church of Surb Amenaprkich, or the All-Savior, remained the symbol of the city. The erection of the structure began in 1859 and was completed in 1873. The church is an exact copy of the temple of Katogike in Ani, the destroyed medieval Armenian city in Turkey. Unfortunately, once the majestic building suffered in 1988 during the Spitak earthquake.
One of the oldest churches in Gyumri - the Church of the Holy Mother of God - was founded in the 17th century. The gloomy structure was built in the Armenian architectural tradition from black tuff, magmatic rock.
Among the Orthodox churches, the modern church of St. Hakob stands out, the foundation of which was in 1997 in memory of the Spitak earthquake in 1988, which resulted in a lot of human casualties and destruction.
At the military cemetery "Hill of Honor" stands the chapel of the Holy Archangel Michael - the burial place of soldiers who died in the Russian-Turkish war of the XIX century.
In the picturesque surroundings of the ancient city of Armenia Gyumri, you can visit many attractive buildings, where archaeological excavations are still conducted. On the territory of the garrison of the Russian military base is a military fortress. This Great Fortress of Gyumri was built in the 18th century. It is also called the "Black Fortress", because it is built of black stone. It has an unusual pentagonal shape, the fortress has five gate exits and narrow window-loopholes.
Ten kilometers from the city of Gyumri in Armenia you can see the ancient monastery of Marmashen, some of which were built in the XI century.
If you have free time in the city, visit the Sanahinsky Bridge (XII century), the ancient monastery Arichavank (VII-XIII century) and the church of St. Astvatsatsin (XII-XIII centuries), which are interesting not only as examples of ancient architecture, but also with their luxurious murals .
Among the monuments of the city, the "Mother Armenia" memorial in the form of a woman in a flying robes and the unusual sculpture of a two-headed eagle surrounded by a colonnade are of interest.
Other sights of Gyumri
Continue to walk around the city, you can visit the Freedom Square, from where we recommend that you take your steps to the City Park, where among the alleys and flower beds are numerous cafes and attractions.
For more detailed acquaintance with Gyumri, visit the Museum of Local Lore where visitors are told about the history, world of flora and fauna of the city and nearby territories. The cultural program can be enriched by visiting the House-Museum of sculptor Merkulov, an art gallery or even a zoo.
To get to the city the easiest way by plane. The airport of Gyumri "Shirak" is considered international and is the second largest in the republic.