From Yerevan: Gyumri City and Harichavank Day Trip – Shirak, Armenia

EXPERIENCE

Explore Armenia’s cultural capital of Gyumri on a guided tour. Visit the city center to see the Black Fortress. Learn about local history during a stop at the Dzitoghtsyan Museum of National Architecture and Urban Life. After exploring Gyumri, continue to the Harichavank Monastery.

Start the tour with a drive from Yerevan to Gyumri city, located in the middle of Shirak valley. Explore the most colorful city in Armenia. Witness the local traditions and national spirit that is deeply rooted in the everyday life of the locals.

Delve deeper into history at Dzitoghtsyan, located in the historic district of Gyumri. This remarkable mansion was built in 1872 by the merchant Petros Dzitoghtsyan from the indigenous red tuff stone of Shirak. In 1984 the Museum of Urban Life was established in this building. See exhibits displaying the Gyumri’s history, culture and architecture.

Continue to a unique hallmark of Gyumri, the Black Fortress. Feel the spirit of antiquity in this complex of military buildings. This structure made of black tuff is the southern castle of the ancient Alexandrapol fortress. Enjoy views of Black Fortress, the Statue of Mother Armenia and Shirak stadium.

Walk along the streets of old Gyumri to hear the voice of the smiths’ hammers. The old houses, a part of which resisted the devastating 1988 earthquake, speak of the city’s high architectural achievements.

Stop for a lunch break in a national-style restaurant in Gyumri. Choose from 3 meal options on the way and pay upon arrival. Head to the final stop of the tour, the Harichavank Monastery. Explore this prominent spiritual and cultural center of Shirak region.

Harichavank houses St. Gregory and St. Astvatsatsin Churches, established before the 13th century. Not far from the main buildings lies a small chapel. The chapel is built on a piece of rock, which split from the cape during an earthquake. The chapel now towers over the canyon.

Admire Armenian architecture from different eras in this monastery complex. At the end of the day trip, hop back on your air-conditioned ride to return to Yerevan.

HIGHLIGHTS

Visit museums, parks and the impressive historic district of Gyumri
Discover the everyday life, culture & history of Gyumri at the Urban Life Museum
Take a walk in the old streets of Gyumri, where many famous Armenian films were shot
See the Black Fortress, an abandoned Russian imperial hilltop fortress
Explore the most famous monastic centers in Armenia, the Harichavank

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