Gyumri, Armenia

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Gyumri, Armenia

Region: Shirak Province

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Geographic Coordinates: 40.789400, 43.847500

Climate: Cold winters, mild springs and autumns, and warm summers with occasional rainfall.

Population: 121976

Language: Armenian

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Gyumri is the second-largest city in Armenia, Situated in the northwestern part of the country. It has a population of approximately 120, 000 people and is located on the Shirak plateau at an altitude of 1, 550 meters above sea level. The city has a long and rich history dating back to ancient times. It was once a vital center of trade and commerce on the Silk Road route connecting Europe and Asia. Today, It is an industrious hub with numerous factories producing various products such as textiles, Machinery, Chemicals, Food products and more.

One of Gyumri’s main attractions is its stunning architecture featuring historic buildings reflecting different styles such as Baroque, Art Nouveau and Soviet-era Brutalism. The Black Fortress (Sev Berd), Built during medieval times to protect against invading armies is one of its most famous landmarks. Marmashen Monastery – one of Armenia’s oldest Christian monasteries dating back to 10th century AD – features intricate carvings and frescoes that depict biblical scenes from both Old Testament & New Testament.

Gyumri also offers visitors insight into Armenian culture through its museums such as Krikor Zohrab Center dedicated to preserving Armenian literature & language; Dzitoghtsyan Museum showcasing traditional Armenian crafts like pottery making; Alexandrapol Museum exhibiting artifacts from different periods including prehistoric times up until present day events like earthquake disaster relief efforts. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking or skiing at nearby Mount Aragats National Park which offers stunning views over surrounding valleys & mountain ranges including Mt Ararat where Noah’s Ark landed according to Bible stories. sampling some local cuisine while visiting Gyumri is a must-do activity!

Armenian food boasts rich flavors with hearty dishes like khorovats (barbecue), Dolma (stuffed grape leaves), Lavash (traditional bread) being among the favorites. There are numerous restaurants in Gyumri where visitors can try these delicious dishes and also taste locally produced wine or brandy. Gyumri is a fascinating city with much to offer visitors looking for an authentic Armenian experience. Its rich history, Stunning architecture, Beautiful landscapes, Cultural attractions and delicious cuisine make it a must-see destination for anyone visiting Armenia.

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1. Vardanants Square
2. Mother Armenia Monument
3. Sev Berd Fortress
4. Black Fortress (Kara Kala)
5. Gyumri Central Park
6. Kumayri Historic District
7. Dzitoghtsyan Museum of National Architecture and Urban Life
8. Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God (Gyumri)
9. Alexandrapol railway station building
10. Gyumri City Hall

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1. Textile industry: Gyumri has a rich history of textile production and is home to several large textile factories.
2. Food processing industry: The city is known for its production of dairy products, canned fruits and vegetables, as well as wine.
3. Construction materials industry: There are various companies that produce building materials such as bricks, tiles, and cement in Gyumri.
4. IT sector: The city has a growing IT sector with several software development companies.
5. Tourism industry: Gyumri is a popular tourist destination due to its unique architecture, museums, and cultural events.
6. Retail sector: There are many small shops and markets in the city selling various goods from clothing to household items.
7. Service sector: The service sector includes banks, healthcare facilities, hotels, restaurants as well as other businesses that provide services to the local population.

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1. The devastating earthquake of 1988 struck Gyumri and the surrounding region on December 7, killing tens of thousands of people and leaving many more homeless.
2. Mher Mkrtchyan was a famous Armenian actor born in Gyumri in 1930. He appeared in over 100 films and became one of the most beloved actors in Armenia.
3. During the First World War, Armenian forces successfully defended the city of Gyumri against invading Ottoman troops at the Battle of Sardarabad in May 1918.
4. Hovhannes Shiraz was a renowned Armenian poet who lived from 1915 to 1984. He spent much of his life in Gyumri and is considered one of Armenia’s greatest poets.
5. In June 1920, during the Russian Civil War, Soviet troops massacred hundreds of civilians in the Kumayri district (now part of modern-day Gyumri) at the Kumayri District Massacre.
6. Levon Aronian is an Armenian chess grandmaster who was born in Yerevan but grew up in Gyumri. He has won numerous international chess tournaments and is considered one of Armenia’s greatest athletes.
7. Thousands gathered on Independence Square (also known as Vartanants Square) during February-March 2013 to protest against then-President Serzh Sargsyan’s decision to join Russia’s Eurasian Economic Union instead pursuing closer ties with Europe at The Independence Square Protests.
8. Shirak FC is a professional football club based in Gyumri that competes in the Armenian Premier League. They have won multiple domestic titles and are one of Armenia’s most successful football clubs.

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1. Gyumri Historical and Ethnographic Museum
2. Dzitoghtsyan Museum of Social Life and National Architecture
3. Mother Armenia Monument
4. Vardanants Square
5. Kumayri Historic District
6. Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God (Gyumri)
7. Black Fortress (Sev Berd)
8. Gyumri Art Gallery
9. Alexandropol Memorial Park
10. Shirak Regional Museum

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1. Shirak FC – Founded in 1958, this professional football club is based in Gyumri and has won the Armenian Premier League four times and the Armenian Cup six times.
2. Gyumri City FC – Another football club based in Gyumri, founded in 2013, plays in the Armenian First League and has been promoted to the Armenian Premier League twice.
3. Shirak SC – A men’s basketball team founded in 1960 and based in Gyumri that has won three Armenian Basketball Leagues and six Armenian Basketball Cups.
4. Ararat Yerevan-2 – A football club that played their home games at Vazgen Sargsyan Stadium located on Abovyan Street of Gyumri from 2009 to 2010.
5. Pyunik-2 Yerevan – Another defunct football club that played their home games at Vazgen Sargsyan Stadium for one season (2007–08) before moving back to Yerevan.

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1. The Shirak Wine Festival is an annual event held in October to celebrate the harvest season. Attendees can enjoy wine tasting, food, music and dancing.
2. The Gyumri International Biennial of Contemporary Art is a biennial event that showcases contemporary art from both local and international artists.
3. The Vardavar Water Festival takes place during July or August, where people splash each other with water as a symbol of purification and renewal.
4. The Gyumri Beer Fest is an annual event held in August that features local craft beers and live music performances.
5. Independence Day Celebrations are celebrated on September 21st with parades, concerts, and fireworks displays.
6. Armenian Genocide Commemoration Day is observed on April 24th to remember the victims of the Armenian Genocide through solemn ceremonies and tributes.
7. Christmas Celebrations are marked by traditional religious services at churches throughout the city followed by festive gatherings with family and friends.
8. Easter Celebrations are marked by traditional religious services at churches throughout the city followed by festive gatherings with family and friends.

Note: Some events may be subject to change or cancellation due to COVID-19 restrictions or unforeseen circumstances.

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• Khash – a traditional Armenian soup made with cow or sheep feet and served with garlic and bread.
• Harissa – a porridge-like dish made with wheat and meat (usually chicken or lamb) that is slow-cooked for several hours.
• Manti – small dumplings filled with spiced ground meat or vegetables, usually served with yogurt.
• Lavash – thin flatbread that is a staple of Armenian cuisine.

Popular Restaurants in Gyumri, Armenia

• Old Dilijan Complex – a restaurant located in an old building that serves traditional Armenian dishes like khorovats (grilled meat) and dolma (stuffed grape leaves).
• Shirak Restaurant – known for its delicious khash and other traditional Armenian dishes.
• Tospia Restaurant – offers a variety of local dishes including manti, harissa, and khorovats.
• Voskevaz Winery Restaurant – serves both traditional Armenian cuisine as well as international dishes paired with their own wines from the nearby vineyards of Voskevaz village.

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Parks and Recreation

1. Sev Berd Park is a spacious public park that provides visitors with walking paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
2. Vardanants Square is a central square located in Gyumri where individuals can relax on benches and enjoy the fountains.
3. Victory Park is situated on a hilltop and offers panoramic views of Gyumri along with rides such as a Ferris wheel.
4. The Shirak Regional Museum of Art and History showcases local art and history within an indoor museum setting.
5. The Gyumri Zoo features animals that are native to Armenia in a small zoo setting.
6. The Gyumri Waterfall is located just outside the city limits and provides picturesque views for visitors to enjoy.
7. Marmashen Monastery, which is approximately 20 km from Gyumri, offers hiking trails and scenic views of the surrounding countryside for those who visit this ancient monastery.

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