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Sights of Armenia Shirak
Gyumri
- RegionShirak
- Distance from Yerevan4.1 km
- TypeOther
Shirak
About this place
Gyumri, the centre of Shirak Province, has a centuries-old rich history. It is Armenia’s second-largest city after the capital, located 126 km from Yerevan.
Often referred to as the cultural capital of Armenia, Gyumri is known for its deep-rooted history, architecture, arts, and warm hospitality. It has always been a cultural and artistic hub, the birthplace of many renowned artists, musicians, and writers.
Around Vardanants Square in Gyumri are numerous landmarks, including the Churches of the Holy Saviour (Amenaprkich) and St. Nishan, the house-museums of writers Avetik Isahakyan and Hovhannes Shiraz, the museum of famed actor Mher Mkrtchyan, and the Aslamazyan Sisters Gallery, among others.
Interesting
facts about Gyumri
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The town’s original name was Kumayri. Before 1840, it was called Gyumri, then under the Russian Empire (1840–1924), it was renamed Alexandropol. During the Soviet era (1924–1990), it was called Leninakan. Between 1990–1992, it reverted to Kumayri, and then was renamed Gyumri.
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The city suffered severe damage during the 1988 earthquake, but has been undergoing restoration in the past decades.
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The territory of Gyumri has been inhabited since the 2nd millennium BC. Inscriptions and archaeological finds attest to the presence of the Urartian period.
Weather in Shirak
The high season in Armenia lasts for a long time due to the pleasant climate conditions. Warm days in Armenia start in March and last until late autumn; winter is usually snowless and not long. The high precipitation season is variable. The tourist season for Gyumri depends on the weather conditions.
Gyumri
FAQ
Where is Gyumri?
Gyumri is the centre of Shirak Province and Armenia's second-largest city after the capital. It lies 126 km from Yerevan.
Why is Gyumri called the cultural capital of Armenia?
Gyumri is known for its deep-rooted history, architecture, arts and warm hospitality. It has always been a cultural and artistic hub and is the birthplace of many renowned artists, musicians and writers.
What is there to see in Gyumri?
Around Vardanants Square stand the Churches of the Holy Saviour (Amenaprkich) and St. Nishan, the house-museums of writers Avetik Isahakyan and Hovhannes Shiraz, the museum of the actor Mher Mkrtchyan and the Aslamazyan Sisters Gallery, among other landmarks.
What were Gyumri's former names?
The town was originally called Kumayri, and was known as Gyumri before 1840. Under the Russian Empire (1840–1924) it was Alexandropol, in the Soviet era (1924–1990) Leninakan; between 1990 and 1992 it was Kumayri again, and then it was renamed Gyumri.
How old is Gyumri?
The territory of Gyumri has been inhabited since the 2nd millennium BC, and inscriptions and archaeological finds attest to the Urartian period. The city was severely damaged in the 1988 earthquake and has been undergoing restoration in recent decades.
Shirak
Plan your visit
Address
Gyumri Hotel, Ереван, Армения
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