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Stepanakert City

Region

Artsakh

Distance from Yerevan

379.1 km

Type

Monument/Memorial complex

Stepanakert, the capital of the Republic of Artsakh, is not only an administrative center but also an industrial, cultural, and educational hub of the region. Located on the eastern slopes of the Artsakh mountain range, along the banks of the Karkar River, the city has a geographically advantageous position, situated on an important highway. The total area of Stepanakert is 25.6 square kilometers. The climate is semi-arid subtropical; summers are hot and dry, while winters are mild and mostly dry, though severe cold spells can occasionally be observed. The city has ancient roots. The first settlements in this area appeared as early as the 3rd–2nd millennia BC. Archaeological excavations conducted in the 19th century uncovered valuable artifacts of material culture, some of which are preserved in the world's largest museums. Like in Yerevan, the first official city plan here was drawn up by Alexander Tamanian in 1926, which allowed Stepanakert to form as a modern urban unit, combining antiquity with the new.

Interesting

facts about Stepanakert City

Facts

The first excavations in the city were conducted by the German researcher Emil Rosler.

The city is named Stepanakert in honor of the revolutionary figure Stepan Shahumyan, whose name is recorded in the pages of the city’s modern history.

In the 5th century AD, there existed a settlement called Vararakn, named after a flowing abundant spring. From that time, only one ancient guesthouse has been preserved, which testifies to the vibrant spirit of the past.

Weather in Artsakh

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 Stepanakert city depends on the weather conditions.