Main Sites and Attractions
The beauty of Gyumri lies in its own history. As being one of the oldest places in Armenia, Gyumri has one of the richest histories in the area and it can provide visitors with a unique architectural landscape. However, it was the victim of a disastrous earthquake that caused the loss of many of its historical and cultural buildings. Nevertheless, Gyumri is still the host of many schools, theaters, gusans and ashoughs and this has made it renowned and known as the ‘city of trades and arts’. Here people can read more about the most important and impressive sites in the city, most of which deserve being visited.The Kumayri historic district has been described as an open air museum, although it is actually incorrect but which resulted from its appearance and the atmosphere that it creates. This site is however the oldest part of the town and it hosts more than 1000 buildings all dating from the 18th and 19th century. It is also said that it is the only city in this country where visitors can get a grasp of the real and authentic Armenian historic city. The buildings, actually most of them have survived two destructive earthquakes, one in 1926 and one in 1988.
Sev Ghul is another important site to visit once in the area. The name of the site means Black Sentry and it is one of the oldest Russian fortresses in Gyumri. Specialists estimate that it has been there even since the 1830s. Typically for a fortress, the Sev Ghul is built on a hill, it is heavily armed and in case of a siege it may accommodate about 15 thousands officers and soldiers.
Although these two are the main sites to visit in Gyumri, sites such as Aslamazyan Sisters House-Museum, Dzitoghtsyan House-Museum or the Merkurov House-Museum are also worth visiting.
photo
by Hayk
Adamyan
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