Community

Vanadzor

With a population of 80,000 people, the city of Vanadzor is the third largest city of the Republic of Armenia and the administrative and cultural center of the Lori province. Founded in 1828, when Armenia was a part of the Russian empire, it was called Gharakilisa, meaning black church (the church still stands in the city). After the Sovietization of Armenia, the city was renamed Kirovakan in honor of a Soviel politician Sergei Kirov. In 1992, following the independence of Armenia, the city was renamed again, acquiring its current name, Vanadzor.

In the Soviet times, Vanadzor was a major industrial city, famous for its chemical production. But with the collapse of the economy after Soviet Union’s fall, many factories closed down, and today their abandoned buildings stand like ghosts from the past. Some of the old factory buildings today house production of garments, food, construction materials, etc․

The city is also a regional transport hub connecting the villages and towns through a network of public transport. The railway connecting Yerevan to Tbilisi runs through Vanadzor.

Vanadzor’s neoclassical architecture set against the green mountains surrounding the city creates its own unique atmosphere. Vanadzor is famous among the youth as the rock music capital of Armenia.

Indeed, many famous musicians and rocks bands originated here, including Vordan Karmir, Lav Eli, The Clocker, and others. Today, Vanadzor is rapidly developing, becoming one of Armenia’s educational, cultural, and tourism centers.

What to see in Vanadzor

Museum of Local Lore Lori Pambak

Tairov’s Summer House

Church of the Holy Mother of God

Vanadzor Fine Arts Museum

Vanadzor Agriculture Market

Stepan Zoryan House-Museum

Dzoragyugh

Situated in a mountainous area at the confluence of the rivers Pambak and Dzoraget, at an elevation of 1250 meters above sea level, the village of Dzoragyugh was founded in 1804 by families who arrived here from Artsakh. The village derives its name from the Armenian words “dzor” (gorge) and “gyugh” (village). Initially, the village was located in the gorge, thus, the name, “a village in the gorge.” The village is home to two churches dating back to 12th-13th centuries and 19th century respectively.

Down in the gorge, in the area known today as Dzoragyugh Gardens, there is another medieval monastery known as Hnevank (‘Old Monastery’).

Dating back to 7th-12th centuries, this monastic complex once consisted of three churches, a narthex, and the living quarters․ At the further end of the valley, two cliffs rise high above the valley. Atop of these cliffs, remains of two medieval castles, known as “Kir u Akhper” (Brother and Sister) are situated.

Local lore has it that these castles were built by a brother and a sister coming from a noble family. The siblings often competed with each other, trying to prove their military skills. It is even said that they had a rope stretched between the two cliffs, which they used to transfer wine to each other.

What's Nearby

Hnevank monastery (5.6 km)

Tsits Kar natural monument (6 km)

Tsover Lake (15 km)

"Kir u Akhper" Castles (6.5 km)

Visitor Center by COAF (4.2 km)

COAF SMART Center (5.8 km)

Dsegh

Situated at an elevation of 1250-1350 meters above sea level, the village of Dsegh, surrounded by forested mountain slopes and deep canyons, is one of the highlights of the Debed canyon. Although the current name of the village was first mentioned in the 15th century, several sources suggest that the area was inhabited from ancient times. Dsegh is a famous village in Armenia for it is the birthplace of Armenia’s national poet Hovhannes Tumanyan. The house of the Tumanyan family, where the poet was born, today operates as a museum frequently visited by locals from all over Armenia, making the village a popular tourist destination.

There are many cultural and historical sites in and around the village. A unique All Savior khachkar dated back to 1281 is located in the old cemetery of Dsegh.

Another cross-stone, called Sirun Khach (Beautiful Cross), created in 1251 is located outside the village on the edge of the Marts gorge. Two medieval monasteries, the 13th-century Monastery of Forty Saints and the 10th-13th cc. Bardzrakash St. Gregory monastery, are located on the slopes of the canyons surrounding the village. Both are accessible via marked hiking trails. Another trail will take you to the Tsover Lake, a natural pond about 3 km southeast of the village.

Being a popular tourist destination, Dsegh offers several guest houses and b&bs for staying overnight. A new addition to the hospitality network of the village is the “WOW Glamping” campsite, offering comfortable accommodation in large tents above the village, with some stunning views of surrounding landscapes.