PRIVATE TOUR: Gyumri, Black Fortress, Urban Life (Dzitoghtsyan) Museum & photoshoot with the traditional costumes (if chosen)

This tour will take you to the city of Gyumri – once the artistic capital, and possibly the most beautiful city of Armenia. You will get the chance to explore the city center with its two famous churches. To get acquainted with the daily urban life of Gyumri, you will visit Dzitoghtsyan House-Museum of Social Life and National Architecture , where a collection of the Alexandropol social life characteristics, from the 19th century up to the 1920s. exhibits. The next stop will be the Black Fortress; built during the Russian –Turkish war, the fortress still serves as a military base. The next spot included in this tour is the 7th century monastic complex of Harichavank, located near the village of Harich, which was especially renowned for its school and scriptorium.

Highlights:

• Black fortress
• Saint Michael Church
• Vardanants square 
• Abovyan Street
• Barbershop and pharmacy buildings
• Museum of Dzitholtsons
• Photoshoot with the traditional costumes in Zanan 

Black fortress - known as Sev Berd is an abandoned Russian imperial fortress in Gyumri, Shirak Province, Armenia. The fortress, which lies 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) from the Turkish border, was built in response to the Russo-Turkish War of 1828–1829. It is a national cultural heritage monument in Armenia. The fortress was built on top of a hill, and the full fortification took a decade after the first stones were laid in 1834. The fortress is a 360-degree round structure made of black stone, from which it gets its name.

Saint Michael Church - Russian Orthodox Church, in the vicinity of the current Gorky Park, on the “Patvo Blur” platform.The clock tower was built with local black hewn stone. It is called “Plplan Zham ” because of the shining tin dome.The church was consecrated in 1886 by Archbishop Poghos of the Greek-Russian Orthodox Church of Georgia.After the establishment of the Soviet regime in 1920, the clock tower was closed.In the 1980s, it served as a museum of Armenian-Russian friendship. The structure was damaged by the 1988 earthquake and the exhibits were destroyed.In 1997, the clock tower became a Russian Orthodox church named after Saint Michael the Archangel.

Vardanants square - is the main square of the Gyumri, stands as the central hub of Gyumri, boasting a distinctive rectangular layout strategically positioned at the convergence of eight roads. Bordered by Abovyan Street to the west, Gai Street to the north, Shahumyan Street to the east, and Vahan Cheraz Street to the south, the square’s unique design has made it a notable landmark. Originally named “Mayisyan Apstambutyun” Square, commemorating the thwarting of the Bolshevik uprising against the First Republic in May 1920, it underwent a transformation during Soviet rule in the 1930s under the guidance of architect Alexander Tamanyan.

Abovyan street - At the outset of the 20th century, Alexandrovsky Street, now known as Abovyan, stood as the showcase of Alexandropol, present-day Gyumri. Spanning from the “Slabodka” district to the “Dzori” district, possessing a residence on this prestigious street was regarded as a symbol of honour and affluence among the residents of Alexandropol. The city’s elite sought to establish grand mansions along this distinguished thoroughfare. In 1878, one such mansion belonged to the affluent Ghunkiens Ghunki Agha, eventually repurposed to house the city prosecutor’s office.

Barbershop and pharmacy buildings - The oldest barbershop and pharmacy in Gyumri are iconic relics of the city's history. The barbershop, founded in the first days of the Second World War and preserve the charm of the past with old chairs and signs. There are electric hair-cutting devices that are over 45 years old.  It has maintained its retro ambience since then. The barbershop has become an important cultural landmark in the city and is popular among both locals and tourists who are looking for a unique grooming experience.

Museum of Dzitholtsons -The famous house of Dzitoghtsyan family was built in 1872 by four brothers who migrated from the Western Armenian village of Dzitogh, to the city of Alexandropol (now Gyumri). It is built with the famous red tuff stone of Shirak.The house-museum, exhibits a collection of the Alexandropol social life characteristics, from the 19th century up to the 1920s. It also features the cultural, architectural and religious aspects of the city.

In the end of the tour you have an opportunity to have a photoshoot in traditional Armenian costumes called Taraz. In Zanan center you can you  unforgettable memories of Armenia in national clothes. This stop is optional, so don't miss your chance!

FREE CANCELLATION
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund

AVAILABILITY
This tour is valid every Tue - Sun 09:00 - 13:00

BOOKING
Full payment or 30% deposit required

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