Gyumri is the second largest city of Armenia in population and cultural significance, the inhabitants of which are famous for their unique humour. According to Gyumri residents themselves, Yerevan quite accidentally became the capital of Armenia.&nbsp;
The people of Gyumri or so-called Gyumrians, earlier known as Leninakanians, even after the 1988 terrible earthquake managed to joke. Probably, this is what helped them not to break down and rebuild their city. Yes, restore it so that today Gyumri claims to be the tourist capital of Armenia.

According to archaeologists, even in the Bronze Age, there were settlements on the site of the modern city. The ancient Greek philosopher, historian and writer Xenophon, when speaking about Armenia, mentioned in his work Anabasis about the “big, flourishing and populous city of Gyumnias”, which historians identify with Gyumri. In the Middle Ages, Kumayri, as Gyumri was then called, was a large settlement.
Gyumri has changed its name many times. In the 1830s the construction of the Sev Berd or the Black Fortress began in the city due to which the Russian Tsar Nicholas I visited Kumayri and in honor of Empress Alexandra Feodorovna the city was renamed Alexandropol. After the establishment of the Soviet power in Armenia the city was renamed Leninakan. Only after the Republic of Armenia proclaimed independence did the city regain its former name Gyumri.&nbsp;
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Thanks to the fact that Gyumri was situated at the crossroads of trade routes the town developed rapidly but with the construction of the railway it became the third most populous city in the Caucasus after Tiflis and Baku. Consequently trade and craft guilds were formed. Gyumri is home to the Museum of Social Life and National Architecture which is also called Dzitoghtsyan House-Museum because the museum is located in the house of the Dzitoghtsyans built at the end of the 19th century. There you can get acquainted with the life and culture of pre-revolutionary Gyumri.

What to see?
Start exploring the city from the large Vardanants Square in the centre of which is the monument to the legendary Armenian commander-in-chief Vartan Mamikonyan who led the battle of Armenians against the Persians, against the conversion of Armenians to Zoroastrianism. The monument is so realistic that it seems, even now, sword in hand he is ready to rush into the battle for faith.
On either side of the square there are two churches. The church built of black tufa is the Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God also known as Our Lady of Seven Wounds. Interestingly enough, the church suffered quite a little from the 1988 huge earthquake, with only two domes being damaged. The church is said to be built in such a way that it was the domes that took the blow. The church is also unique in that there are three altars inside: the altar of the Armenian Apostolic, the altar of the Armenian Catholic and Russian Orthodox churches. The altar at the Holy Mother of God has a multi-iconic decoration which is not typical of Armenian churches.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Opposite the Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God stands Amenaprkich (All Savoir) Church, a black church with orange trim.

Then walk along Nikolay Ryzhkov Boulevard. This is local Arbat where modern boutiques and souvenir shops are located. Don’t be surprised at the name of the boulevard. It is named so as a token of gratitude to N. Ryzhkov for aid efforts after the earthquake.&nbsp;
Gyumri is one of those rare cities where you can get pleasure only from walking around the city. One of those about which you may say with confidence that the city has its own face. Stroll along the quiet quaint side streets of Gyumri leisurely, drink in the atmosphere of the city, scrutinize the wooden gates of two- or three-storey houses! Yerevan is notable for its pink tuff, while Gyumri is renowned for its old buildings of black tuff with orange tuff trims. Truly, this is a city with its own face, a city with its own flavor. By the way, during the 1988 earthquake predominantly buildings of the Soviet era were destroyed, and residents of the city joked gloomily: “Leninakan was destroyed, but Gyumri remained.”

The city houses a lot of museums. If time permits, visit some of them to better understand Gyumri and Gyumrians.
Do you remember Rubik-jan from the famous film “Mimino”? This role was played by one of the beloved actors of Armenia Mher Mkrtchyan, who was from Gyumri. While taking a walk through the city, look in at the Mher Mkrtchyan Museum, and if you happen to ask a passer-by whether it’s true that Mher Mkrtchyan was born in Gyumri, he will answer the question with a question: “But where else could he be born? Certainly in Gyumri! A real person only comes from Gyumri, or has a friend from Gyumri.” There! The people of Gyumri, indeed, are not notable for modesty, but considering what a great number of talented people Gyumri has presented to Armenia and the world, they probably have the right to think so.

The citizens of Gyumri do not want to fall behind Yerevan in any way. The proof of this is the monument to Mother Armenia. The monument is located near the Black Fortress, but is perfectly visible from the city. Unlike Yerevan’s Mother Armenia, who holds a sword in her hands, the Gyumri Mother Armenia holds an ear and a bowl in her hands.
Visit also the Russian Orthodox church-chapel (St. Michael the Archangel Church), built in the 19th century as a graveyard chapel. The funeral service for Russian soldiers was performed here. The church got its name Plplan Zham (a shining chapel) thanks to the shiny tin dome that reflects the sun glare.
10km from Gyuymri is Marmashen Monastery of the 10th-13th centuries. The main temple of red tufa stone majestically stands in the centre of the complex. The monastery itself is located in a very picturesque area with a river flowing nearby. After touring the monastery, it is a special pleasure to settle comfortably on the lawn and enjoy tomatoes, fresh herbs and homemade cheese wrapped in Armenian lavash to the sound of the river.
Where to go for dineer in Gyumri? Well, to any restaurant and café! They know a lot about hearty and delicious food here! But whatever you order, try eggplant with peas and cheese, a dish that is nowhere prepared as deliciously as in Gyumri. Or you can go to “Cherkezi Dzor” (Gorge of Cherkez) to taste fresh fish in any form in a restaurant at a trout-sturgeon fishery farm, as well as three types of caviar. Here everything is different: fish, bread, and, in the end, tea made from aromatic herbs collected on the slopes of the gorge.
In a nutshell, dear guests, it would be wise of you (only don't be offended) not to leave Armenia without visiting Gyumri! Gyumri is one of those cities that will remain in your heart for long.

Gyumri

Gyumri is the second largest city of Armenia in population and cultural significance, the inhabitants of which are famous for their unique humour. According to Gyumri residents themselves, Yerevan quite accidentally became the capital of Armenia.&nbsp;
The people of Gyumri or so-called Gyumrians, earlier known as Leninakanians, even after the 1988 terrible earthquake managed to joke. Probably, this is what helped them not to break down and rebuild their city. Yes, restore it so that today Gyumri claims to be the tourist capital of Armenia.

Gyumri

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