Sightseeing in Gyumri - what to see. Complete travel guide
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According to historians, first settlers in the territory of modern Gyumri appeared yet in the 6th century BC. However, first mentions of town in this area appeared only in the 8th century when a rebellion against Arabian rulers started here. Gyumri had another name at that time – Kumayri. In the Middle Ages, this was already a large town that kept growing in size and expanding. Kumayri became a part of Persia in the middle of the 16th century. A war between Persian and Russian people started at the beginning of the 19th century and lasted nine years. Russian troops came to the Armenian town and captured it.
Vartanants Square is the central square in this Armenian city and a popular landmark that all guests of this city enjoy visiting. When you approach the square, you will immediately notice a beautiful monument in the center. This is the statue of Saint Vardan Mamikonian on his horse. The saint is depicted holding his sword and cross as if he is asking God to help him. Mamikonian is a popular national hero who spent his life fighting for Christianity. He was also against the Iranian invasion. Taking into consideration his achievements and martyrdom, it was decided to canonize Vardan Mamikonian.
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Black Fortress was built in 1837 right before the visit of Russian tsar Nikolai I. The fortress has a circular shape. The unusual black fortress was built on the highest hill in the area. It was an important protective facility during the Russian-Turkish war. Nowadays, there is no need to protect Gyumri from foreign invaders, and so the fortress is abandoned. This is a private estate that is slowly ruining now. Tourists can go up to the fortress wall and enjoy the panorama of the city and even the Turkish border.
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There are several ways of arriving in Gyumri. The first way is to fly to the city. There is an airport in Gyumri that accommodates international flights from Russia and some other countries. It is also possible to fly to Yerevan first and then get on a train to Gyumri. You will reach the destination city in two and a half hours.
This guide to iconic landmarks and sights of Gyumri is protected by the copyright law. You can re-publish this content with mandatory attribution: direct and active hyperlink to www.orangesmile.com.
City tours, excursions and tickets in Gyumri and surroundings
Reference information
Survived castles around Gyumri
♥ Castle 'Dashtadem Fortress' , 50.4 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Lori Berd' , 53.5 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Zeva Fortress' , 55.4 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Bjni Fortress' , 77.5 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Kayan Berd' , 79.1 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Dashtadem Fortress' , 50.4 km from the center. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photogallery of Dashtadem Fortress](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
♥ Castle 'Lori Berd' , 53.5 km from the center. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photogallery of Lori Berd](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
♥ Castle 'Zeva Fortress' , 55.4 km from the center. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photogallery of Zeva Fortress](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
♥ Castle 'Bjni Fortress' , 77.5 km from the center. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photogallery of Bjni Fortress](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
♥ Castle 'Kayan Berd' , 79.1 km from the center. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photogallery of Kayan Berd](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
National and city parks around Gyumri
♥ National Park 'Lake Arpi' , 35.5 km from the center. On the map
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♥ National Park 'Dilijan' , 90.7 km from the center. On the map
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♥ National Park 'Lake Arpi' , 35.5 km from the center. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photogallery of Lake Arpi](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
♥ National Park 'Dilijan' , 90.7 km from the center. On the map
![Show on the map](../../img/icon_map_3.png)
![Photogallery of Dilijan](../../img/icon_panorama.png)
Sightseeing in Armenia: things to see
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Search touristic sites on the map of Gyumri
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