Places to Visit

Shirak International Airport

Shirak International Airport

Gyumri Shirak International Airport is one of Armenia’s key aviation hubs, serving both domestic and international flights. As the main air gateway to the Shirak region, the airport provides safe, efficient, and convenient passenger services. It plays a significant role in supporting regional tourism, economic growth, and international connectivity.

Chapel of Archangel Michael

Chapel of Archangel Michael

The Chapel of Archangel Michael is an important Orthodox religious site in Gyumri. Dedicated to Archangel Michael, the leader of the heavenly hosts, the chapel serves as a place of prayer, remembrance, and spiritual reflection. Built from dark stone and crowned with a metal dome, the structure stands out for its solemn and symbolic appearance.

Saint Arsenius Church

Saint Arsenius Church

Saint Arsenius the Archbishop of Serbia Church is one of Gyumri’s historic Orthodox churches, built in the late 19th century. Dedicated to Saint Arsenius, a prominent spiritual leader of the Serbian Church, the building reflects the architectural style of its era. Constructed from red tuff stone, the church stands as an important part of Gyumri’s multicultural and religious heritage.

Saint Jacob Church

Saint Jacob Church

Surp Hakob Church is one of the historically and spiritually significant churches of Gyumri. For centuries, it has served as a place of prayer and faith, preserving Armenian ecclesiastical traditions and contributing to the city’s spiritual life. The church is known for its modest architecture and calm, sacred atmosphere.

Surb Grigor Lusavorich Church

Surb Grigor Lusavorich Church

Surb Grigor Lusavorich Church is dedicated to the founder of Armenian Christianity. The church symbolizes the Christianization of Armenia and has long served as a center of faith, prayer, and national identity. With its strong historical and spiritual significance, it attracts both worshippers and visitors.

Surb Nshan Church

Surb Nshan Church

Surp Nshan Church is an important monument of Armenian spiritual and historical heritage. For centuries, the church has served as a place of faith, prayer, and community, preserving Armenian ecclesiastical traditions and cultural identity. It is known for its symbolic significance and peaceful atmosphere.

Holy Seven Wounds Church (Yot Verq)

Holy Seven Wounds Church (Yot Verq)

Yot Verk Church (Seven Wounds Church / Holy Mother of God) is one of the most beloved and frequently visited churches in Gyumri. Known for its deep spiritual symbolism connected to the Seven Wounds of Christ, the church serves as a place of prayer, pilgrimage, and faith. It offers a peaceful and sacred atmosphere for both worshippers and visitors.

Holy Saviour Church (Surb Amenaprkich)

Holy Saviour Church (Surb Amenaprkich)

Holy Saviour Church is one of Gyumri’s most iconic spiritual and architectural landmarks. Built in the 19th century in the style of the Cathedral of Ani, the church is considered one of the finest examples of Armenian ecclesiastical architecture. Located near Vardanants Square, it has long been an important center of the city’s cultural and spiritual life. The church was heavily damaged during the devastating 1988 earthquake, but after decades of restoration work, it once again became one of Gyumri’s defining symbols.

Olympic Cinema

Olympic Cinema

“Olympic” Cinema is one of Gyumri’s modern movie theaters, representing a more contemporary side of the city’s leisure culture. Unlike historical cinemas, it reflects a newer format focused on everyday entertainment and casual visits. The cinema mainly serves local audiences, offering screenings of current films in a setting designed for comfort and regular use. It is one of the places where city life shifts indoors, especially during the evening hours. Although relatively recent in format, “Olympic” Cinema has become part of Gyumri’s evolving urban life, highlighting the city’s more modern and everyday rhythm.

October Cinema

October Cinema

Located near Vardanants Square, the “October” Cinema is one of those places in Gyumri where everyday cultural life has unfolded over decades — not through official ceremonies, but through shared experiences, conversations, and leisure. Built in the 1920s, it emerged alongside the city’s urban development, reflecting the growing role of cinema in public life. Over the years, the cinema has screened films from different eras — from Soviet productions to international releases — becoming a familiar gathering place for generations of locals. It was not only a venue for watching films, but also a space where people met, talked, and spent their free time. Situated in the historical center, the building blends into the surrounding architectural environment while maintaining its distinct presence. Today, the cinema continues to operate, preserving its role as one of the active points of Gyumri’s cultural and social life.

Dramatic Theatre

Dramatic Theatre

The Vardan Ajemian State Drama Theatre of Gyumri is one of the most important cultural institutions in Armenia and a key cultural symbol of the city. The theatre was founded in 1865, making it one of the oldest continuously operating theatres in the country. The theatre is named after renowned director and theatre figure Vardan Ajemian, who made a significant contribution to the development of Armenian theatre. Over the years, numerous classical and contemporary performances have been staged here, shaping Gyumri’s rich theatrical traditions. The current building was constructed during the Soviet period and is notable for its monumental architectural style. Despite the devastating 1988 earthquake, the theatre continued its activity, maintaining its important role in the cultural life of the city. Today, the drama theatre remains one of the main cultural centers of Gyumri, presenting diverse performances and contributing to the city’s vibrant artistic scene.

Railway Station

Railway Station

Gyumri Railway Station is one of the oldest and most important railway hubs in Armenia, established in 1897. The first train arrived in Alexandropol (modern-day Gyumri) in 1899, connecting the city with Tiflis (Tbilisi) and turning it into a major transportation center in the region. In the early 20th century, the railway network expanded, linking Gyumri with Yerevan, Kars, Julfa, and Tabriz, which strengthened its role as a key regional hub. The current station building was constructed in the 1970s during the Soviet period, designed by architect Rafik Yegoyan. It is considered a notable example of Soviet modernist architecture, incorporating elements inspired by medieval Armenian design. Today, Gyumri Railway Station continues to operate, providing connections to Yerevan, Tbilisi, and other destinations, and remains one of the main transport gateways of the city.