Highlights
- 17th–18th century church and protected historical monument.
- Located in Zuygaghbyur village, Ashotsk community, Shirak Province.
- A 10th–13th century cemetery is preserved around the church.
- St. Hovhannes Church is included in Armenia’s official list of immovable historical and cultural monuments.
- The site represents part of the centuries-old spiritual and historical heritage of the Ashotsk region.
Did You Know?
- Did you know that the cemetery surrounding St. Hovhannes Church is several centuries older than the present church? While the church dates to the 17th–18th centuries, the cemetery is dated to the 10th–13th centuries. This suggests that the area had already been in use during an earlier period of the Middle Ages.
- The territory of Zuygaghbyur is also home to other officially registered monuments from different periods, including burial grounds dating to the 2nd–1st millennia BC and a 19th-century chapel, reflecting the rich historical layers of the area.
Nearest Restaurants & Cafés
KumKuma
KumKuma is a vivid expression of Armenian cuisine, flavors, and traditions. Our restaurant brings together time-honored recipes passed down through generations, fresh and natural ingredients, and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Every dish is prepared with care, preserving the authentic taste and aroma of Armenian cuisine. KumKuma is a place where you can experience true Armenian hospitality, enjoy traditional dishes, and create memorable moments with family, friends, and guests.
Gwoog Gastrohouse
“Gwoog Gastrohouse" is a gastro house in Gyumri with an intriguing and unusual name a place where, from the very entrance, the captivating aroma of dried fruit soup made with apricots and raisins transports you to the unforgettable scents of childhood. Our small yet cozy hall is filled with a unique, family-like warmth.
Nearest Places
Lake Arpi National Park
Lake Arpi National Park is one of the most unique natural areas in Shirak Province. It is located on the Ashotsk Plateau, at an elevation of more than 2,000 meters above sea level, in the northwestern part of Armenia, near the borders with Turkey and Georgia. Originally, Lake Arpi was a small natural lake, fed by nearby mountain springs, streams, and melting snow. Between 1946 and 1951, the lake was artificially expanded and transformed into a reservoir. Its surface area reached about 22 square kilometers, while its water volume increased to up to 100 million cubic meters. After this change, Lake Arpi became one of the largest bodies of water in Armenia, second only to Lake Sevan. The Akhuryan River originates from Lake Arpi, and the lake’s waters are used for irrigation and energy production. However, the value of this area is not limited to its water resources. The Lake Arpi basin and the Javakheti-Shirak Highlands are known for their rich biodiversity, wetlands, and habitats of rare bird species. To protect this natural environment, Lake Arpi National Park was established in 2009. The park is an important destination for birdwatching, nature exploration, and ecotourism. More than 140 bird species have been recorded here, and the world’s largest colony of Armenian gulls is located near Lake Arpi. The area is also the only nesting site of the Dalmatian pelican in Armenia.
Minas Avetisyan Museum
Located in the artist’s birthplace, the village of Jajur in the Shirak region, the Minas Avetisyan House-Museum was established in 1982 to honor the legacy of one of the most influential figures in 20th-century Armenian art. The museum showcases a comprehensive collection of the master’s paintings, graphic works, and personal belongings. A highlight of the exhibition are the majestic frescoes, "Armenia" and "Baking Bread," which were rescued and restored from Gyumri after the devastating 1988 earthquake. The museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness the vibrant colors and emotional depth of Minas’s work in the very landscape that inspired his artistic vision.
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.
Marmashen Monastery
Marmashen Monastery is a 10th-century Armenian monastic complex and one of the finest examples of the Ani school of architecture. Located about 2 km northwest of Marmashen village (or south-west of Vahramaberd) in Shirak Province, on the left bank of the Akhuryan River in a scenic gorge surrounded by apple orchards. Built between 988–1029 under Prince Vahram Pahlavuni of the Pahlavuni family. The complex includes five churches, a gavit (narthex), and other structures. It served as an important religious and cultural center during the Bagratid Kingdom of Ani, was restored in the 13th century by the Zakaryans, repaired in the 19th–20th centuries, and re-consecrated by Catholicos Karekin II in 2003. Famous for its elegant design, intricate carvings, and stunning views over the Akhuryan River.
Nearest Hotels
Gyumri Hotel
This hotel offers rooms with a balcony and a dressing area featuring an air conditioner, along with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. They come equipped with an electric kettle, a fridge, and glassware. Bathroom comforts include a hairdryer and bath sheets, and such essentials as a bidet, a spa bathtub, and a shower.