Vanadzor

About

Tucked away in the northern reaches of Armenia, Vanadzor, the third-largest city, unveils its Bronze Age origins through the archaeological sites dotted across the area. Remnants from the 4th millennium BC peek from the nearby Mashtots hill, while the Lori-Pambak archaeological museum chronicles the region's history. The city's industrial quarters, once bustling with chemical production during the Soviet era, now stand as silent, poignant echoes of its industrial past. Vanadzor, translating to 'Valley of the Church,' is the spiritual heart of the Gougark Diocese section of the Armenian Apostolic Church, with the towering St. Gregory the Illuminator Church as the city’s biggest church. The lively Hayk Square with architecture pulses with the city's rhythm. Unique landmarks include Master Mehrab’s beautifully decorated house, a testament to the local artist's life, and the eccentric 19th-century Tairov House.