Discover Shirak: Monasteries, Museums and Nature
Accommodation in Shirak
Shirak brings together early Christian and medieval buildings, collections devoted to art and urban history, and vast natural spaces. When planning your trip, you can focus on different interests, such as historical sites, the museums of Gyumri or excursions into the countryside. The holiday apartment that suits your stay depends on which places and experiences you want to make the focus of your trip.
Historische Klosteranlage Marmaschen in der Region Schirak
Photo: Vahagn Grigoryan via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Monasteries and Churches Across the Centuries
The Basilica of Yereruyk is an early Christian monument dating from the 4th to 5th centuries. The basilica and its archaeological site have been on UNESCO’s Tentative List for World Heritage since 1995. Harichavank also has a long history: the monastery complex in the village of Harich dates from the 7th to 13th centuries and served as a royal summer residence, a respected school and a scriptorium.
At Hoghevank, also known as the Red Monastery or Dzoragyugh Monastery, several periods come together. The Church of St. Karapet was built in 1205 and is located about three kilometres northwest of Sarnaghbyur, on the road to Maralik. About 50 metres north of the church, the lower courses of the walls of two other churches remain: a single-nave church from the 5th century and a tetraconch church from the 7th century. At Marmashen Monastery, the Large and Small Groups form the two monumental ensembles. Inscriptions date the main church, Katoghike, to the years 988 to 1029.
Other historic sites include Lmbatavank, with remnants of interior frescoes, and the Church of St. Hovhannes in Zuygaghbyur. The latter dates from the 17th to 18th centuries; a cemetery dating from the 10th to 13th centuries is preserved around the church. These differences in construction dates and layouts make Shirak an interesting destination if you want to explore more than one period during your trip.
Gyumri: Museums, Architecture and Blacksmithing
Gyumri offers different ways to explore urban and art history. The Museum of National Architecture and Urban Life preserves the city’s architectural and social heritage in the historic mansion of the Dzitoghtsyan family. The building was constructed in 1872 from red tuff, a stone typical of Shirak. The Aslamazyan Sisters Museum focuses on paintings, graphic works and ceramics donated by artists Mariam and Yeranuhi Aslamazyan. The Hovhannes Shiraz House-Museum displays the poet’s personal belongings, manuscripts, photographs and gifts in six rooms.
Blacksmithing is also part of the cultural identity of Shirak, and especially Gyumri. Residents keep the tradition alive, making items such as window grilles, fences, gates, doors, candlesticks and chandeliers. Since 2023, the tradition has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Those interested in a range of collections can also visit the Gyumri History Museum, which holds more than 6,000 historical exhibits. The Mher Mkrtchyan House-Museum preserves stage costumes, film props, awards and objects from well-known films.
Bread Culture and Local Experiences
In the village of Panik, the Bread Museum explores bread culture, traditional baking practices and rural life. Items on display include different types of bread, grains, agricultural tools and historical artefacts. In Gyumri, you can watch a local master potter make clay objects and try making them yourself; arrange this experience with a local provider before your trip.
The historic building of the Gyumri Beer Factory is in Gyumri’s Kumayri district and is associated with tours and tastings. Check whether these are available before visiting. This lets you add local crafts and food culture to a culture-focused stay without letting a single theme define your trip.
Birdlife, Trails and Outdoor Activities
Founded in 2009, Lake Arpi National Park protects an area with high biodiversity, wetlands and habitats for rare bird species. More than 140 bird species have been recorded there; the park is also home to Armenia’s only breeding site for the Dalmatian pelican. Late spring and summer are particularly suitable for birdwatching. For hikers, the Mantash Reservoir at the foot of Aragats is another notable landmark: it lies at an altitude of 2,600 metres, contains more than eight million cubic metres of drinking water and is a popular stop on the way to or from Aragats.
Numerous marked routes and trails criss-cross Shirak and have been used by the local population for centuries; trail conditions can change. The Akhuryan Gorge offers opportunities for picnics and for observing rare birds, butterflies and local plant life. You can also explore the gorge by kayak. Confirm availability with a local provider in advance.
Stand-up paddleboarding is one of the activities available at Azatan Reservoir; several adventure tour operators organise experiences, but you should confirm availability. The region’s rolling wheat fields are suitable for leisurely bike rides as well as more challenging rides, and local providers can organise tours. In winter, snowkiting, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are offered in Shirak; snow and provider conditions may vary.
Choosing Your Stay and Accommodation
If urban history, museums and blacksmithing are to shape your stay, you can focus your search for a holiday apartment on Gyumri. If birdwatching, hiking or activities on the water are your priorities, plan around the relevant nature destinations and check suitable options with local operators.
Gyumri Shirak International Airport handles domestic and international flights and is the region’s main air gateway. Check flight schedules before travelling. Discover more destinations: Mayisyan.
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