Gyumri
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At a glance
- Country
- Armenia
- Region
- Shirak Province
- Population
- 110,000
- Best time to go
- May to September
- Main airport
- Gyumri Shirak International (LWN)
- Coordinates
- 40.79°N, 43.85°E
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Overview
Gyumri is Armenia's second city, known for its 19th-century black and red stone houses, its craftsmen and its famously dry sense of humour. It was badly damaged in the 1988 earthquake and still shows the scars, but the old centre has been patiently restored.
It is slower and more traditional than Yerevan. Wander the old streets, eat well, and take a short trip to monasteries on the windswept plateau.
Things to see
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Photo: Preacher lad, CC BY-SA 4.0 Kumayri historic district
One of the few preserved old town areas in Armenia, with carved stone houses, workshops and courtyards.
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Photo: Vmakenas, CC BY 4.0 Vardanants Square
The main square, with the city hall and two churches facing each other across it.
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Photo: Yerevantsi, CC BY 4.0 Holy Saviour's Church
A large 19th-century church badly damaged in 1988 and gradually rebuilt, with its fallen dome kept beside it.
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Photo: Armenak Margarian, CC BY-SA 4.0 Black Fortress
A circular 19th-century Russian fortress on a hill at the edge of town.
Things to do
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Photo: Yerevantsi, CC BY 4.0 Marmashen Monastery
A group of medieval churches in a quiet river gorge, about 10 km north-west of the city.
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Photo: Armenak Margarian, CC BY-SA 4.0 Harichavank Monastery
A peaceful monastery on the edge of a canyon, around an hour's drive east.
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Photo: Arman musikyan, CC BY-SA 3.0 Eat at a traditional tavern
Gyumri is known for hearty food and lively evenings with local music and a lot of toasts.
Where to stay
Kumayri
The historic heart, with guesthouses in restored stone houses.
Hotels in KumayriCity centre
Around Vardanants Square, with hotels and easy access to restaurants.
Hotels in City centre
Getting around
The centre is compact and walkable, and taxis are cheap for trips further out.
The airport is a short taxi ride from the centre, and trains from Yerevan take around three hours.
When to go
Late spring to early autumn is warm and pleasant. Winters on the high plateau are long, snowy and very cold, so pack warm layers even in spring and autumn.
Plan your trip to Gyumri
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.