Shirak, in northwestern Armenia, is dominated by Gyumri, the country’s second-largest city and a major center of Armenian culture and the arts, 126 km from Yerevan.

Gyumri, a city of art and history

Gyumri is known for its historic architecture in black and pink tuff stone, its cobblestone streets and its artistic atmosphere, unique in Armenia. Its city center is home to several notable churches.

The Black Fortress (Sev Berd)

A former Russian imperial fortress built in response to the Russo-Turkish War of 1828 to 1829, the Black Fortress owes its name to its black tuff stone construction, which also served as camouflage. Its underground tunnels and gun emplacements offer a glimpse into the era’s defensive measures, with panoramic views of Mount Aragats.

The Dzitoghtsyan Museum

Housed in a mansion built in 1872 by merchant Petros Dzitoghtsyan, the Museum of National Architecture and Urban Life showcases the daily life, culture and traditional architecture of Gyumri.

Practical information

Access: About 2 hours by road from Yerevan, also accessible by train.
Best time to visit: Year-round, with a cooler climate than Yerevan.