Armenia: Gyumri – Around the City
Gyumri is the second-largest city in Armenia, located in the northwestern part of the country, within the Shirak Plain. Gyumri has a rich history, dating back to ancient times, and has been an important cultural and economic hub of the country. Gyumri was known as Alexandropol in the 19th century during the Russian rule. After the revolution of 1917, the city became known as Leninakan. The city has faced the devastating earthquake in December 1988, which caused extensive damage and loss of life to the scale of 15,000 in Gyumri alone (many Soviet era building. were completely razed, while the old structures from the previous century remained standing in the old town. Notable landmarks in Gyumri include the Kumayri Historic District, which features 18th and 19th-century architecture, multiple historic churches and a large cathedral, a huge central Vardanants Square with multiple monuments, and much more. One of the most famous Armenia actors of the Soviet era – Frunzik Mkrtchyan – was born here and you can see his name mentioned almost everywhere. Also, the city looks cool and lit at night.
