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What Awaits in Shirak

Located in the northwest of Armenia, the Shirak region stands out for its rich cultural heritage, semi-desert landscapes, and remarkable human talent.

With hot summers, snow filled winters, flowery springs, and colorful autumns, Shirak attracts visitors all year round. Due to its high-altitude fields of golden wheat, Shirak is considered Armenia’s breadbasket. It’s also home to Armenia’s cultural capital, Gyumri, the country’s second largest city and an absolute gem of a destination. With medieval monasteries and churches, even older Iron Age ruins, distinct urban Armenian architecture found nowhere else in the world, and diverse wildlife, Shirak is a special corner in Armenia.

There’s no shortage of experiences to be had in Shirak. Cultural travelers will feel right at home in this corner of Armenia, where ancient crafts and modern sensibilities meet to create truly engaging experiences. Food lovers will love Shirak, where local cuisine can be described as a mix of local

Armenian traditions and those brought from other parts of historic Armenia. And for those who love the great outdoors, the rolling plains of Shirak make for the perfect backdrop for sports and adventure activities. Excited? Good! Keep reading to discover it all.

Quick info about Shirak

Location

Shirak is in the northwest of Armenia, known for its dramatic four seasons.

Cultural Capital

Shirak is home to Gyumri, Armenia’s cultural center and second-largest city.

Rich Heritage

The region features medieval monasteries, Iron Age ruins, and unique Armenian urban architecture.

Architectural Charm

The region showcases unique Armenian urban architecture found nowhere else.

Culture

There's a reason why Shirak is associated with culture. Some of Armenia's greatest actors, comedians, artisans, athletes, architects, singers, and dancers hail from the region, specifically the city of Gyumri. They've made significant contributions not just to the region but to Armenia and Armenian culture overall.

This means that there's a wide variety of things to do in Shirak. You may find it difficult to decide how you'll spend your time here. That's why we're here! Let's dive deep into Shirak's Hidden Track.

Tangible Cultural Heritage

There are over 2,500 officially recognized historical and cultural monuments spread out across Shirak. The northern part of the region in particular has the highest concentration of pre-Christian structures in all of Armenia. The region's center, Gyumri, is recognized as one of the few places in Armenia where authentic urban Armenian architecture still exists.

Marmashen Monastery

Located on a plateau overlooking the Akhuryan River, this beautiful monastic complex was built between the 10th -13th centuries. At its height, this was one of the largest and most important medieval cultural centers of Armenia. Archaeological excavations have unearthed the remains of an early Christian chapel, medieval khachkars [khahch-kar] (cross-stones), and even ancient Urartian fortresses.

Yereruyk Basilica

This 4th-5th century basilica in the village of Anipemza is one of the earliest Christian monuments in Armenia. Yereruyk means "quivering" in Armenian.According to popular tradition, the name of the basilica was derived from its unique architecture – the structure seems to quiver on its 6 columns when viewed from a distance.

Harichavank Monastery

This monastic complex located southeast of the town of Artik near the village of Harich was built between the 7th-13th centuries. It was once renowned for its medieval school and scriptorium. Archaeological evidence indicates that the area has been inhabited since the 2nd century B.C., and was once a well-known fortress town.

Saint Stepanos Church of Lmbatavank Monastery

The Saint Stepanos Church of Lmbatavank Monastery is located on a hillside southwest of Artik. Inside, you'll find important frescoes that date back to the 7th century. Excavations uncovered numerous khachkars and a Bronze Age cemetery. Some of these khachkars can be seen in and along the retaining walls near the church.

Saint Astvatsatsin Church & Saint Gevorg Church

Saint Astvatsatsin Church (The Holy Mother of God Church in English), built in the 5th century, and the Saint Gevorg Church, built in the 7th century, are both located near the central square of the town of Artik.Both churches are partially in ruins, however an ongoing fundraising campaign aims to help with reconstruction works.

Jrapi Caravanserai

This caravanserai, built in the 11th century along a Silk Road route that passed through the region, once housed people, goods, and animals that criss-crossed Armenia in caravans. Next to the caravanserai is a black and red tuff church built in 1874, and an even older single nave church from the 11th century.

Cuneiform Inscriptions

Cuneiform is a wedge-shaped script used to write several languages of the Ancient Near East, including Urartian. The Urartians were an Iron Age Kingdom that preceded the first Kingdom of Armenia, and you could say that they were the ancestors of the Armenian people. Cuneiform inscriptions from the time of the Urartian King Argishti I were discovered near Marmashen Monastery in the Akhuryan River Gorge, indicating their presence in Armenia well over 2,000 years ago.

Tsak Kar

Tsak Kar is an ancient shrine and holy site near Hatsik village that's been venerated by local people since ancient times. Literally meaning "hole stone," Tsak Kar is a large stone with a hole in it just big enough for a person to squeeze through. Legend says that it was created by a horse that hit the rock with its hoofs, thus making the hole. Local people believe Tsak Kar can cure illnesses – all you have to do is pass through it successfully!

Museums and galleries

Museum of Urban Life and National Architecture (Dzitoghtsonts House)

Dzitoghtsonts House best explains why Gyumri is the city of arts and crafts, highlighting the significant components of Gyumri's architectural and cultural advancement

Gallery of Mariam and Eranuhi Aslamazyan Sisters

This is the first gallery dedicated exclusively to female artists in Soviet Armenia, Mariam and Eranuhi Aslamazyan, and houses their complete collection of over 600 paintings, graphics, and ceramic wo

Gyumri History Museum

Located in the center of Gyumri, inside the city hall building, this history museum houses over 6,000 archaeological and ethnographic artifacts.

Minas Avetisyan House-Museum

Minas Avetisyan was one of Armenia’s most distinguished painters who lived and worked in the second half of the 20th century. His museum is located in his birthplace in the village of Jajur, not far f

Avetik Isahakyan House-Museum

This is the house-museum dedicated to the renowned Armenian poet, Avetik Isahakyan. Originally constructed in 1829 by the poet’s father, you can now step inside the house and find it adorned as it was

Intangible Cultural Heritage

The Shirak region, located in the northwest of Armenia, stands out for its rich cultural heritage, semi-desert landscapes, and human talent. Shirak attracts visitors all year round with hot summers, snow-filled winters, flowery springs, and colorful autumns. Due to its high-altitude fields of golden wheat, Shirak is considered Armenia's breadbasket.

Blacksmithing

Blacksmithing, an integral trade in Armenia for centuries, has played a central role in the local identity and cultural characteristics of Shirak and particularly Gyumri. The tradition of blacksmithing has been inscribed on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage 2023. Despite nearly disappearing in Armenia during the mid-twentieth century, this craft has found a stronghold in Gyumri, where residents actively preserve and create items, including window lattices, fences, gates, doors, candlesticks, and chandeliers.

Pottery

Shirak is one of the best places to experience Armenia's local pottery culture. In Gyumri, Armenia's arts and crafts capital, you can watch and learn how to make your own clay creation with a local master.

Talent

Many of Armenia's greatest actors, comedians, artisans, athletes, architects, singers, and dancers call the city of Gyumri home. Some attribute local people's talents to their history – many Gyumretsis (people, who are from Gyumri) trace their roots back to Western Armenia, from where they brought various arts and crafts with them. The resulting melting pot of talent and inspiration in Gyumri may be why so many successful artists and creators from Gyumri.

Cinematography

Thanks to its unique urban architectural style, many films from the Soviet period were filmed in Gyumri. The city could easily be staged to look like Western Armenia, Tsarist Russia, or a local village. The number of actors and filmmakers who also come from Gyumri no doubt contributed to the city's popularity for filming. Some of the most popular films shot in Gyumri include Tango of Our Childhood, Happy Bus, A Piece of Sky, Song of Old Days, Triangle, and Paper Dream.

Humor

Locals of Gyumri are renowned for their unique and often satirical sense of humor. They seize every opportunity to share a joke, adding a playful and lighthearted touch to the vibrant culture of Gyumri. Their ability to weave humor into everyday interactions reflects the warmth that define the community of the region.

Festivals

One of the most popular festivals here is the annual Winter Festival in Ashotsk. This is because Shirak is one of the coldest parts of Armenia. You can expect heavy snowfall and freezing winds during the winter, which are perfect conditions for snow-related activities like sports, snowball fights, snowman making, and more. Another interesting festival is the International Performing Arts Festival in Gyumri, where all genres of performing arts including theater, dance, and music can be appreciated.

Cuisine

Local cuisine in Shirak reflects both the history and geography of the region. In the high, mountainous areas, recipes are typically based on meat and dairy products, which make for simple but hearty and tasty dishes. Armenian traditional khash [khahsh] is particularly loved by Gyumretsis [Gyoom-reh-tsee], or locals of Gyumri. Khash is a soup eaten in the winter that's prepared by boiling cows' feet for hours.

Other Favorite Dishes

Chanaknakh [chah-nahk-nakh]: This is a delicious local soup typically made with a cow's tail or lamb meat, cooked in a clay pot with vegetables and spices.
Tatar Boraki [tah-tahr boh-rah-kee]: A simple and delicious local pasta dish that's typically topped with garlic yogurt and fried onions.
Panrkhash [pah-nehr-khahsh]: This is said to be the vegetarian version of khash, and is made by layering lavash bread, local chechil cheese (a type of string cheese), and fried onions, before doused in oil and hot water. The result is a warm, gooey, cheesy dish!
Kyalla [kyah-llah]: This dish is a lamb's or cow's head that's slowly cooked in a closed, smokey oven.
Yaghli [yahgh-lee]: Yaghli is the name of a historic village in Western Armenia (today Eastern Turkey) from where this crispy, buttery dessert comes from.

Beer

Beer is one of the most popular drinks in Gyumri, thanks to the region's abundant wheat fields.

In the old days, the city's craftsmen would gather for a drink at Gyumri's many pubs, beerhouses, and inns.

The history of Armenian beer goes back to ancient times, when Greek historian Xenophon described an "unusual" drink made from wheat that he tasted in Armenia in the 4th century B.C.. The first brewery was built in Gyumri in 1898, and the largest beer producers in Armenia, Gyumri Beer, opened its doors in 1970.

The historic building that houses the beer factory is located in the Kumayri district and is open for tours and tastings!

Nature

Shirak is the coldest part of Armenia, thanks to its high-altitude and geography. But that doesn't mean it's always cold here! Like the rest of the country, Shirak enjoys all four seasons, and there are many different ways you can experience them outside while visiting. There are also several natural wonders worth seeing and experiencing while in Shirak.

Lake Arpi National Park

This national park was founded in 2009 in order to preserve the diverse wildlife in and around Lake Arpi, as well as Lake Ardenis, the left tributaries of the Akhuryan River, and the southwestern slopes of the Javakhti mountain range. About 670 plant species grow in the park, 25 of which are endangered. The park is also home to 249 vertebrate species, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

Late spring and summer months are the best times for birdwatching in Lake Arpi National Park. Here, you can observe the lake's primary inhabitant, the Armenian sturgeon, as well as various other bird species.

Akhuryan River Gorge

The Akhuryan River passes through the Shirak region, and has created several beautiful gorges over time. The most spectacular gorge lies north of Arnasia near Vahramaberd village, not far from Gyumri. This is a great spot for a picnic and to spot rare birds, butterflies, and local flora. During medieval times, several bridges were constructed over the Akhuryan River. One of the few left today, built by the Armenian Bagratuni dynasty, links to the medieval Armenian capital city of Ani, today located across the international border in Turkey.

If you enjoy adventures, explore the breathtaking beauty of the Akhuryan Gorge through a kayaking experience.

Mantash Reservoir

The Mantash Reservoir, nestled in the foothills of Mount Aragats, is one of the most beautiful spots in all of Shirak. Containing over 8 million cubic meters of drinkable water at an altitude of 2,600 meters above sea level, the reservoir is a popular stop for hikers on their way up or down Aragats.

While this is beautiful and certainly worth exploring, it's important to note that, in order to preserve the local wildlife, both fishing and camping are strictly forbidden here.

Thermal & Mineral Springs

Shirak is home to several large natural springs, including mineral springs. All are cold, with natural carbonated sulfur springs found near Ashotsk, Amasia, and Akhurian. Additionally, carbonated sodium springs are near Shirak and Aghin villages, and sodium chloride springs are near Shirakavan.

Adventure

Like the rest of Armenia, outdoor adventure activities are abundant in the Shirak region, and are the perfect way to get to know local wildlife and even ways of life, as most experiences are based around rural villages.

Hiking

We like to think that hiking is one of the best ways to experience Armenia to the fullest. That's because local hiking trails often link villages to one another, giving you the opportunity to feel the healing power of nature on the trails and the warmth of local hospitality in the villages after your hike. Shirak is no different in this regard, and there are lots of marked trails and footpaths that zigzag the region and have been used by local people for centuries. Tip: Unless you're a professional hiker, we highly recommend you hike marked trails, or join a local hiking group. Professional guides will show you the way safely, and you'll meet both local and international hikers as you discover the region.

Biking

Shirak's main geographical feature is its rolling fields of wheat. This makes it the perfect place in Armenia for biking! Whether you're looking for a leisurely, slow bike ride through the fields or an adrenaline-pumping, fast-paced adventure, local tour operators will be glad to organize a bike riding adventure for you.

Kayaking

We mentioned before that there are several natural gorges along the Akhuryan River, and if you're into kayaking, these sections of the river are perfect for a leisurely row. You'll take in the views, enjoy the fresh air, and even get a glimpse of a medieval monastery. Tip: Make sure to book your kayaking experience in advance with one of the local kayaking companies, such as 'Shirak is Our Home' NGO.

Paddleboarding

Paddleboarding is quickly becoming a popular sport among local people as a fun and refreshing way to experience Armenia's lakes and reservoirs. The Azatan Reservoir is a popular spot to go paddleboarding in Shirak, and there are a couple of adventure tour operators who organize experiences here.

Winter Sports

We mentioned before that Shirak is the coldest region of Armenia, especially in the winter months. That means there are plenty of winter activities and sports you can enjoy here, such as snow kiting, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing!

Adventure

Like the rest of Armenia, outdoor adventure activities are abundant in the Shirak region, and are the perfect way to get to know local wildlife and even ways of life, as most experiences are based around rural villages.

Hiking

We like to think that hiking is one of the best ways to experience Armenia to the fullest. That's because local hiking trails often link villages to one another, giving you the opportunity to feel the healing power of nature on the trails and the warmth of local hospitality in the villages after your hike. Shirak is no different in this regard, and there are lots of marked trails and footpaths that zigzag the region and have been used by local people for centuries.

Unless you're a professional hiker, we highly recommend you hike marked trails, or join a local hiking group. Professional guides will show you the way safely, and you'll meet both local and international hikers as you discover the region

Biking

Shirak's main geographical feature is its rolling fields of wheat. This makes it the perfect place in Armenia for biking! Whether you're looking for a leisurely, slow bike ride through the fields or an adrenaline-pumping, fast-paced adventure, local tour operators will be glad to organize a bike riding adventure for you.

Kayaking

We mentioned before that there are several natural gorges along the Akhuryan River, and if you're into kayaking, these sections of the river are perfect for a leisurely row. You'll take in the views, enjoy the fresh air, and even get a glimpse of a medieval monastery.

Make sure to book your kayaking experience in advance with one of the local kayaking companies, such as 'Shirak is Our Home' NGO.

Paddleboarding

Paddleboarding is quickly becoming a popular sport among local people as a fun and refreshing way to experience Armenia's lakes and reservoirs. The Azatan Reservoir is a popular spot to go paddleboarding in Shirak, and there are a couple of adventure tour operators who organize experiences here.

Winter Sports

We mentioned before that Shirak is the coldest region of Armenia, especially in the winter months. That means there are plenty of winter activities and sports you can enjoy here, such as snow kiting, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing!

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