Marmarashen – Gyumri – Harichavank

• Marmarashen cloister was constructed in 988, but the construction in it was finished in 1029. Marmarashen Monastery is consisted of three iconic structures. The main Temple is in the center of the courtyard and is one of the largest constructions, built by King Vahram Pahlavuni.

• Gyumri  is the second largest city in Armenia, located in the region of Shirak, 130 km north from Armenia. After surviving the destructive earthquake of 1988, Gyumri managed to save the ensemble of old buildings. The ensemble of the Central Square in its current view developed after the earthquake of 1926, by the project of Alexander Tamanian. Of all the pre-revolutionary buildings only St. Astvatsatsin Church (Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God), also known as Our Lady of Seven Wounds, and St. Amenaprkich (Holy Savior’s Church) survived till our days. In the center of the Square is located ‘’a monument to Armenian kings’’ – a sculptural composition in honor of the legendary commander Vardan Mamikonyan of the V century.

• Harichavank Monastery  was founded in the VII century, in 1850. Harich was converted into the summer residence of Armenian Catholicos. Its main feature is that it was built from huge stones of various shadows. Staggered, the stones created a unique ornament for the walls.