About this experience
You will admire the lace doors and courtyards of the 19th century, take a ride on a phaeton and even witness an interesting wedding ritual. You will hear about Nicholas I, treasure, Cossacks, and a deal with the Devil. I will explain the peculiarity of the Gyumri residents' mentality and tell you about the earthquake of 1988, of which I was an eyewitness. And as a food blogger, I will recommend a place with a worthy menu.
What to expect
Tsar's Alexandropol
You will learn about the foundation by Nicholas I of the fortress that gave its name to the city, which under the protection of his cannons quickly began to develop and soon turned into one of the most significant cities of the Transcaucasia. I will tell you how within a few decades of the 19th century, Armenians built a large city and filled it with unique culture, traditions, and mentality, which is still vividly expressed in any Gyumri resident.
Charm of antiquity
The tour will start with the Black Fortress. From afar, you will enjoy the heart of my city, the temple of St. Martyr Alexandra, and then take a walk through the ancient quarters and streets of Gyumri. You will be able to touch the walls of black and red volcanic tuff, take photos near the wooden lace doors of the 19th century, and even ride a phaeton of the heir of the coachman dynasty.
Stories from the city's life
I will tell you how an Alexandropol goldsmith found treasure in a cesspit and why a magnificent mansion in the city center is called the "Dowry House." You will also learn why the tailors' guild accused master Gevorg of conspiring with Satan and how the local Cossacks misled Pushkin. Along the way, I will tell an honest story about the Spitak earthquake of 1988, of which I was an eyewitness. We will pay tribute to the innocent victims and the merciful hearts who came to help in those terrible days.
Soviet Leninakan
We will slowly walk to the Soviet part of the city, which is also interesting with its attractions. We will visit the cafe-bakery "Arekak," which is the first and only establishment in Armenia where people with disabilities and "sunny" individuals work. After sipping coffee or tea with a dessert, we will visit the famous barbershop "Lux," the only one in the country that has fully preserved the Soviet spirit in its interior without renovations for 30-40 years. And if you are a fan of architecture and Soviet modernism, I will take you to the Black Fountain.
Modern Gyumri
You will see how modern Gyumri integrates into its past. You will learn how people live here, what concerns and joys they have. Almost always, my guests and I are lucky - and we attend a wedding in the church. It is a very interesting ritual that is worth seeing, but you need to show firmness because you will be invited to a restaurant and delicately decline. The tour will end in one of the excellent restaurants that will surprise you with its menu. As a food blogger, I will be able to recommend a place that will perfectly conclude our walk!
Organizational details
- No additional expenses are expected along the way, except for personal expenses at cafes.
- I can meet you at the railway station and at Shirak Airport, where the airline "Pobeda" arrives. Feel free to contact me if you need help organizing transportation, a late dinner, currency exchange, or any other questions.
