A visit to Alaverdi train station

The historic Alaverdi train station stands out not only for its unique architectural design but also for the remarkable frescoes painted in the 1960s by Rudolf Khachatryan. These artworks have become a cultural attraction, drawing visitors from around the world. Today, the station is also a fascinating site for urban exploration and a prime spot for urbex photography.

Alaverdi Railway Station, located in the city of Alaverdi in Lori Province, stands on the left bank of the Debed River. The station was first opened in 1899, while its current building was constructed in the 1940s–1950s. The station complex includes a three-story main building, two low platforms, and five railway tracks. Since 2011, passenger trains no longer stop at the station, but the worker on duty can be asked to open the door.

The pink tuff building is an example of Soviet-Armenian Neoclassicism with a typical arched entrance and windows on the main facade. Architect: Baghdasaryan Lenmur

The most striking feature of the building is undoubtedly the frescoes that adorn the station’s waiting hall. Painted in the early 1960s, they represent the only known monumental work of Rudolf Khachatryan (1937–2007), who later gained wide recognition in the 1970s and 1980s for his large-scale hyperrealistic portraits of Soviet cultural figures.

Painted in vivid colors and with remarkable skill, the frescoes instantly capture attention.

These two frescoes depict scenes from the poem "Anoush" and the short story "Gikor", one of the most notable works of renowned Armenian writer Hovhannes Tumanyan, which have long since become an integral part of Armenian public culture.

Other murals depict the miners' revolt during the Bolshevik Revolution and a portrait of a proudly posing foundry worker with Alaverdi copper factory buildings and mountains in the background.

These frescoes are a daring attempt to crystallize the allure of the region. They are brought into life in the juicy colors and bold contours that are typical to post-war Armenian painting.

I’m Suren, a professional urban explorer in Armenia. I offer unique urbex tours to abandoned, hidden, and off-the-map places you won’t find in guidebooks. Want a custom itinerary? Contact me on WhatsApp or Telegram.