top of page

We Explored a Giant Refractory Brick Factory

During this urbex mission, we explored a massive Soviet-era refractory brick factory. The site was so big it took hours to cover — and even then, some sections remained unexplored. This article aims to document our exploration and offer a glimpse into how this industrial giant, rich with history, stands today.

Tucked deep in a gorge, on the bank of a river and surrounded by lush forests, lie the remains of a once-thriving Soviet factory. This abandoned industrial colossus, hidden in the Armenian wilderness, was once a major site for producing refractory bricks — specialized heat-resistant blocks used in furnaces, kilns, and heavy industry.


Lots of old Soviet trucks, excavators, and other machines were scattered across the territory


Built in 1951, the factory was strategically located near a rich deposit of clay, essential for high-quality brick production. At its peak, it employed over 600 workers, forming the backbone of the local economy and supporting surrounding villages and towns. Each day, 7 to 8 railway wagons transported bricks to Russia, feeding the Soviet Union’s insatiable industrial demand.

Walking inside today feels like entering a time capsule. Rusting machinery, heavy-duty tools, and even Soviet-era trucks sit silently across the factory floor. Strange metal equipment, the use of which I couldn’t identify, is still scattered throughout — industrial relics of a forgotten era.


In this part of the factory, I saw hearths where bricks were hardened in high heat


After the collapse of the USSR, the factory’s fate took a downturn. In 1995, it was privatized and continued low-scale brick production. However, poor economic conditions, bad logistics, and weak management sped up its decline. By the mid-2000s, the plant had ceased operations entirely.



I also came across lathe machines that looked almost brand new — as if they were just waiting for someone to press the button and bring them back to life


Now, nature is slowly reclaiming the site. Trees push through cracks in the concrete and grow around machinery. As I walked by, I saw old Soviet trucks buried in bushes. Surprisingly, the place is still well-preserved. It’s guarded and doesn’t appear looted —the machines haven't been scrapped for metal.

Today, the factory still stands — a haunting yet beautiful reminder of a time when this quiet river valley echoed with the roar of Soviet industry. It’s a perfect location for urban exploration.

 

Լուսանկարներ

Այլ հոդվածներ․․․

Exploring a Soviet-era abandoned driving school in Armenia

Exploring a Soviet-era abandoned driving school in Armenia

Near the Armenian–Iranian border stands a beautiful, abandoned train station

Near the Armenian–Iranian border stands a beautiful, abandoned train station

We Explored a Giant Refractory Brick Factory

We Explored a Giant Refractory Brick Factory

Inside a Cold War-Era Soviet Bunker Hidden in Armenia

Inside a Cold War-Era Soviet Bunker Hidden in Armenia

Cemetery of Firefighting Trucks

Cemetery of Firefighting Trucks

This Abandoned Restaurant Hides A Forgotten Masterpiece

This Abandoned Restaurant Hides A Forgotten Masterpiece

The Forgotten Computers of a Soviet-Era Factory

The Forgotten Computers of a Soviet-Era Factory

Armenia’s Particle Accelerator

Armenia’s Particle Accelerator

Հետադարձ կապը՝ WhatsApp կամ Telegram հավելվածներով

+374 55677868

Հետևել

  • Instagram account of Armenian Explorer
  • Facebook page of Armenian Explorer
  • TikTok account of Armenian Explorer
  • Twitter account of Armenian Explorer
  • YouTube channel of Armenian Explorer
bottom of page