During this urbex tour, I'm exploring a 14-story building, once a bustling sanatorium during Soviet times. Today, it stands abandoned, stripped of windows and doors. Only a handful of artworks adorn the walls, serving as poignant reminders of its former glory. < Back Exploring an abandoned sanatorium During this urbex tour, I'm exploring a 14-story building, once a bustling sanatorium during Soviet times. Today, it stands abandoned, stripped of windows and doors. Only a handful of artworks adorn the walls, serving as poignant reminders of its former glory. Located close to the capital Yerevan, in a scenic town famous for its mineral water, this place was once home to Armenia’s most prestigious sanatoriums. Visitors from across the Soviet Union came here to relax, recover, and improve their health. The sanatorium In the Soviet Union and post-Soviet countries, a sanatorium is a combined resort and medical facility offering short-term rest and medical services, akin to a spa resort. The history of these health resorts dates back to 1920s when the construction of the first sanatoriums started! Inside, one can come across this wonderful fresco, seemingly created by a professional artist, still resisting the destructive forces of water and time. Construction of the third sanatorium’s 14-story building began in 1975 and was completed nine years later. Architect : Martin Mikayelyan Engineer: Karlen Ghazaryan The accommodations were luxurious, featuring therapeutic baths section, numerous recreation rooms, a cinema, and a cozy two-story restaurant accessible via a covered ground passage. Nearby stands an unfinished funicular, originally intended to connect this building with the first sanatorium. 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 . Project Gallery You May Also Like The Forgotten 50 cm Cassegrain Telescope of Byurakan Observatory Destroyed Soviet Mosaics and Frescoes in Armenia Inside the Eerie Corridors of an Abandoned Russian Fortress Soviet Bus Stops in Armenia Urbex Tours in Armenia – Photo Gallery The 53 cm Schmidt Telescope at Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory Exploring an Abandoned Rest House with Impressive Bas-Reliefs A Spaceship on Earth: The Soviet-Armenian Echo of the Futuro House Previous Next

Shvanidzor is located about 400 km from Yerevan and 11 km northeast of Meghri, just a kilometer from the Arax River, at an altitude of 600–700 meters. Once home to around a thousand people, it now has roughly 280 residents, and the local school teaches only 20 children. Time seems to stand still in this village, where historic buildings quietly bear witness to the past. Today, we’ll explore one of these architectural gems: a 19th-century house in the village. < Back Exploring a 19th-Century Abandoned House in Armenia Shvanidzor is located about 400 km from Yerevan and 11 km northeast of Meghri, just a kilometer from the Arax River, at an altitude of 600–700 meters. Once home to around a thousand people, it now has roughly 280 residents, and the local school teaches only 20 children. Time seems to stand still in this village, where historic buildings quietly bear witness to the past. Today, we’ll explore one of these architectural gems: a 19th-century house in the village. Despite its modest size, Shvanidzor holds an impressive historical legacy. Medieval kahrezes — old qanat-style water channels — still run beneath the village. Centuries-old churches such as Gyumerants and St. Stepanos (17th–19th centuries) still stand here, along with the older Berdikar Church from the 12th–13th centuries. There’s also a 16th-century aqueduct, a 17th-century stone bridge, and many historical buildings scattered around. Inside Shvanidzor culture house I’ve written before about the iconic Shvanidzor culture house. Today, with the little information available, I want to shed some light on another remarkable site — a 19th-century house I’ve known about for over ten years but somehow never managed to visit. In the summer of 2025, I finally did. …and then, high on the steep hillside, I saw the building After visiting the culture house, we continued uphill. The narrow road took us past several old buildings with typical local architecture. Then, on a steep slope, the two-story house came into view — perched above the village, with its distinctive white façade, three arches, and a balcony. Built in 1890, it was once considered one of Shvanidzor’s finest homes. Unfortunately, I still don’t have clear details about who lived there or what stories it carries. For now, I’ll let the photos speak for themselves. 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 . Project Gallery You May Also Like The Forgotten 50 cm Cassegrain Telescope of Byurakan Observatory Destroyed Soviet Mosaics and Frescoes in Armenia Inside the Eerie Corridors of an Abandoned Russian Fortress Soviet Bus Stops in Armenia Urbex Tours in Armenia – Photo Gallery The 53 cm Schmidt Telescope at Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory Exploring an Abandoned Rest House with Impressive Bas-Reliefs A Spaceship on Earth: The Soviet-Armenian Echo of the Futuro House Previous Next

Discover some of Armenia’s most scenic and culturally rich destinations on this full-day guided tour from Yerevan. This tour combines breathtaking lake views, medieval monasteries, forest trails, and authentic Armenian charm — perfect for travelers who want to see both culture and nature in one day. < Back Day Tour to Sevanavank, Dilijan & Parz Lake Discover some of Armenia’s most scenic and culturally rich destinations on this full-day guided tour from Yerevan. This tour combines breathtaking lake views, medieval monasteries, forest trails, and authentic Armenian charm — perfect for travelers who want to see both culture and nature in one day. Itinerary: 07:50 AM – Departure from Yerevan Our ride will take us to Lake Sevan, located at an altitude of 1,900 meters. This high-altitude freshwater lake spans approximately 1,240 square kilometers, making it the largest lake in the Caucasus region. Arrival at Sevanavank Monastery (approximately 70 km, about 1 hour drive) We’ll explore the iconic 9th century Sevanavank Monastery on the Sevan Peninsula, offering panoramic views of one of the largest alpine lakes in the world. Next is a coffee break at Tsovagyugh Food Court (8.6km and 10 minutes ride) before heading deeper into the forests of Dilijan. Next we will visit Old Dilijan Tufenkian Complex (23km, about 25 minute ride). Stroll through the charming Old Dilijan Complex to get a taste of 19th-century Armenian architecture and craftsmanship. Our next stop will be Parz Lake, located 14 km away—a short 20-minute drive. We’ll enjoy the peaceful nature surrounding this small forest lake, perfect for light walks or an optional boat ride. Optional Activity: Choose between: A short 1-hour hike on the scenic loop trail to Matosavank and Jukhtak Monasteries, (6 km or 15 minute drive ) or A visit to Parz Lake. The choice is yours! Khachkars inside Matosavank monastery Matosavank - Jukhtak Loop, situated in Dilijan National Park, Tavush, is an easy 4.5 km trail. The path takes you to the 13th-century Jukhtak Monastery and then proceeds to Matosavank, another 13th-century monastery. The trail winds through dense forests, offering fresh air and a quick nature walk for those seeking a relaxing stroll. The tour is conducted in a Mitsubishi Pajero IV Tour Price: 90,000 AMD for a private group of 1–4 people. Pickup and drop-off at your location in Yerevan are included. Return to Yerevan: Approximately 5:00–6:00 PM Project Gallery Previous Next

This article explores Soviet-era bus stops in Armenia—structures that have miraculously survived into modern times, though many are damaged, neglected, and largely forgotten by locals. Today, cars rush past at high speed, and passengers barely notice these roadside sculptures. Only a handful of travelers who truly appreciate Soviet architecture stop to photograph them, leaving curious onlookers to wonder—“Why are they taking pictures? Spies, perhaps?”. These bus stops are silent witnesses of the era, built for the most monotonous task imaginable: waiting for a bus. Yet their designs are anything but boring, reflecting the bold creativity of the Soviet Union. < Back Soviet Bus Stops in Armenia This article explores Soviet-era bus stops in Armenia—structures that have miraculously survived into modern times, though many are damaged, neglected, and largely forgotten by locals. Today, cars rush past at high speed, and passengers barely notice these roadside sculptures. Only a handful of travelers who truly appreciate Soviet architecture stop to photograph them, leaving curious onlookers to wonder—“Why are they taking pictures? Spies, perhaps?”. These bus stops are silent witnesses of the era, built for the most monotonous task imaginable: waiting for a bus. Yet their designs are anything but boring, reflecting the bold creativity of the Soviet Union. Earlier, I wrote about the iconic Chayka monument and the story of how, during his 1961 visit, Nikita Khrushchev was shown this monument and became angry, referring to Resolution No. 1871, which harshly criticized prevailing architectural practices and accused designers of wastefulness and an obsession with decorative forms at the expense of function and economy. In this article, dedicated to Soviet bus stops in Armenia, I want to refer back to that episode and ask how, after this incident, architects and designers across the entire Soviet Union continued creating bus stops that can hardly be called humble or practical, but instead were extravagant, eye-catching, and striking. The "Chayka" monument today On 4 November 1955, the Soviet government issued Resolution No. 1871, officially titled “On the Elimination of Excesses in Design and Construction” (Об устранении излишеств в проектировании и строительстве). The decree was officially issued and signed by Nikita S. Khrushchev, Secretary of the Central Committee of the CPSU, and Nikolai A. Bulganin, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR. A sketch of a bus stop by Armenian architect Rafael Israelyan. Renowned for incorporating the eagle symbol into many of his architectural works, Israelyan found a place for it even here — proudly positioned at the very top of the structure. Just imagine this concept brought to life — a small roadside stop turned into a striking piece of symbolic architecture. This landmark document marked a sharp break with Stalin-era monumental architecture, calling for a focus on functionality over form. The most famous result of this decree was the Khrushchyovka—the ubiquitous four- and five-story gray apartment blocks seen across Eastern Europe today. Millions of families received their own private apartments with indoor plumbing and kitchens for the first time. Since bus stops were considered Minor Architectural Forms (малые архитектурные формы), they fell into a regulatory loophole. According to Soviet architectural handbooks (such as Svidersky’s Small Architectural Forms , 1953), MAFs were divided into two categories: Utilitarian: benches, trash cans, street lamps, and bus pavilions (автобусные павильоны) Decorative: sculptures, fountains, and flower vases Because bus stops were classified as “pavilions” rather than “buildings,” they were governed by less stringent aesthetic regulations. While a five-story apartment block had to be approved by central housing authorities to ensure that no money was “wasted” on decoration, a bus stop was often handled by the Ministry of Transport or regional road departments. Methodological Recommendations for the Design of Bus Stops. Moscow, 1975 Moreover, most Soviet-era bus stops we see today were built during Leonid Brezhnev’s reign (1964–1982). It was during this period that government-issued design handbooks were released—the first in 1975, followed by another in 1988. Clause 3.18 from Methodological Recommendations for the Design of Bus Stops (Moscow, 1975) states the following: When designing bus stops, special attention should be given to contemporary architectural solutions that reflect the climatic, local, and national characteristics of the area. Bus stops should serve as the compositional focal point of the road’s architectural ensemble. The planning layout of the bus stop, pavilion structures, exterior finishes of stop elements, minor architectural forms, landscaping, and lighting should be compositionally integrated with the surrounding environment. The walls of enclosed and semi-enclosed pavilions should preferably be made of transparent materials on the side facing the approaching bus and the roadway, to ensure good visibility. Bright coloring of pavilion details, the construction of boarding platforms, sidewalks, and pedestrian paths using slabs and materials of varying size, shape, and color, as well as minor architectural forms reflecting national and local character—all of these should be employed in the artistic design of bus stop areas. This is a truly unique bus stop. It not only functions as a bus stop but also conceals an underground passage beneath it Ursula Schulz-Dornburg and the enduring photographs she created The first foreigner to pay serious attention to Soviet-era bus stops in Armenia after the collapse of the Soviet Union was that Düsseldorf-based Ursula Schulz-Dornburg. Her photography project, widely known as “Transit Sites, Armenia” or “Bus Stops in Armenia,” produced between 1997 and 2004, possesses an enigmatic power that far exceeds its time and place of origin. The Museum Ludwig in Cologne has since acquired this series. A Soviet-era bus stop in Armenia, photo by Ursula Schulz-Dornburg Here is an excerpt from her interview. “I was on a trip that was actually supposed to take me to all the ancient monasteries and convents in Armenia, from north to south and east to west. Then, to my complete astonishment, I saw one of these bus stops in the middle of nowhere. With the woman waiting there, it looked exactly like a Visconti movie. This became my most reproduced motif. The strange, oversized canopy echoes the traditional shape of Armenian church roofs. In the Soviet era, it was not possible to build new churches, so perhaps this form was an ironic response to Soviet restrictions.” Christopher Herwig: The Hunter of Soviet Bus Stops While Ursula Schulz-Dornburg was the first to view these structures through a “metaphysical” and almost spiritual lens in the late 1990s, Christopher Herwig is the one who transformed Soviet bus stops into a global phenomenon. His journeys across the Soviet Union, including Armenia, were extensive, resulting in two books that document the bus stop explorations he dedicated around 15 years to. A bus stop in Vanadzor, year 2016, photo by Cristopher Herwig Today, these books serve as records of a bygone era, living witnesses of the past, especially considering that some of the bus stops have already been destroyed. Christopher Herwig (2002–2017) Soviet Bus Stops (2015) Soviet Bus Stops: Volume II (2017) My Quest The documentary Soviet Bus Stops (2022), dedicated to Christopher Herwig’s quest to document Soviet bus stops, ends with the following quote by Osip Mandelstam:“ My turn shall also come; I sense the spreading of a wing .” Only three or four bus stops in Armenia still feature mosaics. This is one of them. As a local urbexer familiar with Armenia, I’ve taken on the task of documenting all the Soviet bus stops in my country. What may seem like an easy job is actually quite challenging. Hundreds of kilometers must be traveled to reach them, and people waiting for a bus aren’t always eager to appear in photos. The sun may be in the wrong position, or a poorly parked car can ruin the shot. Then comes the painstaking selection process—dozens of photos must be taken just to find one that satisfies me. In my case, I’m rarely satisfied, often returning multiple times to capture the perfect image. I’m always asking myself whether a person should appear in the image—a question I still don’t have a clear answer to. Then I try it both ways. Sometimes, to emphasize the size of a monument or a bus stop, it’s helpful to include a person standing nearby. The bus stops that survive in Armenia today were built from concrete or metal, sometimes incorporating wooden elements such as cladding or benches. While much of the USSR relied on poured concrete, Armenia in some cases used its local volcanic stone—tuff. My quest continues, and this year I plan to finally document all the bus stops in Armenia. As Osip Mandelstam said: “ My turn shall also come; I sense the spreading of a wing .” 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 . Project Gallery You May Also Like The Forgotten 50 cm Cassegrain Telescope of Byurakan Observatory Destroyed Soviet Mosaics and Frescoes in Armenia Inside the Eerie Corridors of an Abandoned Russian Fortress Soviet Bus Stops in Armenia Urbex Tours in Armenia – Photo Gallery The 53 cm Schmidt Telescope at Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory Exploring an Abandoned Rest House with Impressive Bas-Reliefs A Spaceship on Earth: The Soviet-Armenian Echo of the Futuro House Previous Next

This abandoned Soviet-Armenian culture house offers a thrilling architectural design which urban explorers will definitely appreciate! < Back Discover a Soviet Time Culture House in Armenia This abandoned Soviet-Armenian culture house offers a thrilling architectural design which urban explorers will definitely appreciate! Arshaluys Culture House is one of the most impressive buildings you can find in Armenian villages. It was constructed in 1961, designed by the architect Razmik Alaverdyan. Unfortunately, a damaged roof became the primary cause of the early deterioration of the culture house. Despite the interior being in a state of disrepair, one can still discern its majestic architectural design. Fortunately, the roof has now been renovated, and efforts are underway to fully restore the culture house. A nice bas-relief on the facade! One can even discern an Armenian inscription «Նուրիջանյան Կառլեն 1961», “Nurijanyan Karlen 1961”! Karlen Nurijanyan was a renowned Armenian sculptor, famous for “Hayk Nahapet”, “Torq Angegh”, “Vahagn Dragonslayer” and many other statues! Emblem of the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic on the top of the stage. The Armenian SSR emblem, designed from a sketch by painter Martiros Saryan, was adopted in 1937. Featuring Mount Ararat, it drew objections from Turkey. The Kremlin retorted that although the Turkish symbol was the crescent, surely it did not mean that they laid claim to the moon. In 1992, the emblem evolved in the current Armenian coat of arms, retaining Mount Ararat. 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 . Project Gallery You May Also Like The Forgotten 50 cm Cassegrain Telescope of Byurakan Observatory Destroyed Soviet Mosaics and Frescoes in Armenia Inside the Eerie Corridors of an Abandoned Russian Fortress Soviet Bus Stops in Armenia Urbex Tours in Armenia – Photo Gallery The 53 cm Schmidt Telescope at Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory Exploring an Abandoned Rest House with Impressive Bas-Reliefs A Spaceship on Earth: The Soviet-Armenian Echo of the Futuro House Previous Next

Since my earlier post about the abandoned plane located in Ashtarak generated significant interest, with many using my article as a guide to visit that location, here's another post dedicated to an abandoned plane. This time, we are heading to the shore of Tsovinar Lake to see an abandoned Tu-134 plane. < Back Another Abandoned Plane in Armenia Since my earlier post about the abandoned plane located in Ashtarak generated significant interest, with many using my article as a guide to visit that location, here's another post dedicated to an abandoned plane. This time, we are heading to the shore of Tsovinar Lake to see an abandoned Tu-134 plane. The Tu-134 was a Soviet passenger aircraft designed for short and medium-haul flights, developed in the early 1960s. These models were mass-produced from 1965 to 1984 at the Kharkov Aviation Production Association. This particular Tu-134 was produced on October 22, 1970, and entered service on December 4, 1970. The operator of Tu-134A USSR-65657 (0351103) was the Armenian Civil Aviation Administration. An aerial photo of Tu-134A plane On June 17, 1983, during a flight from Lviv to Yerevan, the plane was caught in a storm over the Gali region of Abkhazia. Although the plane landed safely, it exceeded the permissible overload limits (reaching up to +3.05G / -0.65G) and was subsequently taken out of service. The plane was decommissioned on July 10, 1984, due to this incident. When visiting this place to see the plane, I recommend also visiting the Tsovinar monument on the other side of the lake After its decommissioning, the aircraft was used as an object for simulating plane fires at Zvartnots Airport in Yerevan. In 1986, it was used for ground tests in connection with the fire of Tu-134AK USSR-65120. The remains of the aircraft were moved to the shore of the Hrazdan Reservoir sometime in 2023. Unfortunately, still I have no information about where it was located before that! You can find the plane's coordinates on my Telegram channel: https://t.me/armenianexplorer_ru/27 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 . Project Gallery You May Also Like The Forgotten 50 cm Cassegrain Telescope of Byurakan Observatory Destroyed Soviet Mosaics and Frescoes in Armenia Inside the Eerie Corridors of an Abandoned Russian Fortress Soviet Bus Stops in Armenia Urbex Tours in Armenia – Photo Gallery The 53 cm Schmidt Telescope at Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory Exploring an Abandoned Rest House with Impressive Bas-Reliefs A Spaceship on Earth: The Soviet-Armenian Echo of the Futuro House Previous Next

Discover the remnants of Gyumri's cultural heritage by visiting this abandoned Palace of Culture, featuring the iconic mosaic Dance of Sassoon by Ferdinand Manukyan. Despite the building's decay, this artistic gem endures, capturing the essence of a bygone era. < Back This abandoned culture palace hides a nice mosaic Discover the remnants of Gyumri's cultural heritage by visiting this abandoned Palace of Culture, featuring the iconic mosaic Dance of Sassoon by Ferdinand Manukyan. Despite the building's decay, this artistic gem endures, capturing the essence of a bygone era. The building of the Palace of Culture of Leninakan Railwaymen, later renamed the Palace of Culture of Sevyan, was constructed in 1926 and began operation in 1929. This architectural marvel, with its giant mosaic and intricate interior decoration, was once a prominent landmark in Leninakan, now known as Gyumri. A historical photo of the Palace of Culture of Leninakan Railwaymen, later renamed the Palace of Culture of Sevyan Following the 1988 earthquake, the building continued to function for two more years until a fire left it in ruins. Today, only the mosaic "Dance of Sassoon" by the distinguished and popular artist Ferdinand Manukyan, created between 1973 and 1975, has remained almost unharmed from the once gigantic building. Manukyan was the main artist of Gyumri from 1968 to 1972. In front of the former culture palace stands a bas-relief dedicated to the heroes of the May Uprising of 1920. Sculptor: Ara Sargsyan 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 . Project Gallery You May Also Like The Forgotten 50 cm Cassegrain Telescope of Byurakan Observatory Destroyed Soviet Mosaics and Frescoes in Armenia Inside the Eerie Corridors of an Abandoned Russian Fortress Soviet Bus Stops in Armenia Urbex Tours in Armenia – Photo Gallery The 53 cm Schmidt Telescope at Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory Exploring an Abandoned Rest House with Impressive Bas-Reliefs A Spaceship on Earth: The Soviet-Armenian Echo of the Futuro House Previous Next

Together with G. Mattu, with this article, we aimed to compile and document the destroyed bas-reliefs in Armenia, created by monumental artists during the Soviet era. Once integral parts of the country's cultural and architectural landscape, these works of art have been lost to time, metal scavengers, vandalism and neglect. Through this collection, we hope to preserve their memory and reflect on their historical and artistic significance. < Back Destroyed Bas-Reliefs of Armenia Together with G. Mattu, with this article, we aimed to compile and document the destroyed bas-reliefs in Armenia, created by monumental artists during the Soviet era. Once integral parts of the country's cultural and architectural landscape, these works of art have been lost to time, metal scavengers, vandalism and neglect. Through this collection, we hope to preserve their memory and reflect on their historical and artistic significance. Bas-reliefs in the Soviet Union were used both as a powerful artistic form and as a tool for ideological expression. They served as a means to communicate Soviet values, promote political ideals, and glorify historical figures and events. These artworks were often integrated into public buildings, monuments, and institutions, reinforcing the narrative of the Soviet state and its achievements. This metal bas-relief once adorned the walls of the Automatics Plant in Vanadzor, a significant site in Armenia’s industrial heritage. Sadly, it vanished a few years ago, and its fate remains unknown. Notably, it was one of the rare bas-reliefs dedicated to a cosmic theme. Founded in 1956, the Automatics Plant played a crucial role in the instrument-making industry of both the USSR and Armenia, releasing its first products in 1959. Specializing in electrical measuring instruments for monitoring and regulating technological processes, the plant supplied its products across the Soviet Union and exported them to 25 countries worldwide. An identical bas-relief featuring two cosmonauts once decorated the entrance of the former Kosmos Kindergarten. The fate of this artwork remains unknown. This bas-relief once graced the lobby of the Central Post Office in Vanadzor, created between 1977 and 1978. Vahagn’s Battle with the Dragon – Kapan, 1966 Chiseled aluminum | Height: 1100 cm Sculptor: A. Harutyunyan | Architect: R. Israelyan Ara Harutyunyan’s Spring – 1963 Material: Aluminum | Location: Sayat-Nova Avenue Harutyunyan’s daughter, Susanna, recounts the fate of this monument: It was installed on Sayat-Nova Avenue, on the sidewalk in front of the old Academy (that building was later demolished), where his parental home once stood. However, the monument was destroyed in a car accident and was never restored. "Masquerade" Ceramic Bas-Relief 1983 – Inside the restaurant of the former actor's house, now the French Embassy. Sculptor: Eduard Beroyan After the building was repurposed and renovated, the bas-relief was destroyed. Another bas-relief by the prolific ceramist Eduard Beroyan once adorned the interior of the ArmElectro factory. Unfortunately, it no longer exists. The nursery of the Spitak textile factory once featured a bas-relief on the wall of its swimming pool, depicting what appeared to be a fairy. The building and the artwork were destroyed during the 1988 earthquake. Installed in 1968 at the entrance of Charentsavan, in Armenia’s Kotayk Province, this bas relief (front side) was created by renowned Armenian sculptor Tereza Mirzoyan (1922–2016) in collaboration with sculptor Suren Nazaryan (1929–1999). The back side of the same monument at the Entrance to Charentsavan city. Vladimir Atanyan was one of the artists whose bas-reliefs suffered the most, two of which were located inside the Dvin Hotel and disappeared after its renovation. Ceramic Bas-Relief – "Dvin – Old Town" (1979) Size: 3m × 6m × 75cm Location: Restaurant of the Dvin Hotel Artist: Vladimir Atanyan "Eternity" Bas-Relief – 1979 Dimensions: 4 x 2 meters Location: First floor, Dvin Hotel Interior, Yerevan Created by: Vladimir Atanyan “Generation” 1983/84 by Vladamir Atanyan. A large ceramic relief framed by mosaics, Generation once adorned the lobby of the Scientific Institute of Avan. Sometime between 2005 and 2010, the entire building was demolished, and the fate of the artwork remains unknown. Presumably, it was destroyed along with the building. A rare photo of the bas-relief "Generation", as seen in an old magazine Another work by Vladimir Atanyan decorated the wall of the restaurant in Ani Hotel. Created in 1986, it was later destroyed. Another artist whose works were significantly lost over time is Hmayak Bdeyan. Below are several examples. Institute of Winemaking – Bas-relief (Destroyed) – Artist Hmayak Bdeyan, 1967 (Size: 240 cm × 600 cm) On November 11, 2006, the first building of the "Rossia" commercial and cultural center was turned into a cafe and shopping halls. Unfortunately, the sculptures and paintings by Yervand Gojabashyan, Henry Elibekyan, Ohan Petrosyan, and Hmayak Bdeyan were later removed and up to this day their fate is unknown. The partition walls by Hmayak Bdeyan adorned the interior spaces of the Rossiya cinema. In total, they were 10 meters long and 3.5 meters high. This is how Bdeyan describes the creation of partitions inside the Rossiya cinema: “I faced a rather challenging task: to create partition walls that would separate one functional space from another without, as much as possible, dissecting the interior volumes of the building. I proposed assembling them from openwork cubic cells coated with glaze. These partitions, in my opinion, do not disrupt the scale of the space and are perceived as movable grids. I embedded large theatrical masks into them.” This photo shows the destroyed partition wall by Hmayak Bdeyan, lying on the ground. The fate of the sculptures remains unknown. In this old image, one can see a bas-relief inside the Rossiya Cinema. The artist remains unidentified, though it is believed to be Hmayak Bdeyan. Further verification is required. Hmayak Bdeyan's ceramic compositions adorned the Argishti Cafe on Mashtots Avenue, formerly Lenin Avenue. Their fate is unknown. Armenfilm, also known as Hayfilm, is an Armenian film studio located in Yerevan. The facade of Armenfilm’s main entrance once featured a metal bas-relief inspired by Yervand Kochar’s iconic Sasuntsi Davit statue. It disappeared long ago, and its fate is still a mystery. The image of Sasuntsi Davit also served as the studio’s production logo, appearing at the beginning of every film — much like the iconic studio logos seen in other film industries. In this old photo, two bas-reliefs are visible on the wall of the “Vahagn” Teahouse. Their fate remains unknown. Special thanks to Gurdeep Mattu for co-authoring this article. 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 . Project Gallery You May Also Like The Forgotten 50 cm Cassegrain Telescope of Byurakan Observatory Destroyed Soviet Mosaics and Frescoes in Armenia Inside the Eerie Corridors of an Abandoned Russian Fortress Soviet Bus Stops in Armenia Urbex Tours in Armenia – Photo Gallery The 53 cm Schmidt Telescope at Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory Exploring an Abandoned Rest House with Impressive Bas-Reliefs A Spaceship on Earth: The Soviet-Armenian Echo of the Futuro House Previous Next

Within the ruins of this Soviet factory lie hidden artworks, which you will discover in this article as we embark on an exploration! < Back This abandoned factory once produced electrical components Within the ruins of this Soviet factory lie hidden artworks, which you will discover in this article as we embark on an exploration! Unfortunately, there is no information available online about this Soviet-era factory, now left in decay. Even locals seemed reluctant to share details, perhaps due to their youth or lack of knowledge. However, I did learn that during Soviet times, the factory manufactured electrical components. Deep exploration uncovered remnants of the past, including numerous boxes of resistors, now rendered obsolete by advancements in technology. A bas-relief by postwar & contemporary artist Benik Petrosyan Adorning the facade of the building is a marvelous bas-relief by Armenian sculptor Benik Petrosyan. Unfortunately, it is now obscured by vegetation, making it difficult to appreciate. Capturing a clear photo proved to be quite a challenge. Inside the building, I discovered two more bas-reliefs. Резистор - Сделано в СССР. Resistor Made in USSR Another striking piece of art within this abandoned factory is a stained glass window, particularly impressive when viewed from outside. The name of the author is unknown. 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 . Project Gallery You May Also Like The Forgotten 50 cm Cassegrain Telescope of Byurakan Observatory Destroyed Soviet Mosaics and Frescoes in Armenia Inside the Eerie Corridors of an Abandoned Russian Fortress Soviet Bus Stops in Armenia Urbex Tours in Armenia – Photo Gallery The 53 cm Schmidt Telescope at Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory Exploring an Abandoned Rest House with Impressive Bas-Reliefs A Spaceship on Earth: The Soviet-Armenian Echo of the Futuro House Previous Next

This one-day tour covers some of Armenia's most iconic landmarks – must-visit sites for every traveler exploring the country. The journey takes you from ancient pagan history to the dawn of Christianity and the 9th century, when the Sevanavank Monastery was founded. We’ll visit the Garni Pagan Temple, the only surviving Greco-Roman colonnaded temple in the post-Soviet region, followed by the UNESCO-listed Geghard Monastery, famous for its rock-hewn churches and deep spiritual heritage. According to tradition, the Holy Lance – believed to have pierced Christ’s side during the crucifixion – was once kept here. Finally, we’ll head to the Sevan Peninsula to explore the 9th-century Sevanavank Monastery and admire the sweeping views of Lake Sevan, one of the world’s largest high-altitude freshwater lakes. < Back Garni-Geghard & Sevanavank Day Sightseeing Tour This one-day tour covers some of Armenia's most iconic landmarks – must-visit sites for every traveler exploring the country. The journey takes you from ancient pagan history to the dawn of Christianity and the 9th century, when the Sevanavank Monastery was founded. We’ll visit the Garni Pagan Temple, the only surviving Greco-Roman colonnaded temple in the post-Soviet region, followed by the UNESCO-listed Geghard Monastery, famous for its rock-hewn churches and deep spiritual heritage. According to tradition, the Holy Lance – believed to have pierced Christ’s side during the crucifixion – was once kept here. Finally, we’ll head to the Sevan Peninsula to explore the 9th-century Sevanavank Monastery and admire the sweeping views of Lake Sevan, one of the world’s largest high-altitude freshwater lakes. Itinerary Highlights 1️⃣ Charents Arch Also called the "Temple of Ararat," this monument, designed by architect Rafael Israelyan in 1957, perfectly frames Mount Ararat on a clear day. Built from basalt and lined with orange tuff, it stands at 1,500 meters above sea level, measuring 10 x 5.5 m and 5 m in height – a stunning natural frame for Armenia’s biblical mountain. 2️⃣ Garni Pagan Temple Built in the 1st century AD under King Tiridates I, Garni is the only standing Greco-Roman pagan temple in the region. Dedicated to Mihr, the Armenian sun god, it survived centuries of history and Armenia’s Christian conversion in 301 AD. After being destroyed by an earthquake in 1679, it was carefully reconstructed in the 1970s, now serving as a rare glimpse into Armenia’s pre-Christian past. 3️⃣ Symphony of Stones A breathtaking natural wonder featuring hexagonal basalt columns shaped by volcanic activity millions of years ago, resembling giant organ pipes. Similar formations exist worldwide, such as the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland or Fingal's Cave in Scotland. The murmur of the Azat River beneath the cliffs creates a magical, natural "symphony." 4️⃣ Geghard Monastery Founded in the 4th century by St. Gregory the Illuminator, Geghard is partly carved into solid rock, making it a masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture. Its name, meaning "Monastery of the Spear," refers to the Holy Lance once kept here, believed to have been brought to Armenia by Apostle Thaddeus. Today, the relic is housed in Etchmiadzin, the spiritual center of the Armenian Apostolic Church. 5️⃣ Sevanavank Monastery Situated on the Sevan Peninsula at 1,900 meters above sea level, this 9th-century monastic complex offers breathtaking views of Lake Sevan. Once an island monastery, Sevanavank is among the most picturesque and historically significant sites in Armenia. The tour is conducted in a Mitsubishi Pajero IV Tour Details Start: 8:00 AM, Yerevan Finish: 5:00 PM, Yerevan Distance: ~200 km Price: 90,000 AMD (per group of 1–4 people) Additional Costs: 1,800 AMD per person (entry to Garni Temple & Symphony of Stones) Includes: Transportation and professional guide service Project Gallery Previous Next

In this article, I present one of Armenia’s most distinctive Soviet-era architectural landmarks—the Chayka monument. You’ll learn why it provoked Khrushchev’s anger, how it defied official Soviet ideology, and how it still stands today as a rare example of clever engineering and artistic expression that outlived strict political doctrine and the test of time. < Back The Chayka Monument That Angered Nikita Khrushchev During His 1961 Visit to Armenia In this article, I present one of Armenia’s most distinctive Soviet-era architectural landmarks—the Chayka monument. You’ll learn why it provoked Khrushchev’s anger, how it defied official Soviet ideology, and how it still stands today as a rare example of clever engineering and artistic expression that outlived strict political doctrine and the test of time. In 1961, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev visited Armenia. On his way to Lake Sevan, the Armenian delegation accompanying him—headed by Yakov Nikitovich Zarobyan , First Secretary of the Communist Party of Soviet Armenia—decided to stop near a newly erected monument known as “Chayka” (“The Seagull”) to present it to the Soviet leader. That decision turned out to be a mistake. Upon seeing the monument, Khrushchev reportedly became visibly irritated. The reason lies not only in personal taste, but in Soviet architectural policy of the time. Black-and-white photo of the Chayka Monument The 1955 Decree Against “Architectural Excesses” To understand Khrushchev’s reaction, one must go back to 4 November 1955, when the Soviet government issued Resolution No. 1871, officially titled “On the Elimination of Excesses in Design and Construction” (Об устранении излишеств в проектировании и строительстве). The decree was officially issued and signed by Nikita S. Khrushchev, Secretary of the Central Committee of the CPSU, and Nikolai A. Bulganin, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR. This landmark document marked a sharp break with Stalin-era monumental architecture. It harshly criticized prevailing architectural practices and accused designers of wastefulness and obsession with decorative forms at the expense of function and economy. The key principles of the decree were: Condemnation of “architectural excesses” : The use of expensive materials, decorative colonnades, towers, porticos, and ornamentation without functional purpose was explicitly criticized. Rejection of individual projects : Architects were instructed to abandon unique, expressive designs in favor of standardized, mass-producible solutions. Cost reduction : The primary goal was to lower construction costs per square meter and rapidly provide housing for millions of people living in communal apartments and basements. Seen through this lens, the Chayka monument clearly contradicted the core principles of Resolution No. 1871. It was expressive, sculptural, symbolic—and entirely non-utilitarian. The Chayka today Survival and Legacy Despite this ideological conflict, the monument was not demolished. Instead, it survived and eventually became one of the most recognizable Soviet-era landmarks in Armenia. The monument was designed by Vanik Khachaturyan, with structural engineering by Lena Grigoryan. Khachaturyan later recalled how the idea was born: “In 1960, architect Spartak Knteghtsyan from the ‘Yerevanproject’ Institute received the commission to design the city entrance to Yerevan. He proposed a concrete arch and invited me to give my opinion. I told him that Tbilisi already had an entrance arch and that we shouldn’t repeat it. Spartak got irritated and said, ‘Then sit down and design something better yourself.’ I sat down and, in 15 minutes, drew the ‘Chayka’ and said, ‘If you like it, build it.’” At the time, there were concerns that the structure might collapse. In reality, it was cleverly engineered: one side is short and massive, while the other is long and slender, creating a balanced and stable composition. As Vanik Khachaturyan described it, the structure resembles a perfectly balanced scale. Name and Present State The monument’s name raises an intriguing linguistic question. The inscription reads «Չայկա» ( Chayka )—the Russian word for seagull —rendered in Armenian script, despite the existence of the Armenian word «Ճայ» (Chay). Why a Russian term was chosen, especially when written using Armenian letters, remains unclear. Today, the Chayka monument still stands. Unfortunately, chaotic and poorly planned construction around it has significantly diminished what was once a striking and open visual landmark. Even so, it remains a powerful reminder of a brief moment when artistic expression managed to outlive strict ideology. 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 . Project Gallery You May Also Like The Forgotten 50 cm Cassegrain Telescope of Byurakan Observatory Destroyed Soviet Mosaics and Frescoes in Armenia Inside the Eerie Corridors of an Abandoned Russian Fortress Soviet Bus Stops in Armenia Urbex Tours in Armenia – Photo Gallery The 53 cm Schmidt Telescope at Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory Exploring an Abandoned Rest House with Impressive Bas-Reliefs A Spaceship on Earth: The Soviet-Armenian Echo of the Futuro House Previous Next

This is a culture house from Soviet period which every urban explorer should see! A great relic for those who want to explore the "abandoned side of Armenia" and love artworks! < Back An abandoned culture house in Armenia with wonderful frescoes This is a culture house from Soviet period which every urban explorer should see! A great relic for those who want to explore the "abandoned side of Armenia" and love artworks! There are urban explorers who are interested in machinery, some even hunt ghosts, lol! But I am different, I love art! Thanks to avarathewanderer I learned about this place (should definitely write a separate post about him) and it was he who guided me there! Unfortunately there is not much information about the building, failed even learn the artist’s name, but at least I got a huge aesthetic pleasure and took lots of photos to share with you! Enjoy... 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 . Project Gallery You May Also Like The Forgotten 50 cm Cassegrain Telescope of Byurakan Observatory Destroyed Soviet Mosaics and Frescoes in Armenia Inside the Eerie Corridors of an Abandoned Russian Fortress Soviet Bus Stops in Armenia Urbex Tours in Armenia – Photo Gallery The 53 cm Schmidt Telescope at Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory Exploring an Abandoned Rest House with Impressive Bas-Reliefs A Spaceship on Earth: The Soviet-Armenian Echo of the Futuro House Previous Next