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

Earlier, I wrote about two important historical landmarks in Armenia’s village of Shvanidzor: an iconic abandoned house from the 19th century and a Soviet-era House of Culture with a surprisingly rich interior. Yet Shvanidzor, despite its small size, hides more heritage sites that still draw travelers from around the world. One of the most impressive is its 17th-century aqueduct. < Back Shvanidzor’s 17th-Century Aqueduct: Armenia’s Ancient Engineering Marvel Earlier, I wrote about two important historical landmarks in Armenia’s village of Shvanidzor: an iconic abandoned house from the 19th century and a Soviet-era House of Culture with a surprisingly rich interior. Yet Shvanidzor, despite its small size, hides more heritage sites that still draw travelers from around the world. One of the most impressive is its 17th-century aqueduct. Shvanidzor lies about 11 km northeast of Meghri and barely one kilometer from the Araks River, at an altitude of roughly 600–700 meters. The village once had close to a thousand residents. Today, fewer than 300 people live here, and the local school counts only about 20 students. Life moves slowly. Still, the surrounding landscape and the village’s architecture tell a very different story—of engineering skill and long-term survival in a harsh environment. Shvanidzor village The Shvanidzor aqueduct is one of the village’s most important sights. Built in the 17th century, it is a single-arch bridge-aqueduct constructed from basalt blocks bonded with lime mortar. This structure is a true engineering achievement, designed to irrigate orchards and fields by carrying water across rocky slopes. Among medieval Armenian hydraulic structures, it is regarded as one of the most valuable surviving examples. A 19th century abandoned house in Shvanidzor village What makes Shvanidzor especially unique is the way this aqueduct works together with an older underground water system known as kahrez or qanat․ These are gently sloping tunnels dug underground to collect and transport water from mountain sources. In the Shvanidzor area, there are five known kahrezes. Four of them date back to the 12th–14th centuries, long before the modern village took its current shape. The aqueduct acts as the visible link in this system. Water gathered from underground tunnels and mountain springs is brought to the surface and then carried across the landscape by the aqueduct, eventually reaching lower agricultural areas. This combination of underground and surface-level engineering is rare and shows a deep understanding of terrain, climate, and water management. The iconic aqueduct Remarkably, the aqueduct is still in use today. During spring and summer, when irrigation becomes critical, water continues to flow through the stone channel to nourish local gardens and orchards. This alone makes the structure more than just a historical monument—it remains part of daily life. However, the system is under growing pressure. Recent reports by Armenian researchers and journalists point to serious conservation issues. Climate change is affecting the Meghri region, where summer temperatures can reach up to 48°C. As a result, mountain springs feeding the aqueduct are producing less water each year. At the same time, the region experiences frequent minor earthquakes. While the basalt blocks themselves are extremely durable, the lime mortar between them is slowly deteriorating. Local historians and specialists are calling for reinforcement work to stabilize the joints and preserve the structure. Shvanidzor’s 17th-century aqueduct is not just a relic of the past. It is a working example of medieval Armenian engineering, still serving its original purpose centuries later. For travelers interested in history, architecture, and lesser-known corners of Armenia, this quiet village offers a powerful reminder that small places often hold the biggest stories. Gallery You May Also Like How to Visit ROT54 (Aragats Scientific Center) – Full Guide Shvanidzor’s 17th-Century Aqueduct: Armenia’s Ancient Engineering Marvel Grigor Khanjyan’s Monumental Fresco at the Yerevan Cascade From Stendhal Syndrome to Suren Syndrome Tirinkatar Sacred Valley: Armenia’s High-Altitude Valley of Dragon Stones How to Choose a Local Guide in Armenia Komitas Pantheon in Yerevan Gallery of Mineral Waters in Jermuk

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

The Northern Bus Station, located on the outskirts of Yerevan towards Abovyan, is a masterpiece of regional modernism designed by Armen Aghalyan and Vardan Avetisyan. Despite its damaged roof and half-empty state, this 1988 architectural gem continues to attract architecture and photography enthusiasts. Discover its unique blend of historical and modern design. < Back A Visit to the Northern Bus Station The Northern Bus Station, located on the outskirts of Yerevan towards Abovyan, is a masterpiece of regional modernism designed by Armen Aghalyan and Vardan Avetisyan. Despite its damaged roof and half-empty state, this 1988 architectural gem continues to attract architecture and photography enthusiasts. Discover its unique blend of historical and modern design. The Northern Bus Station is located on the outskirts of Yerevan, towards Abovyan. Minivans depart from here to Sevan, Dilijan, Ijevan, and Noyemberyan. Tickets are sold at the station's ticket office. The station was designed by Armenian architects Armen Aghalyan and Vardan Avetisyan in the style of regional modernism. It opened in 1988, but the subsequent earthquake, the collapse of the Soviet Union, and the war in Karabakh diminished the building's charm and importance. The facade of the building Today, despite the damaged roof, which leaks water, and the half-empty building, it still attracts those interested in architecture and photography. The façade features a prominent tower that immediately catches the eye and has become a characteristic feature of the building, reminiscent of ancient Armenian fortresses. This is a beautiful example of combining historical architecture with modernism. I fell in love with the interior design The most beautiful part of the building is, of course, the interior. Large windows allow natural light to flood in, giving the building a modern design. The well-designed stairs add extra charm to the structure. 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

Mother Armenia is a monumental statue located in Victory Park, overlooking the capital city of Yerevan, Armenia. It is not only a work of art but also an embodiment of the collective image of the Armenian mother, symbolizing the strength and resilience of the Armenian people. Sculpted by Ara Harutyunyan, the statue itself is 22 meters high, mounted on a 33-meter pedestal. In 1967, it was placed on the previously empty pedestal that once held a 17-meter-high statue of Stalin, which stood there until 1962. < Back Mother Armenia in Yerevan Mother Armenia is a monumental statue located in Victory Park, overlooking the capital city of Yerevan, Armenia. It is not only a work of art but also an embodiment of the collective image of the Armenian mother, symbolizing the strength and resilience of the Armenian people. Sculpted by Ara Harutyunyan, the statue itself is 22 meters high, mounted on a 33-meter pedestal. In 1967, it was placed on the previously empty pedestal that once held a 17-meter-high statue of Stalin, which stood there until 1962. The current Mother Armenia statue replaced a monumental statue of General Secretary Joseph Stalin, originally installed to symbolize his role in the victory of the Great Patriotic War. Created by renowned sculptor Sergey Merkurov, the statue stood 17 meters tall, mounted on a 33-meter pedestal, making it 50 meters in total—the tallest Stalin monument ever erected at the time. It was regarded as a masterpiece of Soviet monumental art. The statue of Joseph Stalin in Yerevan. A local legend suggests that Stalin himself visited Yerevan at night to see the monument and approved of it. However, no factual evidence exists to support this claim. The pedestal was designed by architect Rafayel Israyelian. Realizing that occupying a pedestal can be a short-term honor, Israyelian designed the pedestal to resemble a three-nave basilica Armenian church. As he confessed many years later, "Knowing that the glory of dictators is temporary, I have built a simple three-nave Armenian basilica." Mother Armenia and Joseph Stalin's statue In contrast to the right-angled shapes of the external view, the interior is light and pleasing to the eye, resembling Echmiadzin's seventh-century St. Hripsime Church. After Stalin’s death, during the de-Stalinization campaign, his statue was secretly removed at night in the spring of 1962. For the next five years, the 33-meter pedestal stood empty until 1967, when the Mother Armenia statue, designed by Ara Harutyunyan, was installed. The statue itself is 22 meters tall and stands on the same 33-meter pedestal that once supported a 17-meter statue of Stalin. This transformation marked a shift from Soviet ideological imagery to a symbol of national strength and resilience. The prototype of "Mother Armenia" was a 17-year-old girl named Zhenya Muradian. Ara Harutyunyan met her at a store and persuaded her to pose for the sculpture. Mother Armenia The statue is built of hammered copper, while the pedestal-museum is made of tuff stone. In 1970, to mark the 25th anniversary of the Victory, the Museum of Armenia in the Great Patriotic War 1941-1945 was opened inside the pedestal. In 1995, it was renamed the "Mother Armenia" military museum of the RA Ministry of Defense and came under the authority of the RA Ministry of Defense. The exhibition of the museum consists of two main parts: "Participation of the Armenian people in the Second World War" and "War of Liberation of Artsakh." Ara Harutyunyan and Zhenya Muradian (the prototype of "Mother Armenia") The statue embodies the collective image of the Armenian mother—representing an unbreakable military spirit and serving as the guardian angel of the homeland. Every year on May 9th, thousands of Armenians visit the statue of Mother Armenia and lay flowers to commemorate the Armenian martyrs of the Second World War. In conclusion, Mother Armenia is more than just a statue. It’s a symbol of the nation’s history, a tribute to its heroes, and a beacon of its enduring spirit. Gallery You May Also Like How to Visit ROT54 (Aragats Scientific Center) – Full Guide Shvanidzor’s 17th-Century Aqueduct: Armenia’s Ancient Engineering Marvel Grigor Khanjyan’s Monumental Fresco at the Yerevan Cascade From Stendhal Syndrome to Suren Syndrome Tirinkatar Sacred Valley: Armenia’s High-Altitude Valley of Dragon Stones How to Choose a Local Guide in Armenia Komitas Pantheon in Yerevan Gallery of Mineral Waters in Jermuk

This is a practical guide on how to visit ROT54. In the end, the choice is yours—but my advice is to visit with a guide who knows the site inside out and regularly handles all the small details and challenges. Hardly anyone else visits ROT54 as often as I do, so if you want a smooth, well-organized experience without missing any key locations, it’s worth getting in touch and arranging a tour. I’ve personally spoken with many visitors who later realized they had missed a lot of interesting spots simply because they didn’t know where to look. < Back How to Visit ROT54 (Aragats Scientific Center) – Full Guide This is a practical guide on how to visit ROT54. In the end, the choice is yours—but my advice is to visit with a guide who knows the site inside out and regularly handles all the small details and challenges. Hardly anyone else visits ROT54 as often as I do, so if you want a smooth, well-organized experience without missing any key locations, it’s worth getting in touch and arranging a tour. I’ve personally spoken with many visitors who later realized they had missed a lot of interesting spots simply because they didn’t know where to look. For years, I’ve been organizing urbex tours across Armenia, and recently ROT54 has seen a surge in popularity. Most likely, this is due to increased exposure on social media. Unfortunately, with more visitors came downsides — the area has suffered from vandalism and littering. If you’re thinking of visiting, don’t wait too long. Places like this don’t stay untouched forever. https://video.wixstatic.com/video/103e0a_1a595d182e234ab89929e23a912be74d/720p/mp4/file.mp4 Aerial footage of ROT54 Getting There The distance from Republic Square in Yerevan to ROT54 is about 42 km one way. The road is smooth until you pass Byurakan village. After that, it becomes rough and bumpy. In winter, conditions can get tricky. Snow and ice make certain sections difficult, and cars often get stuck. If you’re visiting during colder months, a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended. Winter tires are essential, and carrying a shovel is always a smart move. The control room of ROT54 Official Procedure Many people avoid the official procedure for visiting the Aragats Scientific Center due to complex bureaucracy, such as sending a request to the official email at least 3 working days in advance, explaining the purpose of the visit in detail, providing a full list of visitors with copies of their ID documents, or paying 15,000 (fifteen thousand) AMD per person for photo shoots. Aerial photo of ROT54 Alternative Way to Visit Many people try to arrange entry directly at the gates. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t — realistically, it’s a 50/50 chance. Even if you manage to get in, there’s another issue: vehicles are usually not allowed past the gate. From there, it’s about 1.5 km one way to the telescope. Keep in mind that the territory is vast, covering around 82.3 hectares. Without proper orientation, it’s easy to lose direction, get tired faster than expected, and waste valuable time instead of focusing on the experience. 1.5km might not sound like much, but consider this: • The altitude is around 1700 meters • Summer heat can be intense, with strong UV exposure • If you also want to explore nearby spots like the Arev solar power station, the observation tower, and the Orbita antenna, the total distance easily reaches 5 km or more The iconic "Orbita" antenna Final Thoughts If you’re up for the challenge, you can try visiting independently. Just be prepared for uncertainty and some physical effort. If you prefer a smoother experience, hiring me is the better option. With my guided tour, everything is arranged in advance — including access — and you’ll get to see hidden spots most visitors miss. Plus, we’ll be able to drive all the way in, saving time and energy. The visit can also be combined with other nearby sites like the Trophy 1m Schmidt Telescope or even expanded into a full urbex itinerary. At the end of the day, the choice is yours. Just don’t wait too long — places like ROT54 are changing fast. Safe and memorable travels. For the full itinerary check out this link or contact me directly on Whatsapp or Telegram Gallery You May Also Like How to Visit ROT54 (Aragats Scientific Center) – Full Guide Shvanidzor’s 17th-Century Aqueduct: Armenia’s Ancient Engineering Marvel Grigor Khanjyan’s Monumental Fresco at the Yerevan Cascade From Stendhal Syndrome to Suren Syndrome Tirinkatar Sacred Valley: Armenia’s High-Altitude Valley of Dragon Stones How to Choose a Local Guide in Armenia Komitas Pantheon in Yerevan Gallery of Mineral Waters in Jermuk

< Back Zero Carbon World This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. You can create as many collections as you need. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own, or import content from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, videos and more. You can also collect and store information from your site visitors using input elements like custom forms and fields. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Preview your site to check that all your elements are displaying content from the right collection fields. Power in Numbers Programs Locations Volunteers Project Gallery Previous Next

Off-road tours offers hiking, trekking, camping and urbex tours in AMUnleash your inner adventurer and join a local guide to discover the amazing trails of my wonderful country! < Back Project Name This is placeholder text. To connect this element to content from your collection, select the element and click Connect to Data. Power in Numbers 123K Programs 12K Locations 1,234 Volunteers Project Gallery Previous Next

< Back Zero Carbon World This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. You can create as many collections as you need. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own, or import content from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, videos and more. You can also collect and store information from your site visitors using input elements like custom forms and fields. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Preview your site to check that all your elements are displaying content from the right collection fields. Power in Numbers 30 Programs 50 Locations 200 Volunteers Project Gallery Previous Next

< Back Renewable Energy Program This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. You can create as many collections as you need. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own, or import content from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, videos and more. You can also collect and store information from your site visitors using input elements like custom forms and fields. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Preview your site to check that all your elements are displaying content from the right collection fields. Power in Numbers 30 Programs 50 Locations 200 Volunteers Project Gallery Previous Next

< Back Desert Wildlife Conservation This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. You can create as many collections as you need. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own, or import content from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, videos and more. You can also collect and store information from your site visitors using input elements like custom forms and fields. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Preview your site to check that all your elements are displaying content from the right collection fields. Power in Numbers 30 Programs 50 Locations 200 Volunteers Project Gallery Previous Next

< Back Rainforest Action Initiative This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. You can create as many collections as you need. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own, or import content from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, videos and more. You can also collect and store information from your site visitors using input elements like custom forms and fields. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Preview your site to check that all your elements are displaying content from the right collection fields. Power in Numbers 30 Programs 50 Locations 200 Volunteers Project Gallery Previous Next