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Are you someone who has seen photos or videos of abandoned buildings on the internet and wishes to witness them firsthand? Then welcome to the urbex community! This article can serve as a useful guide to those who want to start urbexing! Here we jump over the wall. < Back How to Urbex – A Beginner’s Guide Are you someone who has seen photos or videos of abandoned buildings on the internet and wishes to witness them firsthand? Then welcome to the urbex community! This article can serve as a useful guide to those who want to start urbexing! Here we jump over the wall. Urban exploration, commonly known as "urbex," is a thrilling yet controversial pastime centered around exploring abandoned or restricted buildings and areas. It's an activity that delves into the mystery of the unknown, uncovering hidden stories and overlooked spaces. For beginners eager to start an urbex journey, here are some basic tips to get you started. I am exploring an abandoned culture house with wonderful frescoes Research and Plan Your Exploration Before embarking on your urbex journey, conduct thorough research on potential locations. Look through online forums, social media groups, and urbex websites where enthusiasts share information about accessible sites. Pay attention to the legal status of locations and any potential hazards. Create a plan detailing how to reach the site, which entry points to use, the site's history, and the best times to visit. Next step: Google Earth! Google Earth is an excellent tool for locating and exploring buildings. It requires time and careful research. For instance, if we know that Village X once housed top sanatoriums, we open Google Earth and begin searching through buildings. Compared to regular houses, large sanatoriums are easily spotted. Pay attention to nearby parked cars. No cars? It's likely abandoned! A rusty and damaged roof can also indicate the building's condition. Via Google Earth, you can determine if any windows are intact. Recently, I stumbled upon this building (see image below) situated high on a hill. Exploring an abandoned building via Google Earth No nearby cars, no windows! Though it appeared spacious, upon exploration, I found it looted, devoid of artworks, with only bare walls. Sometimes, things don't go as planned. At least the hilltop view was picturesque! Via Google Earth, you can also identify entry points and plan your route. Simply copy the coordinates (I prefer researching on desktop), paste them into your preferred mapping application (like Yandex Maps or Mapsme), and you're ready to go! 2. Choose the right location For beginners, it is advisable to start exploring easy and accessible locations. Common starting points include abandoned culture houses, hotels, or hospitals. Avoid high-security or dangerous areas initially. As you gain experience, you can gradually explore more challenging sites like abandoned factories or abandoned military bases. However, be cautious as these locations may still be guarded or off-limits. Prioritize safety and legality in your choices. When approaching a building, conduct thorough research if you're unsure about how to enter. Drones can be helpful, providing a better view of the surroundings and ongoing activities. Only enter a building after careful consideration and assessing potential risks. My Panasonic Lumix G7. It's not good for low light conditions but that's all I have for now 3. Safety First Safety should be your top priority during urbex adventures. Be aware of potential hazards, especially unstable structures and treacherous stairs. Avoid stepping on stairs with a group. Always inform someone about your whereabouts and explore with a buddy when possible. Carry a charged phone for emergencies or better have a power bank with you! 4. Be Mindful of Legalities Respect the law and private property. Urbex exists in a legal gray area, and trespassing can lead to fines or legal consequences. Seek permission whenever possible or explore sites where access is allowed. Remember that preserving the location's integrity is crucial for the urbex community's reputation. The stun gun helps to scare off the dogs 5. Right Gear Urbex requires some essential gear to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. These may include: Flashlights: Flashlights are crucial as buildings often lack natural light. Consider using a headlamp or camera light for better shots. Camera: Capture the beauty of abandoned places. Be respectful and avoid vandalism. Comfortable Clothing: Wear comfortable clothing, including sturdy shoes and gloves. Avoid wearing colorful clothing to avoid drawing attention. First Aid Kit: Accidents can happen, so it's wise to be prepared with a basic first aid kit. Food: You never know how long your exploration will take. Take enough food and water with you. Tools: Consider carrying a multitool and an electric shocker to scare off dogs. My GoPro Hero 9 with a head strap 6. Follow the Urbex Code of Ethics Respect for the places you explore is paramount. Follow the urbex code of ethics, which generally includes: "Take only photos, leave only footprints." Leave everything as you found it. Do not take or disturb items. Avoid any form of graffiti or destruction. Preserve the site's authenticity. 7. Develop Navigation Skills Many urbex locations are vast and maze-like, and it's easy to get disoriented. Improve your navigation skills by marking key points, taking note of landmarks, and having a reliable map or GPS device. This will help you navigate through complex structures and ensure a safe return. 8. Stay Stealthy While urbex is legal in some places, it's not universally accepted. Stay unnoticed to avoid unwanted attention. Avoid colorful clothing, park your vehicle away from the site, and enter and exit quietly. Whenever I see a local looking at me from afar, I always greet and initiate a friendly chat! This makes me approachable and avoids raising suspicions that I might be a thief or something else. I always keep my camera hanging from my neck to give the impression that I am a photographer and do not have bad intentions. Greetings from an abandoned sanatorium built by German war prisoners 9. Document Your Experience Responsibly Documenting your urbex adventures is part of the thrill. However, do so responsibly and without compromising the site's integrity. Share your experiences through photography or blogging, but avoid revealing specific locations to prevent unwanted visitors or vandals. 10. Learn from Experienced Urbexers Connect with experienced urbexers to gain insights and tips. Join online forums, attend meet-ups, and learn from the community's collective knowledge. Experienced explorers can provide valuable advice on safety, locations, and ethical urbex practices. Embarking on your urbex journey as a beginner is an exciting yet daunting step into the unknown. Remember, any initial anxiety will likely fade once you jump over the wall! With careful planning, safety measures, and respect for the locations you visit, you can revel in the excitement of urban exploration while also preserving the integrity of these abandoned treasures. Safe and memorable explorations await! 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 . 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Listening to the duduk is an enchanting journey into the heart of Armenia, traversing from the snow-capped peaks of Mount Ararat to the echoing chambers of ancient ruins. This brief article sheds light on the history and technical characteristics of the duduk, a unique and ancient instrument that resonates with rich cultural significance. < Back Duduk – Traditional Armenian Musical Instrument Listening to the duduk is an enchanting journey into the heart of Armenia, traversing from the snow-capped peaks of Mount Ararat to the echoing chambers of ancient ruins. This brief article sheds light on the history and technical characteristics of the duduk, a unique and ancient instrument that resonates with rich cultural significance. The Armenian duduk also known as tsiranapogh, meaning " apricot-made wind instrument" in Armenian, is a double-reed woodwind instrument renowned for producing a haunting and expressive sound. Crafted from apricot wood, it possesses a distinctive color and tone. It should not be confused with the northwestern Bulgarian folk instrument of the same name. Traditionally played in pairs, the first player handles the melody while the second plays a steady drone called dum. The harmonious fusion of these two instruments creates a richer, more haunting sound. Armenian musicologists trace the duduk's use back to 1200 BC, though some Western scholars suggest it may be around 1,500 years old. Duduk variants can be found in Armenia and the Caucasus, with its historical roots extending to the reign of Armenian king Tigran the Great (95 to 55 B.C.). Duduk is depicted in numerous Armenian manuscripts from the Middle Ages and stands as the only truly Armenian musical instrument that has survived through history, symbolizing Armenian national identity. Duduks for sale in Yerevan Vernissage Market Recognizing its cultural significance, UNESCO declared the Armenian duduk and its music as a Masterpiece of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2005 and officially inscribed it in 2008. Duduk music has left a lasting impact on various films, often used to evoke otherworldliness, loneliness, or to provide a Middle Eastern/Central Asian atmosphere. Notable film soundtracks featuring the duduk include "Avatar" (2009), "Brotherhood of the Wolf" (2001), "The Crow" (1994), "Gladiator" (2000), "Hotel Rwanda" (2004), "Hulk" (2003), "The Island" (2005), "The Last Temptation of Christ" (1988), "The Passion of The Christ" (2004), and "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" (2007). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iK5Yh85Hbcc Hans Zimmer on Using Duduk Music in the Gladiator Movie and Jivan Gasparyan The duduk's particular tuning depends on the region, with an eight-hole duduk capable of playing ten successive notes of a diatonic scale or sixteen consecutive notes of a chromatic scale with simple fingering, including a thumb hole on the lower side. 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

Despite being abandoned and surrounded by scattered garbage, this rusty iron fountain in Gyumri continues to attract visitors from around the world. Why? The answer is simple: its creator was a visionary architect whose works looked futuristic for their time and still hold a remarkable allure, even in decay. This unique fountain, with its otherworldly design, captivates everyone who sees it — and it’s the kind of sight that easily goes viral online. < Back The Iron Fountain in Gyumri Despite being abandoned and surrounded by scattered garbage, this rusty iron fountain in Gyumri continues to attract visitors from around the world. Why? The answer is simple: its creator was a visionary architect whose works looked futuristic for their time and still hold a remarkable allure, even in decay. This unique fountain, with its otherworldly design, captivates everyone who sees it — and it’s the kind of sight that easily goes viral online. As you ascend Manushyan Street in Gyumri, you'll soon encounter a peculiar sight: a massive iron structure looming above the road like a flying saucer. This post-apocalyptic creation is the "Friendship" fountain, affectionately known as “The Iron Fountain”, designed by Arthur Tarkhanyan, an esteemed Armenian architect. "Friendship" fountain or "The Iron Fountain" today The fountain was inaugurated in 1982 and quickly became a popular spot for leisure and evening strolls until the devastating earthquake of 1988. While the fountain itself endured the earthquake relatively unscathed, the surrounding area fell into disrepair, and the challenging years that followed provided no opportunity for its revival. Yet, even today, this abandoned fountain draws visitors intrigued by its architectural history and seeking to capture its unique charm in photographs. The Iron Fountain has always been a favorite subject for photographers! It offers the perfect backdrop for awesome shots. Photo credits: NORDSKIF Despite years of disuse, the city's residents have refrained from dismantling or scavenging it for metal. A restoration proposal was put forth by "A3 Architects" several years ago, with a 3D animation available on the YouTube channel of Tarkhanyan’s daughter. One can only hope that someday it will undergo restoration, reclaiming its former glory. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r93KqwUBLyY The coordinates of "The Iron Fountain": 40°48'56"N 43°50'59"E 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 Out of 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

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, numerous industrial plants, hotels, pioneer camps, cultural centers, and other establishments fell victim to looting and the ravages of time. Over the years, these sites have acquired an air of mystery and allure, making them increasingly appealing to tourists. In this article, I have selected the top abandoned places in Armenia that I have personally explored and documented, now awaiting your discovery. < Back Top Abandoned Places in Armenia Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, numerous industrial plants, hotels, pioneer camps, cultural centers, and other establishments fell victim to looting and the ravages of time. Over the years, these sites have acquired an air of mystery and allure, making them increasingly appealing to tourists. In this article, I have selected the top abandoned places in Armenia that I have personally explored and documented, now awaiting your discovery. Herouni's Radio-Optical Telescope Herouni’s Radio-Optical Telescope stands abandoned yet majestic, a marvel of Soviet engineering. This impressive structure was once pivotal in astronomical research, symbolizing the Soviet Union’s advancements in science and technology. Although no longer in use, the massive dish and surrounding facilities continue to inspire awe, serving as a poignant reminder of Armenia’s contributions to scientific exploration during the Soviet era. An aerial photo of ROT54 telescope Abandoned Hotel This abandoned hotel, located on the shore of Lake Sevan, was once a luxurious accommodation for travelers and dignitaries. Now in ruins, this hotel was part of the Soviet initiative to promote tourism and showcase Armenia’s natural beauty. Its grand halls are now decayed and overgrown, while the foyer features a giant mosaic of the goddess Astghik by Garnik Smbatyan. Walking through its deserted corridors, one can almost hear the echoes of its former guests and envision the staff who once maintained its elegance. The Birth of Astghik by Garnik Smbatyan (1982) Abandoned School The abandoned school stands as a testament to Soviet emphasis on education, featuring well-decorated classrooms, marvelous architecture, and vintage posters. These institutions played a pivotal role in shaping the minds of young Armenians, instilling a sense of Soviet identity and pride. Today, the dilapidated buildings and overgrown grounds reflect the passage of time and changing educational norms. Exploring this site evokes nostalgia for the past and contemplation of future generations. Ready to sneak inside Abandoned Soviet Pioneer Camp Once a vibrant center for youth activities, the abandoned Soviet Pioneer Camp now stands as a relic of youth and idealism. These camps were designed to instill Soviet values and foster camaraderie among young pioneers. The camp’s decaying statues, playgrounds, and an impressive swimming pool are silent reminders of Soviet social engineering efforts. Visiting this site offers a poignant glimpse into the cultural and social fabric of the Soviet era. Thanks to its charming swimming pool this place attracts urbexers from around the world Abandoned Sanatorium Built by German Prisoners of War Nestled in a serene landscape, the abandoned sanatorium built by German prisoners of war during World War II holds significant historical value. Initially intended as a health retreat, this facility reflects the Soviet Union's use of prisoner labor for construction. The sanatorium’s architecture, blending utilitarian Soviet design with traditional elements, starkly contrasts with its current state of disrepair. The overgrown grounds and crumbling walls now exude an eerie tranquility, providing a unique exploration experience. This building is huge and it takes hours to explore it Abandoned Carpet Factory The abandoned Carpet Factory stands as a testament to Armenia's industrial past under Soviet influence. Known for its intricate designs and high-quality carpets, this factory was once vital to the local economy. Now, its empty weaving halls and rusting machinery evoke a sense of lost grandeur. The remnants of unfinished carpets and decaying equipment vividly illustrate the decline of a once-thriving industry. This machinery in the carpet factory was performing the preliminary threading Giant Thread Factory Once a bustling hub of textile production, the Giant Thread Factory now lies in desolation, its rusting machinery and crumbling walls a testament to Armenia's industrial heritage. During the Soviet era, this factory played a crucial role in producing thread for various industries. Today, exploring its vast halls offers a stark contrast between its industrious past and silent present. This is another giant factory that few have seen Old Khot or the Armenian Machu Picchu Old Khot, also known as Hin Khot, is often referred to as the Armenian Machu Picchu due to its resemblance to the Inca citadel in the Eastern Cordillera of southern Peru. Social changes in the 20th century led to the abandonment of Old Khot. Instead of improving infrastructure with a proper road, new pipeline, and enhanced electricity facilities, authorities decided to relocate the village to a new settlement on a plateau. In the 1960s and 1970s, inhabitants were moved to higher ground closer to the main road and utility lines on flatter land, a trend observed in many villages, including Khndzoresk. Me exploring Old Khot Abandoned Cable Car Station This cable car station opened on June 16, 1977, as a crucial transport hub for a city of over 23,000, handling up to 900 passengers daily. As the population declined, ridership fell to 450. Operating from 7:30 am to 12:30 am, it was reliable for decades but faced challenges. A lightning strike on May 24, 2014, damaged the motor and generator, leading to an 11-month closure. Although it reopened on April 22, 2015, travel time doubled. The station permanently ceased operations on March 1, 2016. These abandoned Soviet sites in Armenia provide a glimpse into the country's Soviet past. Each location, whether an industrial complex or educational institution, tells a unique story of Armenia's journey through the Soviet era. Exploring these places not only offers an adventure into the unknown but also deepens one's understanding of Armenia’s complex history and rich cultural heritage. Abandoned Refractory Brick Factory Built in 1951, the factory was strategically positioned near a rich clay deposit, crucial for producing high-quality fire-resistant bricks. At its peak, it employed over 600 workers, forming the backbone of the local economy and sustaining nearby villages and towns. Every day, seven to eight railway wagons carried bricks to Russia, fueling the Soviet Union’s vast industrial demand. Stepping inside today feels like entering a time capsule. Rusting machinery, heavy-duty tools, and even Soviet trucks remain scattered across the vast production halls. Strange metal devices — their purpose now forgotten — lie untouched, frozen in time as industrial relics of a vanished era. 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 . 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The 1977 robbery of the State Bank of the Armenian SSR remains one of the most audacious and infamous crimes in Soviet history. This heist, carried out by cousins Nikolai Sarkisovich Kalachyan and Felix Kalachyan, resulted in the theft of 1.5 million Soviet rubles—equivalent to roughly two million U.S. dollars at the time. It was not only the largest theft from a state institution in Soviet history but also a crime that captured the public’s imagination with its high stakes and dramatic resolution. Ultimately, both cousins were sentenced to death for their roles in the crime. < Back The Biggest Bank Robbery in the Soviet Union The 1977 robbery of the State Bank of the Armenian SSR remains one of the most audacious and infamous crimes in Soviet history. This heist, carried out by cousins Nikolai Sarkisovich Kalachyan and Felix Kalachyan, resulted in the theft of 1.5 million Soviet rubles—equivalent to roughly two million U.S. dollars at the time. It was not only the largest theft from a state institution in Soviet history but also a crime that captured the public’s imagination with its high stakes and dramatic resolution. Ultimately, both cousins were sentenced to death for their roles in the crime. Nikolai Kalachyan, born in 1951 in Borodino, Krasnoyarsk Krai, had a troubled upbringing. His family’s financial difficulties, primarily due to his father’s illness, left them destitute. Nikolai’s early years were marked by instability—he ran away to join a gypsy camp, dabbled in drug trafficking, and worked as a trash collector. With only a basic education and training as a turner, Nikolai turned to crime. His first successful robbery involved breaking into a savings bank by creating a hole in the wall. The crime went unsolved, and the stolen money was quickly squandered. Brothers Felix and Nikolai Kalachian Felix Kalachyan, on the other hand, was born in the village of Kazanchi in the Ashotsk district. After finishing school, he moved to Leninakan (now Gyumri), where he married and became a father of two. Working as a janitor, Felix struggled to provide for his family. Despite his humble profession, Felix had an athletic background—he was a skilled gymnast with the title of Candidate for Master of Sports. Nikolai convinced Felix to join him in a life of crime, and together they robbed an electronics store by dismantling a wall. They sold the stolen goods for 15,000 rubles, some of which Felix sent to his family, while the rest was spent on a spree in Moscow. Meanwhile, the director of the store from which the Kalachyans stole the tape recorders, for some reason, did not go to the police: the brothers got away with this crime. According to Nikolai, the director's silence was explained by the fact that the stolen tape recorders were unaccounted goods and were intended for illegal sale. Yerevan branch of the State Bank of the USSR Their next target was far more ambitious: the State Bank of the Armenian SSR in Yerevan. Nikolai’s plan relied on insider information provided by a bank employee and close associate, Zaven Bagdasaryan, who had direct access to the vault during routine inspections. Zaven, a member of the commission tasked with recounting the money stored in the Yerevan branch of the State Bank, was deeply impressed by the enormous sums he encountered in the vault. He informed the Kalachyan brothers that approximately 100 million rubles were stored at the branch and proposed a bold plan: to steal it. Bagdasaryan described the setup in detail. The cash was stacked on several shelves inside a small room on the second floor. The bank itself was housed in a three-story building dating back to the 1930s, constructed by prisoners using volcanic tuff—a relatively fragile material. This architectural vulnerability made breaking into the vault plausible. Initially, the Kalachyan brothers hesitated, deeming the risk too great. However, after three months of deliberation, they decided to proceed. The operation, to be executed by the nimble Felix, took several additional months of meticulous planning. Bagdasaryan even sketched detailed blueprints of the bank’s layout, including the walls, floors, and alarm systems, to aid in the preparations. The open window of the bank through which Felix entered Disguised as an artist, Nikolai began frequenting the streets near the bank. He casually passed by the branch repeatedly, observing every detail of its operations. During his surveillance, he noted that the bank shared its ground floor with a police station. However, his observations revealed that only a couple of officers were on duty during weekends, prompting the brothers to schedule the heist for a summer weekend. By early August, the plan had been refined to the smallest detail. Felix was tasked with breaking through the wall on the third floor, which adjoined a residential building, and gaining access to the bank employees' break room. From there, he intended to drill a hole in the floor and descend directly into the vault where the money was stored. Every aspect of the operation was meticulously planned—even down to bringing three bottles of mineral water so Felix could stay hydrated in the summer heat and cool the drills. A seemingly ordinary item—a simple umbrella—was crucial to their plan. According to Nikolai’s design, Felix was to drill a small hole in the floor, insert the umbrella through it, open it, and continue drilling. This would catch falling debris, muffling the sound and minimizing mess. However, shortly before the heist, Nikolai was involved in a car accident and hospitalized. Despite this setback, he remained undeterred. After consulting with Felix, Nikolai decided to proceed with the plan and coordinated the robbery from his hospital bed. The hand drill used by Felix Kalachyan On the evening of August 5, 1977, Felix packs a backpack with all the necessary tools—a hand drill, rope, hammer, saw, flashlight, and an umbrella—and enters a residential building that shares a wall with the State Bank. He gets to work. He spends the entire night trying to drill through the wall but fails to break through. The next day, he returns and comes up with a new plan. He notices that the window of the bank’s staff break room is not secured. Due to ongoing renovations, it is covered only with a sheet of polyethylene. He decides to take an extraordinary risk: from the roof of a neighboring building, he sprints and leaps across—miraculously landing on the roof of the bank. From there, gaining access to the upper floor above the vault proves relatively easy. The second phase of the plan went flawlessly. Felix drilled a 34-centimeter hole in the floor and used a rope secured to a steel bar to lower himself into the vault. There, he retrieved two bags of cash totaling 1.5 million rubles—equivalent to approximately 100 million rubles today. Carefully packing the money into a backpack, which ultimately weighed around 32 kilograms, Felix climbed out through the break room window, descended the rope, and slipped away unnoticed as dawn broke on Sunday morning. All the tools were left behind at the scene. A 34-centimeter-diameter hole in the floor of the rest room, made by Felix Kalachyan Felix’s first stop was the hospital to meet his brother. Overjoyed by the success, Nikolai discharged himself the same day. The brothers then retreated to a rented apartment where they hid the loot. While examining the cash, Nikolai noticed a critical detail: most of the 100-ruble notes bore the same serial series—AI. Recognizing the potential for these notes to trace back to them, Nikolai instructed Felix and Zaven not to spend the AI-series bills. His caution proved prescient. Meanwhile the investigators quickly established the method by which the thief had entered the bank building: the trick of jumping through a window, under which a tarpaulin was stretched for safety, was repeated by the detectives themselves. Despite this breakthrough, the investigation soon hit a dead end, leaving the case at a standstill. Felix Kalachian during investigative experiments Upon learning of the audacious heist, General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev took personal interest in the case and ordered a nationwide alert. Directives were sent to all savings banks across the Soviet Union, instructing staff to report any transactions involving AI-series 100-ruble notes. Following the robbery, the cousins fled to Moscow. Kalachyan brothers spent all the small bills rather quickly and began to think about what to do with packs of hundred-ruble notes. Nikolai found a way out: he suggested buying three-percent government loan bonds with them, for which they could then get “normal” money. However, the thieves were not going to go to the savings banks themselves. Nikolai Kalachian during investigative experiments There, Nikolai met Ludmila Viktorovna Aksyonova, whose brother, Vladimir Kuznetsov, was a taxi driver. Vladimir was unwittingly drawn into their scheme, tasked with purchasing bonds using stolen 100-ruble notes. To avoid suspicion, Nikolai claimed he needed the bonds to fund an elaborate wedding to Ludmila. Vladimir, unaware of the robbery, agreed to help. However, the stolen money bore a critical flaw: most of the 100-ruble notes shared the same serial series, "AI." Soviet authorities had issued a nationwide alert to all savings banks, instructing employees to report any transactions involving such notes. Kuznetsov agreed to help his future relative. He bought the first batch of securities in several trips in Tashkent, spending about 24 thousand rubles. To the delight of the criminals, Vladimir came across inattentive savings bank employees. Because of this, the criminal investigation officers did not immediately find out that the AI series banknotes had surfaced in the Uzbek SSR. By the time investigators reached Tashkent, Kuznetsov had already fled the country. Meanwhile, the Kalachyan brothers decided to relocate to Sochi. Nikolai purchased a used green Zhiguli (some sources suggest it was a Moskvich) for 13,000 rubles at the market near Moscow's Southern River Port. To maintain their cover, he registered the car under Lyudmila's name. Vladimir’s downfall came when he attempted to purchase 6,000 rubles’ worth of bonds in a Moscow savings bank. The cashier, suspicious of the large sum, pretended to retrieve additional bonds from the vault but instead contacted the police. Spooked, Vladimir fled, but the cashier had already noted his appearance and the license plate of his green Zhiguli car. Police tracked the vehicle to an apartment building on Leninsky Prospekt, where the Kalachyans were staying. On the night of June 7, 1978, law enforcement arrested Nikolai, Felix, and Vladimir. More than 800 thousand rubles of the money stolen from the Yerevan bank were found in the dismantled wheel. The criminals buried the remaining 100 thousand rubles under a house in Leninakan. By then, the criminals had already spent 600,000 rubles of the stolen money. The trial was swift, and the sentence was harsh. Nikolai and Felix Kalachyan were sentenced to death, while Zaven Bagdasaryan received 11 years in a maximum-security prison. Vladimir Kuznetsov, who played a secondary role, received a lighter sentence. Nikolai's mother, who had barely survived the death of her husband, never learned the court's verdict: upon hearing the charges against her son, she fell gravely ill and soon passed away. But the death penalty for two young men, one of whom was a father of two children, seemed excessive to the Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Armenian SSR Babken Sarkisov. The official appealed to the Supreme Soviet of the USSR with a request to pardon the brothers: they considered Sarkisov's arguments reasonable and granted the request. However, the papers that could have saved the Kalachyans arrived in Yerevan with a fatal delay. By the time the documents finally reached the prison, it was discovered that Felix and Nikolai had been executed the day before. 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

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

This article provides a comprehensive guide to the best one-day hiking tours from Yerevan, Armenia's capital. These private, guided tours are designed for your convenience, typically beginning early in the morning at around 7:30 AM and concluding back in Yerevan by 6:00 PM. I invite you to explore the hiking destination that excites you most and book your adventure. To arrange a tour with Armenian Explorer, simply scroll to the bottom of the page to find my contact information. < Back Best One-Day Hiking Tours from Yerevan This article provides a comprehensive guide to the best one-day hiking tours from Yerevan, Armenia's capital. These private, guided tours are designed for your convenience, typically beginning early in the morning at around 7:30 AM and concluding back in Yerevan by 6:00 PM. I invite you to explore the hiking destination that excites you most and book your adventure. To arrange a tour with Armenian Explorer, simply scroll to the bottom of the page to find my contact information. I’m Suren, a professional hiking guide dedicated to helping travelers discover the hidden gems of Armenia. With years of experience exploring the Armenian highlands, I specialize in creating unforgettable trekking and camping experiences for adventurers of all levels. Whether you are looking for a private hiking tour or a well-coordinated group expedition, I personally lead every journey. For larger groups, I work with a dedicated team of professional guides, drivers, and cooks to ensure a seamless experience. In this article, I will share my knowledge and provide practical advice about the best hikes in Armenia and how to carefully plan your trip. Mount Azhdahak (3597m.) Reaching the highest peak of the Geghama Mountain Range is one of those adventures that stays with you long after you return home. The journey begins in Yerevan, and after an hour’s drive, we reach Geghard village, where a 14-kilometer off-road trail begins—a rocky path that in places requires slowing down, but is full of character. Along the way, you'll encounter flocks of sheep lazily crossing the slopes and eagles circling overhead. The classic hike starts at the foot of Mount Paytasar (3,000 m), with an elevation gain of 600 meters over 5.5 km one way. In cases where tourists are less prepared, I drive all the way to the foot of Mount Azhdahak, from where only a 50-minute hike is needed to reach the summit. The view from the summit of mount Azhdahak The reward for the climb is Azhdahak’s crown jewel: a crystal-clear crater lake perched at over 3,500 meters above sea level. In summer, its icy waters tempt the brave to take a plunge. From the edge of Azhdahak crater, dramatic, almost apocalyptic landscapes open up before you. This is the very place where, millions of years ago, an asteroid struck, leaving behind the distinctive crater you see today. On a clear day, Lake Sevan shimmers on the horizon, while Dragon Lake and Akna Lake complete the unforgettable panorama. I drove all the way to the foot of Mount Azhdahak, from where only a 50-minute hike is needed to reach the summit! Notice the layer of dust on the car after crossing the rugged terrain. The Geghama Mountains are rich in petroglyphs and vishapakars (dragon-stones), megalithic marvels that reflect Armenia’s prehistoric architecture, craftsmanship, and traditions. Dragon-stones, or vishaps, are enigmatic monoliths found near high-altitude springs and lakes, believed to be connected with ancient water worship. Dating back thousands of years, these monuments are among the oldest in Armenia, offering unique insights into the country's earliest human activity and symbolic world. The Geghama Mountains are home to thousands of petroglyphs — rock carvings that serve as Armenia’s earliest “written” monuments. They depict hunting scenes, daily life, wild and domestic animals, as well as celestial bodies like the Sun, Moon, and constellations. Some even show natural phenomena such as lightning. Among the most common figures is the bezoar goat, once widespread in Armenia’s highlands and key to early goat and sheep domestication. Particularly striking are the lifelike deer carvings, noted for their artistic quality, and depictions of now-extinct fauna such as the elk. These images are not only art but also valuable records of Armenia’s prehistoric environment and culture. For more information about the hike to mount Azhdahak check out this tour itinerary! Mount Aragats Mount Aragats is the highest mountain in Armenia, with four distinct summits named after their geographical positions: North, South, East, and West. The southern summit (3,888 m) is the most popular choice for hikers, mainly because it’s the easiest to reach In just 1 hour and 10 minutes from Yerevan, you can drive up to Lake Kari at 3,200 meters — the classic starting point for the climb. From here, it’s roughly 5.5 km to the top of the southern peak. The 4 summits of mount Aragats! It's up to you to decide which summit to conquer! While Lake Kari (3200m) is a convenient and budget-friendly starting point for all four summits, those aiming for the more challenging northern and eastern peaks often prefer to start from Gegharot Waterfall (3000m). This route shortens the hiking distance, but reaching the waterfall requires a high-clearance vehicle, unlike Lake Kari, which is accessible even by a regular sedan. We are crossing the last difficult part of Northern Aragats to reach the summit (4090m) If you’re fit and want to push your limits, it’s possible to conquer two summits in a single day — for example, the Southern (3888m) and Western (3995m) peaks. Another great option is to split the adventure over two days: start from Lake Kari, climb the Southern and Western summits, then spend the night camping inside Aragats’ massive crater. The next morning, continue with the Northern (4090m) and Eastern (3908m) peaks, and finally descend to Gegharot Waterfall (3000m), where an off-road vehicle will be waiting. For more information about the hike to mount Aragats (in this itinerary you will learn about the details on how to conquer all 4 summits) check out this tour itinerary! Mount Artanish (2460m.) Located on Artanish Peninsula on the eastern shore of lake Sevan mount Artanish is perfect for hiking during all 4 seasons of the year. It is the only peak from which the entire lake Sevan can be seen. With an altitude of 2460 meters the mountain offers a moderate hiking difficulty. You will need 5km to get to the summit from the starting point. For more details about this hike check out the itinerary. Mount Dimats (2360m) This destination is another must go hike in Armenia. Up to the summit one can get via off-road car but here is the case. During my tours I have started driving up to Armenia’s highest Shaghot waterfall and start the hike from there, instead of starting from the Teghut village, since I have noticed that the 8.5 km one way is too exhausting for hikers. An alternative can be driving up to Dimats mountain and conquering mount Sartsapat instead, rewarding ourselves both with an off-road adventure as well as a pleasant hike. For more information check out this itinerary. Aparan Reservoir Loop Trail Located just an hour’s drive from Yerevan, the Aparan Reservoir offers a memorable hike through dense forests and alpine meadows. Suitable in all seasons, it is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a pleasant outdoor stroll. The trail is divided into two loops: the Big Loop and the Small Loop, though you can also combine them for a longer hike. The Big Loop is slightly more challenging, with some ascents, while the Small Loop is easier. Both trails wind through beautiful pine forests and vibrant alpine meadows. As the name suggests, the trail is a loop-type path. Along the way, hikers can visit the 4th-century St. Poghos-Petros Basilica, which partially submerges under water for 3–4 months each year, adding a unique historical element to the scenic journey. For more information check out the full itinerary! Smbataberd fortress and Tsaghats Kar monastic complex For hikers interested in historical sites, Smbataberd Fortress is a must-visit destination. Perched atop a mountain, the fortress offers breathtaking views of Yeghegis village and the surrounding mountains. Along the trail, you’ll also encounter the Tsaghats Kar Monastic Complex and its khachkars, before finishing in Yeghegis village near the 14th-century Zorats Church. Smbataberd is one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Armenia, making it both a scenic and culturally rich highlight of the hike. The hike from Yeghegis Village to Smbataberd Fortress covers about 2.5 km and takes roughly one hour. From the fortress, the trail descends and then climbs again toward the Tsaghats Kar Monastic Complex, a 3.5 km stretch that takes approximately 1.5 hours. Tsaghats Kar consists of two groups of structures, separated by about 200 meters (656 feet), and the site leaves a lasting impression on visitors. The upper complex, in particular, carries a mysterious aura that captivates hikers. After exploring Tsaghats Kar, the trail continues back down toward Yeghegis Village, leading to Zorats Church, located about 3.5 km away. This marks the end of the route. For more information check out the full itinerary. Lastiver Trail Another wonderful hiking destination is the Lastiver caves and cascades, a perfect year-round adventure. The trail stretches 3.5 km one way along the forested banks of the Khachaghbyur River. Lastiver gained wider recognition in the early 2000s when ecotourism enthusiasts began organizing regular trips to this magical spot. It is home to a two-story cave perched on the steep slope of a canyon near the river’s majestic gorge. Surrounded by towering trees, rugged cliffs, and the soothing roar of the river, the area feels like stepping into a fairy tale. In the 1970s, Soviet-Armenian sculptor Benik Petrosyan decorated the cave walls with striking bas-reliefs, giving it an even more mysterious aura. Many visitors mistakenly believe the carvings date back to ancient times, which only deepens the sense of wonder. At the bottom of the gorge, a stunning waterfall completes the landscape, blending naturally into Lastiver’s rich ecosystem. The pristine environment makes it a beloved destination for ecotourists and nature lovers alike. For those seeking more from this hike, it is highly recommended to continue on to Okon Monastery, built in 1863. In front of the monastery stands a khachkar (cross-stone) dating back to the 12th–13th centuries. For more information check out the full itinerary. Note: All these private tours are customizable and can be combined with both sightseeing and camping tours. Contact Armenian Explorer via WhatsApp or Telegram at +374 55677868, and we will already customize the upcoming tour together. 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In this article, you’ll learn about a perfectly preserved Soviet-era knitwear factory. Spread across two floors, it remains largely untouched and filled with original knitting and sewing machines, ironing equipment, Soviet posters, an armored safe with original banknotes, and many other items typical of factories of that era. This place is a true time capsule and a must-visit site for any urbex enthusiast. < Back Exploring a Perfectly Preserved Soviet Knitwear Factory In this article, you’ll learn about a perfectly preserved Soviet-era knitwear factory. Spread across two floors, it remains largely untouched and filled with original knitting and sewing machines, ironing equipment, Soviet posters, an armored safe with original banknotes, and many other items typical of factories of that era. This place is a true time capsule and a must-visit site for any urbex enthusiast. This abandoned knitwear factory is a rare and well-preserved example of Soviet industrial heritage. Closed since the early 2000s, it offers a clear look into everyday factory life behind the Iron Curtain. Original machinery, tools, posters, and personal belongings remain largely untouched, making it a standout urbex site in Armenia. As you step through the gate at the top of the building, you see an inscription in Armenian reading «Փառք աշխատավորին» — “Glory to the worker.” Then the owner, Hayk, opens the old, rusty locks, and you find yourself inside a frozen slice of Soviet industrial history. This knitwear factory began as a carpet workshop and was later converted into a knitwear facility. By 1982, it employed around 1,200 workers. During the Soviet period, it operated three branches in nearby villages, each with about 100 employees. Production expanded quickly, and knitwear made here was supplied across the Soviet Union. Around 95 percent of the workforce were women. The main products included children’s clothing, as well as military socks and gloves. Today, visitors walk through halls filled with rows of silent machines, many covered in spider webs. Among them is a German sewing machine from the 1930s, which was used after World War II in Moscow and Yerevan before reaching this knitting factory. Most of the machinery is still functional. It was last used in 2020 during the 44-day war, when the factory briefly resumed work to produce military supplies. The director’s office feels like a small museum: the table is covered with products once made at the factory, with a single example from each model. Around the room are gas masks, an old TV, tools—including radiation detectors for emergency situations—vintage sewing machines, telephones, maps, typewriters, and, of course, a portrait of the leader of the world proletariat. Photographs of award-winning workers remind visitors of the strong community that once existed. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, many factories in Armenia were dismantled and sold as scrap. Iranian and Turkish traders were especially active, buying entire facilities and transporting the machinery abroad. Hayk Isakhanyan, the current owner, chose a different path. For him, preserving the factory was a matter of principle. The walls are lined with original Soviet posters, while desk drawers still hold magazine cutouts of actresses, models, and singers from over 30 years ago. Despite decades of inactivity, plans for revival remain. Hayk speaks of acquiring modern equipment through leasing, restarting production, buying wool from local farmers, creating new jobs, and contributing to the future of his hometown. For urbex explorers, this factory is more than an abandoned site—it is a powerful window into a closed chapter of history. 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

Explore the rich history of the Yerevan Clock Factory, founded in 1943. From stylish alarm clocks to commemorative timepieces, discover the legacy of innovation. < Back Exploring an abandoned clock factory Explore the rich history of the Yerevan Clock Factory, founded in 1943. From stylish alarm clocks to commemorative timepieces, discover the legacy of innovation. The Yerevan clock factory was founded in 1943. It had pressing, automatic galvanizing, mechanical, assembly and other workshops. It produced stylish alarm clocks and electronic mechanical watches. In 1945, 13.6 thousand watches were produced, in 1975 - 4 million 105 thousand watches. This building always captured my attention Its products were distributed in Soviet Armenia (approximately 4,200 addresses) and exported to 63 countries, including West Germany, England, France, Cuba, East Germany, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and others. Since 1954, the factory showcased its products at union and international exhibitions and fairs like Zagreb, Leipzig, Warsaw, Tokyo, Montreal, and Cairo. Approximately 260 individuals working in the factory received medals from the USSR for their outstanding achievements. Avetisyan's watch case manufacturing machine earned a silver medal for high productivity (16 times more than the previous model) at the USSR Academy of Arts and Sciences. Paper clock face of "SEVANI" alarm clock! An important aspect of the factory was its ability to produce all necessary watch parts on-site, starting from clean raw materials. Aside from mass consumption alarm clocks and wall clocks, the factory crafted commemorative clocks for significant national events. Examples include apricot wood watches for Komitas's centenary, Armenian tuff watches for Lenin's centenary, featuring carvings of the Armenian alphabet and the Matenadaran building. Regrettably, a decision has been made to demolish the building from the 1930s-1940s. Despite left only with bare walls, its unique design still captures attention. Farewell to the Clock Factory, a historical maker of timepieces! 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 culture house amazed me with the posters I saw inside! So far, I have explored many abandoned buildings, but this one was really good! Take a look at Soviet posters and more that we found! < Back Inside the Abandoned Culture House of Physics Institute This abandoned culture house amazed me with the posters I saw inside! So far, I have explored many abandoned buildings, but this one was really good! Take a look at Soviet posters and more that we found! We had vague information that there should be a culture house in the territory of the Institute, so we did some research via Google Earth and found a few photos from inside available, and went for an exploration! One can be left speechless seeing Soviet architecture... The rainy day was in our favor since there were not many people outside, and we attracted little attention. Getting inside turned out to be easy; we just moved the shattered board blocking the entrance and stepped in! Inside, we found a small library full of books stacked on bookshelves, although the water pours in from the damaged roof, and it's decaying. There was a room full of photos attached to posters, telling the history of that place: kids were attending judo classes, chess classes, dance classes, and more. I took many photos to capture the real look of the location! There was even a well-preserved gym inside with several Soviet-era training machines! They looked simplistic but very sturdy and functional. I even did some back exercises! But, of course, the best part of the culture house was the hall! It was full of giant and well-preserved Soviet posters! They were scattered on the floor; we lifted them carefully and put them on display. We liked the result, and hope you do too! 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 article is dedicated to this giant antenna, known as Orbita, which is located in Armenia and was once part of the vast Soviet satellite communication network. For decades, it played a key role in receiving television signals from Moscow and distributing them across the region. Today, the antenna stands as a powerful reminder of an era when satellite technology first made it possible to connect distant parts of the Soviet Union through television and radio broadcasts. < Back Armenia’s Abandoned Orbita Antenna This article is dedicated to this giant antenna, known as Orbita, which is located in Armenia and was once part of the vast Soviet satellite communication network. For decades, it played a key role in receiving television signals from Moscow and distributing them across the region. Today, the antenna stands as a powerful reminder of an era when satellite technology first made it possible to connect distant parts of the Soviet Union through television and radio broadcasts. The history of Orbita antennas The Orbita system was a Soviet network of ground-based satellite communication stations created to distribute Central Television across the vast territory of the USSR. It was officially established in 1965 and became one of the most important technological projects of its time. The background of Orbita is closely linked to the launch of the Molniya-1 communication satellite on April 23, 1965. This satellite was placed into a highly elliptical orbit and made it possible to establish a stable long-distance communication link between Moscow and Vladivostok. At first, Orbita was created as a multi-channel satellite telephone line, not specifically for television broadcasting. The Orbita ground station antenna in Armenia Soon after, engineers realized that the same technology could be used to transmit television programs. Molniya-1 created a so-called “space bridge” that allowed TV signals to travel across enormous distances. This opened the door to building a distributed network of ground receiving stations capable of serving regions where traditional broadcasting was impossible. As a result, Orbita stations began to appear across Siberia, the Far East, Central Asia, and the Far North. One of the receiving television stations was located in Frunze (today’s Bishkek). These stations allowed people in remote areas to watch programs produced in Moscow for the first time. The system expanded rapidly. In 1967, the first 20 Orbita stations were put into operation. By 1970, there were already more than 50 stations, and by 1984, the network had grown to over 100 stations, including more than 10 transmit-and-receive stations. Each ground station was equipped with a large 12-meter parabolic antenna, mounted on a rotating platform. The antenna tracked the satellite as it moved across the sky, ensuring a stable signal. Later upgrades led to the creation of Orbita-2, which operated on higher frequencies and improved reliability while keeping the same antenna design. Thanks to the Orbita system, remote regions of the USSR gained access to one or two Central Television programs. To account for different time zones, broadcasts were recorded and retransmitted with time delays, allowing viewers to watch programs at appropriate local times. Orbita became the foundation for later Soviet satellite systems, including Raduga, Ekran, Gorizont, and Express. It played a key role in unifying the country’s information space and remains an important example of large-scale Soviet engineering and communication technology. Not much is left in the control room today. Alas, it could become a fantastic museum, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The Orbita station in Armenia Armenia was also part of this large network and had several Orbita antennas. At least three are known to me, and two of them have survived to this day. According to available information, the Orbita station became operational in November 1977, but it is not fully clear whether this date refers to this specific station or to a different antenna. Further verification is required. Russian-language technical sources, including publications such as Voprosy Radioelektroniki, identify the 12-meter dish as a standard satellite ground station (SSGS) of the Orbita type. Its launch coincided with the construction of the new 311.7-meter Yerevan TV Tower. This made it possible for Armenia to receive the Second Program of Central Television from Moscow via the Molniya and Raduga satellite constellations. In technical archives, the Orgov site is described not just as an observatory, but as a "Reference Center for Antenna Measurements" (Эталонный центр антенных измерений). This institution led by Paris Herouni, was responsible for high-precision antenna measurements. Antenna Metrology (Calibration): Herouni's main contribution was "Antenna Metrology." To prove the 54m telescope worked, he needed a "standard" to measure it against. The 12m Orbita antenna acted as the control variable. Scientists would receive a signal from a Molniya-1 satellite on the 12m Orbita (which had known parameters) and simultaneously on the ROT-54 to calculate the latter's efficiency. Dedicated data link: Because the ROT-54 produced large volumes of data by 1980s standards, standard telephone lines were not sufficient. The Orbita station provided a direct satellite link from Orgov to Moscow via the Raduga geostationary satellites, ensuring a stable, high-bandwidth channel for transmitting scientific data to central command. Old scientific documents are scattered around the place Is the Orbita System Still in Use Today? With the modernization and digitization of television broadcasting, the original role of the Orbita system has largely come to an end. Orbita was designed for analog satellite transmission, and modern TV distribution now relies on digital satellites, fiber-optic networks, and internet-based technologies. As a result, Orbita is no longer used as a main system for nationwide television broadcasting. That said, Orbita did not disappear overnight. During the transition to digital TV, parts of the network continued to operate in supporting or backup roles, especially in remote regions. Some ground stations were upgraded, repurposed, or integrated into newer communication systems, while others were gradually shut down and abandoned. Today, many former Orbita stations stand as relics of a past technological era. Some remain operational in limited technical roles, but most have historical rather than practical value. 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

During a conversation with G. Mattu, an expert in Soviet Armenian public and fine art, I asked him which monument was his favorite. He replied, "The unreachable one." He was referring to Mother Armenia, also known as Arevik (Sun), a striking statue located on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border within Armenian territory. < Back The Unreachable Mother Armenia During a conversation with G. Mattu, an expert in Soviet Armenian public and fine art, I asked him which monument was his favorite. He replied, "The unreachable one." He was referring to Mother Armenia, also known as Arevik (Sun), a striking statue located on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border within Armenian territory. In 1976, the 10-meter (some sources claim 17-meter) aluminum sculpture of Mother Armenia, also known as Arevik, was created by Adibek Grigoryan and placed near the Kayan district of Aygehovit village in Armenia's Tavush region, along the road connecting Azerbaijan and Armenia. This statue was an earlier version of the Arevik figure, originally intended for placement in one of the Central Asian republics. However, it was rejected for allegedly accentuating the female form too much. The statue was later revised and installed under the name Mother Armenia at the border. The scale model of Arevik, or Mother Armenia, along with sculptor Adibek Grigoryan! In this image, we can see the earlier design, where she holds a jar in her left arm The monument, depicting an Armenian woman with outstretched arms framed by sun-like rays, once symbolized Armenia’s welcoming spirit, greeting visitors from Russia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. Today, the area where it stands is part of the village of Aygehovit in Tavush region. Unfortunately, on the night of September 28-29, 2014, a strong wind caused the edging frame, resembling the 'rays of the sun,' to fall from the statue, but Mother Armenia remains standing tall. Mother Armenia back in Soviet times Now situated within a minefield, the statue is impossible to approach, adding to its mystique and inaccessibility. While researching this monument, I came across an insightful article by Maya Khachatryan, published in Independent Reporting. Below is an excerpt from her interview with Aygehovit resident, former village head, and agriculturalist Henrik Hovsepyan: “Back in the Soviet years, Azerbaijanis installed a monument symbolizing the three countries of the region, which had an obvious political meaning. They portrayed themselves very big, as if they were dominating over Armenia and Georgia. In response, our regional leadership installed the 'Arevik' monument. The position of the monument was such that it could be seen from every house in that Azerbaijani settlement. Our 17-meter beauty became a mandatory stop for tourists visiting Armenia, where they would get out, take photos by the monument, and then continue their journey. Mother Armenia, as seen by Yulia Grigoryants after 2014, when the edging frame had already been damaged by the wind Approaching 'Arevik' is now prohibited; it can only be viewed from a distance, as the entire area is heavily mined. The monument is located directly across from Azerbaijani military positions, which is why nearly every shot fired has hit the statue. The area around 'Arevik' is under the control of our soldiers. During Soviet times, there was also a police outpost and a government reception house here, where South Caucasian leaders often shook hands. Aygehovit residents remember that during the times of Demirchyan and Kochinyan, many guests from neighboring republics were received here, including former Azerbaijani President Ayaz Mutallibov and former Georgian President Zviad Gamsakhurdia". 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