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.
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.
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