Vanadzor

Vanadzor sits at 1350 meters elevation in a mountain valley with the Pambak River running through its center. The city spreads across several valleys, forming an elongated settlement in this mountainous terrain.

The settlement was originally called Gharakilisa and became a Russian military base in 1828 following the Russo-Persian War. Over time it grew into the third largest city in Armenia.

The Lori-Pambak Archaeological Museum displays regional finds across three departments dedicated to archaeology, ethnography, and modern history of the northern region. Visitors can see how local communities lived and developed through different periods.

The railway station provides connections to Yerevan and Tbilisi, while the M-6 highway offers direct access to major Armenian destinations. Travelers can easily reach the city and explore the surrounding region from here.

The Botanical Garden contains 600 plant species across 12 hectares, demonstrating the range of vegetation that thrives at this mountain altitude. The garden project reveals what grows naturally in this highland region.

Location: Lori Province

Inception: 1828

Elevation above the sea: 1,350 m

Website: https://vanadzor.am

GPS coordinates: 40.81278,44.48833

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:52