Spitak

Spitak is a town in the Lori Region situated at approximately 1,250 meters (4,100 feet) elevation between the Bazum mountains to the north and Pambak mountains to the south. The settlement has a straightforward urban layout with administrative buildings, residential areas, and public facilities.

The settlement was originally known as Hamamlu in the 17th century but received its current name in 1949 due to white limestone formations in the area. Later it became an important transportation hub connecting different parts of the Armenian highlands.

The ethnographic museum and cultural center display Armenian traditions through exhibitions and regular events. Visitors can learn about local heritage and customs in these spaces.

The town is accessible by major highways and has a railway station with connections to Yerevan and onward to Tbilisi. Keep in mind that the mountainous location means cold winters and you should bring warm clothing.

In 1988 the town was destroyed by a devastating earthquake and had to be completely rebuilt at a new location afterward. This created a modern urban layout with straight streets and contemporary building structures instead of the original settlement.