| Shirak | |
 | |
| Information | |
| Country |  Armenia |
|---|---|
| Region | Northern Armenia |
| Area | 2 681 km² |
| Postal code | 2601–3126 |
| Location | |
 40 ° 50 ′ 0 ″ N 43 ° 55 ′ 0 ″ E | |
| Official site | |
Shirak is a region ofArmenia.
Regions
Cities
- 1 Gumri (Գյումրի)
Other destinations
Understand
The Shirak region, located in the far northwest of Armenia, is home to the country’s second largest city, Gyumri. Shirak, offers some of the most beautiful but also lesser-known sites in the country such as the great Arpa Lake and the mountain pastures of the Ashotsk region. There are also the ruins of the city of Ani, a flourishing ancient capital and cultural center of Armenia. The region's climate and landscapes are harsh, marked by high altitudes and long winters. Nevertheless, the warm season reveals the unparalleled beauty of the wildflower meadows against the backdrop of the snow-capped mountain peaks. The architectural splendor of the churches of Haritch, and Marmashen and many other churches and monasteries that dot the area is also popular with tourists. Gyumri is the heart and soul of Shirak. The city has recovered from the immense human and material loss caused by the 1988 earthquake. Gyumri is a historic city, with a rich heritage and a strong urban culture.
To speak
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Circulate
To see
Among its must-see sites:
- the Kumayri historic district in the old town, theSaint-Nishan church, several museums and theaters, as well as the vast open-air market.
- the mantash tank is one of the most beautiful places in Shirak. Containing more than 8 million cubic meters of water at an altitude of 2,600 meters, the reservoir is very popular with fishermen who come to challenge the famous “alabalagh” trout.
- The pagan monument, Tsak Kar (literally "hole in the stone") is located Torpali, a small mountain village. It is a huge stone with a hole just big enough for a person to fit through the rock. The legend says that whoever crosses the rock, acquires eternal happiness.
- the Haritch monastery was built using giant stones (3.5 meters wide) and multicolored. This is located not far from the Saint-Grigor church dating from the VIIe century. For centuries Haritch has been the summer residence of Armenian Catholicos who preferred their cool nights to the stifling heat of Etchmiadzin. Another place to visit in Haritch is the ruins of the Resurrection Church dating from the Ve century, a 13th century chapele century and the village history museum.
