Stepanavan

In the center of the Lori region located the city of Stepanavan. The city was named after the famous Armenian Communist revolutionary and political figure Stepan Shahumyan, whose legacy still remains an important historical and cultural landscape of the city and surrounding villages. 

The Shahumyan House Museum is one of the most interesting museums in the region. The memorial complex surrounds the cultural and entertainment center. This creates a curious visual contrast between the late Soviet architecture of the center and the pre-revolutionary architecture of the house museum.  

Stepanavan’s Soviet past created  many stories. One of the most striking stories of that period is related to the Caves of Communists. In this picturesque grotto with a waterfall, the first revolutionaries hid from persecution. It is believed that the Cave is the place where the Armenian communist movement originated. 

But Stepanavan is not only known for the events in the recent days. The history of the region is much older and multilayered.

One of the most significant monuments to the religious tradition of the district is the church Tormakovank which dates back to the 6-7th century. It was built on the foundation of a pagan abode. Now the temple is in a dilapidated state, but the majestic vaults of the ancient church are still impressive, especially in combination with the background of the green sea of herbs and flowers over which it towers.

St. Nicholas the Miracle Worker Russian Orthodox Church, located in the village of Amrakitz also deserves special attention. This church was built by Ukrainian Cossacks who settled in Armenia in the early 19th century. The church was badly damaged during the 1988 Spitak earthquake, but it remains an important monument of neo-Russian-style in the architecture of Modern. 

The biggest attraction of the district Stepanavan is Dendropark. It was founded in 1931 and contains hundreds of different species of trees and plants that have been grown there. But despite the fact that Dendropark is very popular with locals and tourists thanks to the exceptional flora, the surrounding area “drowns in vegetation”. The Dzoraget Canyon, named after the river Dzoraget on which the city was built, fascinates the scenery of pine forests and limestone peaks.

On the left bank of the river is the ancient Armenian fortress of Lori Berd. The citadel of the fortress was built in the 10th century, it occupied an area of 9 hectares and was defended by a powerful defensive wall about 200 meters long. The fortress was the cultural and economic center of the region. Now, the fortress is abandoned, but it is still a treasure trove for archaeologists and a tourist attraction. 

Stepanavan is not inferior to neighboring destinations in terms of hotel infrastructure. Accommodation facilities are in large quantities in the city and surrounding area. The atmospheric guest house Tormak is perfect for budget travelers. The guest house organically combines environmental friendliness and an innovative approach.

There are several hotels in the immediate vicinity of Dendropark. Sochut Resort is a classic type hotel with all amenities. The natural surroundings of the park and high standards of service guarantee you an unforgettable experience. GRIG HOUSE ECO Resort is also located near Dendropark. This is a completely different format of accommodation. An unconventional cottage hotel in a forest setting will surprise you with unusual rooms and delicious food.

If you need accommodation in the city, we recommend staying in Lori Adventure. It is camping in the most picturesque and green place in Stepanavan. There is also a particular area on the campsite where you can study rock climbing and enjoy the beautiful views.  

You can have dinner in Stepanavan in the restaurant Catchinge Stepanavan. This atmospheric place will impress you with a range of dishes and high-quality service.