Products sold at the TUMO shop, including fashion, jewellery, embroidery and homewares, were all born out of this initiative. The weather is still warmer than what were used to here in Canada, and exploring Armenia in the winter is quite special, but the experience isnt what it is in warmer months! Yummy", "Delicious, quick, fresh and cheap. The Vernissage is roughly divided into five sections. Ashkhen Babayan, the chairwoman of "Spitak Helsinki Group" rights advocacy organization, says it has supported many of the town residents by providing legal consultancy services on housing issues. This market is probably one of our favorite places in the city. That is to say, not everything is made in Armenia. They even have a shop where you can try their products and buy them on location. The breakfast is highly regarded. Try it with Ayran drink. Spitak is located in the northern part of the Lori Region. There is also St Hovhannes church that sits imposingly in the area. Williamsburg Pottery Factory is a large, multi-structure retail outlet store located in Lightfoot, Virginia, about 6 miles (9.7 km) west of Williamsburg.It was founded in 1938 by James E. Maloney as a small pottery workshop. Spitak was entirely destroyed during the devastating 1988 earthquake, and it was rebuilt in a slightly different location. It costs about 800-1,000 drams to get to anywhere in the city. Sunrise: 07:15; Sunset: 19:09; Day length: 11h 54m; Solar noon: 13:12; The current local time in Spitak is 72 minty ahead of apparent solar time. However, the fruits are ripe at this time of year, so go crazy on the local peaches & apricots! This luxury 19th century-style hotel is located adjacent to the Venissage in the centre of the city. Its not the best season to visit the country as you wont get the full experience. The settlement was first known as Hamamlu, meaning "bath"' in Turkish, as the area had many baths. At the end of the post, youll find a handy Yerevan shopping map. Spitak Khach Road, Yerevan 0013 Armenia. In November 1918, Hamamlu was included within the newly formed Republic of Armenia. Id love to read your guide. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Spitak was gradually rebuilt through the efforts of the state government as well as the Armenian diaspora, with the assistance of many countries, including Uzbekistan, Switzerland, Russia, Austria, Finland, Norway, Italy, Germany, Czech Republic, Estonia and United Kingdom. You can also help us by pinning it for others to find. Yes, the driving distance between Yerevan to Spitak is 95 km. Our goal was to avoid all plastic for #plasticfreejuly. See all photos taken at Spitak Ceramics by 6 visitors. Yerevan has a ton of parks around the city. Muratsan district, almost 3 km far from the center of Spitak, is located at an altitude with a view to the center of the town and the new church of St Harutyun. 15) The best view of Little Ararat and Greater Ararat will be from the gray stone structure (monument commemorating the 50th anniversary of the October Revolution) located behind the top of the Cafesjian Center for the Arts. These carpets have been on display at the Shushi Carpet Museum since 2011. Located at the very top of Yerevan, you will see the imposing figure of Mother Armenia watching over the city. We were shown their laboratory where everything gets made and assembled. Yerevan to Spitak bus services, operated by Armenia Transport, depart from Yerevan Kilikia bus station. [2][3] The word spitak itself derives from Middle Persian spdag (compare Parthian ispd).[4]. Yerevan Park will be built across 276,000 square metres, with 196,000 square metres of gardens and more than 20,000 trees and plants. Either Im an idiot or sadly Covid has claimed a few of these. So happy to hear that, Leah! I just confirmed that the ceramics store is still open, pop into the hotel and staff will show you down. Read about Spitak in Wikipedia. Every item is hand-thrown and hand-painted at the Spitak Art School in Gyumri, a social enterprise established with the Family Care Foundation after the devastating earthquake in 1988. Complex meals, delicious flavors, simple yet tasty and fresh ingredients what else can you ask for?! Walking around Yerevan is probably one of the most fun things to do, and Kond is no exception. Yerevan is one of those places! For something fun, Arvest is a memory game that teaches young kids about Armenian artists. Opened in spring 2012, the new Williamsburg Pottery is made up of 3 extraordinary Marketplaces: Gourmet Yes, my time in Yerevan and Armenia was extremely limited. They also have shops at the airport, inside Dolma Garden Mall and at Yerevan Mall. If you ask Carine though, she would say to stay here forever! So take an afternoon and stroll around the city. Rome2rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, ensuring you can make an informed decision about which option will suit you best. There are more than 500 designs to choose from or you can have a custom rug made and shipped to you later. It makes for some really cool pictures, and it even leads you to the next free must-see in Yerevan. Youll see a ton of paintings of Mount Ararat, pomegranates, Lake Sevan, and the various churches of Armenia. Like at Postoyan, staff are extremely knowledgeable about the regions different schools of weaving. And even better than that is the fact that although Armenians do tend to eat a lot of meat, there are a ton of healthy and nutritious vegan and vegetarian options readily available on menus. Products include crochet toys by Goris Handmade, laptop cases and homewares sewn from pieces of traditional fabric, ceramics, knitwear, colourfully painted Armenian letter ornaments, and much, much more. The exhibition is unprecedented, mainly because each carpet can be traced back to its original family and village. Since then, the Megerians have expanded the production of new carpets to workshops in Egypt, Afghanistan, Pakistan and beyond. They will even come to pick you up and drive you back to Yerevan. 10) For a souvenir, I purchased a handmade ceramic at Spitak Ceramics, located in the basement of Villa Delenda Bed and Breakfast (10 Yeznik Koghbatsi Street). Spitak Tnak 21 YEARS Work experience "Energym" gym Its a place where arts, culture, and food meet. 14) Surp Grigor Lusavorich Cathedral: free entry. The name 5concept refers to the clutch of young designers who co-own the space: Petoor, Z.G.EST, Naghash Couture, Nelly Serobyan, and Loom Weaving, a label inspired by Armenian handmade embroidery. All the tours are in English and last about 3 hours, spanning over a 4 km walk. So many awesome shops in Yerevan, I know I missed a few! Around Cascade, youll find a ton of delicious restaurants. From the north, it is surrounded by the Bazum mountains and from the south by the . One of our favorite things to do in Yerevan on Sundays was to visit the Vernissage market. If you are able to take food and alcohol home, heres where to find delicious, local Armenian products. The IANA time zone identifier for Spitak is Asia/Yerevan. Find the perfect place to stay withBooking.com, Get the cheapest flights with Skyscanner, Book your favorite activities with Viator, Make sure you have everything you need for your epic trip by checking our store on Amazon. However, after the earthquake, the town lost its significance as an industrial centre in Lori. The central location in Kentron is perfect. As always, we want to be sure everyone practices sustainable travel in Armenia, and all over the world. We highly recommend taking a tour here, and finishing it all off at their restaurant where you can enjoy their homemade bread and treats! To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. On April 24 of every year, there is a pilgrimage to Tsitsernakaberd, to honor those who lost their lives during the genocide of 1915. Catch a show in Yerevans famous Opera House, another great thing to do on a rainy day in Yerevan, 4. The following is some information that you all may find useful while planning your time in those cities. 1 within 6 miles. And in case you didnt know, National Geographic actually named Yerevan one of six unexpected cities for food lovers in 2017. In fact, beyond the beautiful productions put on by the national opera, the ballet or the philharmonic orchestra, you can find a ton of jazz shows and open mic nights going on all over the city. Its a great place to chill out and watch daily life unfold. In 2019, there was a desire to renew the area. There was a 17-meters high copper statue of Stalin in the park. This beautiful warehouse-style space brings together some of Armenias top indie fashion and accessories brands. Our recommendation would be to stay in Kentron, which is the main central area of Yerevan. Although the market runs all week at a reduced capacity, the Sunday Vernissage market is the best. When youre doing your Yerevan shopping, keep an eye out for these specialty items. In 1970, a museum dedicated to Armenias role in the Great Patriotic War was opened within the pedestal of the statue. Between the 4th and 2nd centuries BC, the region was part of the Orontid Armenia, followed by the Artaxiad ruled in 189 BC. Perhaps I'll be able to return in the future and explore more of Armenia, but with so many countries left in the world for me to explore, I unfortunately doubt it. It is 96km (60mi) north of the capital, Yerevan, and 22km (14mi) west of the provincial center, Vanadzor. Products sold at the Vernissage are of mixed quality and provenance. The magnitude in Spitak was 10; Gyumri, 9; Stepanavan, 9; Vanadzor, 8-9; and Yerevan, 6. Armenias first and only Fair Trade shop is operated by Homeland Development Initiative Foundation (HDIF), a social enterprise thats Fair Trade Guaranteed under the World Fair Trade Organization. Check out the old Soviet amusement parks, one of the fun things to do with kids in Yerevan, 7. Check out the oldest church in the city, Katoghike, 29. Please note that the sites and prices listed below are the sites that I visited and prices that I paid, respectively, and that the sites you visit and prices you pay may differ. Thank you for your detailed report. Another popular one is Zazaland, located in Circular Park. These off-beat souvenirs from Armenia make great alternative gifts. If youre a fan of perfectly preserved model boats (Corsair), trains (Wabash), and cars (Model N Ford), be sure to visit the In the Mind of the Collector exhibit in the Eagle Garden Hall/Gallery (open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 8 AM to 8 PM). Every item is hand-thrown and hand-painted at the Spitak Art School in Gyumri, a social enterprise established with the Family Care Foundation after the devastating earthquake in 1988. Posted signs state that women are allowed free entry to the prayer hall with a hijab. These quirky designs remind me of AlterSocks, one of my favourite Georgian brands. We love Yerevan and were so happy to call it home for 2 months. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. At the end of the tour, we were treated to some delicious homemade juice and cake. In 2009, a ground blessing service was conducted for the construction of Saint Anna Church and the associated complex. Its located between Aram and Pavots Buzand Street, just before you get to Martiros Saryan Street. Each archway in the city is painted and decorated in a different manner, a project that was started by a city mayor who wanted to give the city a facelift. I also really like their range of thick canvas and leather bags embossed with traditional Armenian emblems. The Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (or BAO) was founded in 1946, during the Soviet era and is located on the slope of the mountain Aragatz, Armenias highest peak. Feeling inspired by fashionable Yerevanians? There are also many pieces by prominent street artist Robert Nikoghosyan that are sprinkled around the city. Watch the stars at the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory, 5. This shop is located outside of the centre and stocks a good range of silver jewellery. The town has a flour mill and a building materials manufacturing plant. Three decades following the earthquake 420 families. Following the Sovietization of Armenia in December 1920, Hamamlu was finally incorporated into Soviet Armenia on 11 February 1921. Out of 300 exhibits, only 160 could be moved. The Center offers a variety of exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, as well as lectures, films, concerts, and many educational initiatives for adults and children. Silk scarves, wool shawls, poly-blend homewares, small silkscreen prints and large-scale artworks are all rendered in primary colours. It wis maistly destroyed bi the devastatin 1988 Spitak yirdquauk, an wis subsequently rebuilt in a slichtly different location.Spitak means '"White" in Armenie. The total zone of the disaster covered 3k sq. All other remaining pieces, from carpets to Bronze and Stone Age pottery, and the ancient household items had to be left behind. Kond is the oldest part of Yerevan and is historically where the Armenian populations lived as a majority ethnicity during the Persian rule. If you want to see the highlights of the city in three hours, we recommend taking the free walking tour. While youre strolling around the city, dont forget to take a minute to look at all the different statues. According to the scripts carved on one of the walls of Katoghike Church, the surviving structure dates back to 1264. This bright hostel has both a mixed dorm and a budget-friendly private double room. After crossing the Kond tunnel, you will find this pathway that takes you down some stairs, toward an amusement park, and then, a fairytale castle. I love the Inchkachka brooches, decorated with iconic Armenian symbols designed by locals artists such as Siranush. By proceeding, you accept the use of cookies in accordance with our, Take the bus from Yerevan Kilikia bus station to Spitak. Its no surprise that since its opening in 2009, over one million people have visited the Center annually. meters, hitting a total of 21 towns and districts, 343 villages. From sharp angles and jarring design, Yerevan is one of the best places to take a glimpse at what the city looked like back in the Soviet days. Thought 5ou should know for your next update (or tell me Im an idiot and in the wrong place!). "In Soviet times real estate belonged to the state; people owned other property. Armenia has quite a tragic and bloody past, and even if its trying to move past it, its still important to recognize what happened over 100 years ago. They offer visits to the observatory on clear nights, including the drive there and back from Yerevan. Recently, there has been an increase in rental apartments as well. Marine Meloyan from the town of Spitak was 27 when she lost her husband, one of her children, and was left homeless as a consequence of the earthquake in 1988. $4. If youre interested in the process behind the label, you can organise to visit Nairians production facility in Aragyugh, between Yerevan and Sevan. It features modern suites, a pool, an onsite restaurant, and in the basement, an Armenian carpet museum! See how Armenian natural cosmetics are made, 10. Sleeping in a hotel close by Gyumri Shirak Airport prevents you from being late or not fully rested for your flight . I bought a few weeks ago the same book from Lonely planet, edition 01 / 2022. Learn more. Check out the thousands of statues in the city, 34. In mid 17th century, the small village Hamamlu was founded in the historic region of Tashir, within the newly formed administrative territory of Erivan Khanate under the Afsharid dynasty of Iran. Learn more about me here. Iranian influences in Armenian Language", " ", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Spitak&oldid=1143673272, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles containing Armenian-language text, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 9 March 2023, at 05:38. In Spitak, which spreads on the slopes of Bazum and Pambak mountain ranges, the temporary housing districts stagger across the landscape along the newly built apartment blocks complementing the modern-day image of the town. Spitak Khach Church, Yerevan: See 3 reviews, articles, and photos of Spitak Khach Church, ranked No.185 on Tripadvisor among 221 attractions in Yerevan. One of my favourite things to do in Yerevan is wander the market aisles and watch the Vernissage painters at work. Thats why, no visit to Armenia would be complete without visiting Tsitsernakaberd, theArmenian Genocide memorial complex. There are many products made in Armenia and handmade gifts that make for perfect souvenirs. What are your favourite Armenian souvenirs? There is no shortage of shows to see in Yerevan. The vibe in Yerevan is unlike anywhere else, a perfect mix of traditional Armenian culture and European flair. Visiting the Caucasus and wondering what to buy in Armenia? Its probably my favourite souvenir shop in Yerevan and the best place to buy real made in Armenia products. The Williamsburg Pottery Factory now markets itself as one of Virginia's largest tourist attractions.Referred to by the locals as "the Pottery", the 200-acre (0.81 km 2 . Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. Getting to Yerevan from the airport will set you back about 1,500 AMD (or dram) on the GG app or the Yandex app. Required fields are marked *. Currently, the town has an approximate population of 11,000 as per the 2016 official estimate. While youre there, grab a table on the sidewalk outside to sip before you buy. Alongside local language tomes, Zangak carries a good range of English and Russian-language books about Armenia and on other topics. All you have to do is bring your empty Nairian container back to their stores in the city. You can easily spend 1 to 3 hours reading the information panels inside the museum (they appear a bit overwhelming at first glance, but really arent). Sorry for any inconvenience! Whatever youre looking for, youll find it in the market! Shop natural salves for skin, nails and hair, and travel-friendly products such as solid shampoo bars. The overall aim of the Foundation is to help more Armenians make a sustainable income by exercising their creative skills. Winters tend to be surprisingly cold in Yerevan, and people tend to stay inside. Services depart every 30 minutes, and operate every day. The quickest way to get from Yerevan to Spitak is to taxi which costs 26-32 and takes 1h 24m. Gourmet Dourm provides customers with insulated bags so you can carry your chocolates home without them melting. It is located 10 minutes by foot from Republic Square. Official Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for Armenia, 5 incredible day trips from Florence by train. Tickets cost 3 and the journey takes 2h 4m. We thank you again for your continued support. Not only did we love the fact that all the products were made using natural ingredients, but Nairian goes the extra mile and even has a program in Armenia where they reuse and refill your bottles when you finish using their product. Artists such as Siranush have a custom rug made and assembled 01 / 2022 also pieces! And assembled and the various churches of Armenia walking around Yerevan is anywhere. Itself derives from Middle Persian spdag ( compare Parthian ispd ). [ 4.! An industrial centre in Lori Observatory, 5 incredible day trips from Florence by train is! 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From being late or not fully rested for your flight photos taken at Spitak Ceramics by 6 visitors and so. In Spitak was entirely destroyed during the Persian rule Observatory on clear nights, including drive! All the different statues located in Circular Park make a sustainable income by exercising their skills! Is Zazaland, located in Circular Park gifts that make for perfect souvenirs rug!