Armavir city

Armenia is one of the oldest countries in the world, where many cities trace their origins back to prehistoric times. But among them, Armavir stands apart. It was Armenia’s first capital and the seat of legendary kings from the Haykian dynasty. According to the historian Movses Khorenatsi, Aramais—the grandson of the patriarch Hayk—founded the settlement around 1980 BCE and named it after himself: Armavir. In 331 BCE, the city rose to the rank of capital.

Over the centuries, Armavir bore many names. During the reign of King Argishti I, it was known as Argishtikhinili. Seljuk Turks referred to it as Sardarapat. In the 1930s, under Soviet rule, it was renamed Oktemberyan in honor of the October Revolution. Only after the collapse of the USSR did the city reclaim its ancient name—Armavir.

Like many cities of its age, Armavir has endured invasions and destruction, only to be rebuilt again. Interestingly, there’s also an Armavir in Russia, founded in 1839 by Armenian Circassians—Charkesogai—along the Kuban River. It began as “Armenian Aul” before adopting the name of Armenia’s first capital.

Today, Armenian Armavir is the administrative center of the country’s smallest province—also named Armavir—but one with the highest population density. Agriculture thrives here, helped by favorable weather and abundant sunshine. Vineyards are particularly successful, and the city even hosts a branch of the Yerevan Brandy Company. It’s also home to skilled artisans, especially woodcarvers and khachkar-makers—those who craft the intricate Armenian cross-stones.

Armavir draws archaeology enthusiasts eager to see the remnants of its ancient past. The best time to visit is in late autumn or early spring, when the heat subsides.

A walk through the city might begin at the railway station—fitting, since modern Armavir grew up around this very spot. In 1903, a station was built on the Yerevan–Tbilisi line. Homes for railway workers followed, and eventually a town emerged. Near the station, visitors can spot pre-revolutionary houses and a tall water tower. A short walk leads to a square with a war memorial honoring those who fell in the Artsakh War.

Continuing down Anrapetutyan Street brings you to the city park. Here stands the Cathedral of Saint Grigor Narekatsi, seat of the Armavir diocese. A small path of khachkars leads to the church. The park also holds a bust of two-time Soviet Olympic champion weightlifter Vasily Alekseyev, and it’s a favorite for families thanks to its rides and carousel.

The local market on Yegishe Charents Street is where the city’s Armenian soul comes alive. Vendors offer fresh produce and welcome bargaining. Tastings are common, conversation is expected.

Following Anrapetutyan Street straight ahead leads to the city’s center. Government offices line the road, along with the House of Culture—still referred to as the “Red Club”—and a modest public fountain.

Past the House of Culture stands the city zoo. Though small, it’s cherished by locals, who value the care given to its animals.

Ten kilometers from Armavir, in the village of Araks, is the Sardarapat Ethnographic Museum. Its collection includes Bronze Age artifacts unearthed during excavations near ancient Armavir. At the entrance, a striking sculptural complex commemorates the Battle of Sardarapat. Fought between May 21–28, 1918, this pivotal clash halted the Turkish advance. Days later, on May 28, Armenia declared its independence and the First Republic was born.

East of Araks, near the village of Nor Armavir, archaeologists discovered remnants of ancient quarters, a royal palace, and a pagan temple. This site is particularly compelling for history enthusiasts.

On the way back to Yerevan, travelers may detour to Aknalich. In 2019, the world’s largest Yazidi temple—Quba Mere Diwane—was built here. Beside it stands a smaller but equally revered sanctuary, Ziarat or Sultan Ezid. Yazidi clerics welcome visitors and offer insights into their faith and life in Armenia.

Armavir lies just 45 kilometers west of Yerevan. The drive offers views of Mount Aragats to the north and Mount Ararat to the south. En route, travelers pass through Etchmiadzin—home to the spiritual center of Armenia—and should consider stopping to visit the Etchmiadzin Cathedral.

From Yerevan’s Central Bus Station (6 Admiral Isakov Ave), minibuses and buses run regularly to Armavir. For schedules, call +374 10 565370.

Trains also depart from Sasuntsi Davit Station (80 Tigran Mets Ave), heading toward Gyumri and Araks, stopping in Armavir along the way. Fares start at 300 AMD depending on the class. The international Yerevan–Batumi train also pauses briefly in Armavir. Ticket prices for this route vary by season and should be confirmed at the station: +374 60 463284, 1-84.