Also known as the Church of the Holy Savior, Surp Amenaprkich stands as one of Gyumri’s most poignant and architecturally striking sanctuaries. Erected in the second half of the 19th century, the church once dominated the city’s spiritual landscape with its grandeur—until the devastating earthquake of 1988 nearly reduced it to rubble. In solemn remembrance of that tragedy, a monument dedicated to the earthquake’s victims now stands beside the church, marking both loss and resilience.
The courtyard of Surp Amenaprkich is home to several sculptural tributes. One celebrates the 60th anniversary of Leninakan—the Soviet-era name of Gyumri. Another honors the beloved local humorist Poloz Mukuch, a figure enshrined in the city’s collective memory for his sharp wit and unforgettable character. Not far from these statues lies an alley of khachkars—stone steles carved with intricately detailed crosses. These iconic symbols of Armenian faith and artistry can be found throughout the country, but here they seem to form a silent guard around the sacred ground.
Surp Amenaprkich is unlike most traditional Armenian churches. Its imposing walls are built from black tuff, dramatically accented with red stone that adds depth and intensity to its façade. Two domes—a larger central one and a smaller companion—rise in the distinctive umbrella style, the taller crowned by a bell tower that once echoed across the city. Step inside, and you’ll find a contrast to the solemn exterior: soft light spills over frescoes adorning the interior walls, and carefully preserved photographs document the destruction caused by the earthquake.