Alaverdi stretches across both banks of the Debed; at the same time, because of the broken, complex terrain, some city districts are far apart.
Getting around and arriving
The Tbilisi–Yerevan railway line and the Tbilisi–Alaverdi–Yerevan highway pass through Alaverdi. If you are considering travelling by rail or road, check the latest transport connections in advance. While there, it helps to keep the spatial distribution of the districts in mind when planning and not to group visits solely by how closely related their themes are.
Monastery history and medieval architecture
Sanahin Monastery lies within the city limits of Alaverdi. Documents and material remains suggest that parts of the complex date from the mid-10th century. Historically, the monastery was a place for the study of the humanities and medicine, as well as for writing scholarly treatises. Thus, in addition to its architectural history, scholarship and written work are among the themes that define Sanahin.
Sanahin Bridge offers a different architectural focus. Queen Vaneni had it built in the 12th century in memory of her late husband. The polished basalt arch is about 18.6 metres long and 3.3 metres wide. The bridge is considered a remarkable example of medieval secular architecture. The monastery’s history and the bridge’s design therefore offer different ways to explore the medieval past.
Museum and art in Alaverdi
The Mikoyan Brothers Museum is in Sanahin, near Alaverdi, and presents the lives of Anastas and Artem Mikoyan. It is said to be a five-minute walk from Sanahin Monastery. A restored MiG-21 fighter aircraft is the centrepiece of the open-air exhibition. The collection also includes personal photographs, documents, uniforms, scale models and aviation exhibits. The story thus ranges from the aircraft itself to personal and historical objects.
The Alaverdi Art Gallery reopened in 2009 with the exhibition “Armenian Landscape.” It displays works by Seyran Khatlamajian, Arpenik Nalbandian, Lusik Agulec and Ruben Shahvedyan. The selection of individual works on display may change. The art gallery and museum offer different cultural focuses: one centres on fine art and exhibition history, while the other focuses on the Mikoyan brothers and aviation.
Copper history and other interests
Copper mining and processing are also part of Alaverdi’s history: both activities date back to antiquity there. Those interested in the industrial past will find a different subject here than at the monastery, bridge or art gallery. These different interests can be taken into account when planning your stay, without assuming that all the visits are close together.
The address listed for a possible visit to ARMBEE Honey Farm & Meadery is 27/5 Jravazan Street, Alaverdi, Lori. Confirm the operating details before travelling. Lori Canyon Trails offers horseback riding in Alaverdi; confirm its current availability before your trip. This lets you include cultural visits and a possible horseback-riding activity as different interests in your plans without assuming that the latter is available.
Discover more destinations: Dzoraget, Tumanyan, Stepanavan, Dsegh, Vahagnadzor, Lermontov, Vanadzor, Haghpat
For the main travel overview: Lori.
