Vanadzor is capital of Lori Marz, in North Central part of Armenia. Vanadzor is Armenia's third largest city, with a population of about 75,000 people. There are a couple of pre-Soviet churches, but most of the city has been built during the time of the Soviet Union with a grand central square, a humongous old Soviet chemical factory which has been idle for decades, and a river running through the somewhat narrow valley, surrounded by hills.
Vanadzor has a few modern and comfortable hotel options, though these are not cheap. Most of the attractions in Lori are along the Debed River canyon to the north, or around Stepanavan, and although Vanadzor can be used as a base to explore these, finding a place closer to them is preferable.
At an altitude of 1424 meters , the city is built next to the valley of Pambak river and is surrounded by mountains that have an altitude of over 2500 meters. To the south and east, they are densely forested while to the north and west, they are more dry and often only covered by bushes and plants.
PLACE TO VISIT
Train Station. If you want to get a taste of the Soviet Union, head to the train station right by the Russian Church. Classic Soviet architecture of its time, which has remained virtually untouched since the collapse of the USSR. The train which used to connect Vanadzor with all of Eastern Europe and the world, now only gets you as far as Tbilisi, so the crowds are gone, but the shell is still there.
Russian Church. The Russian Church is right next to the train station, and if you take a Marshutni to Vanadzor, this is where you'll likely start your visit. It is a very nice old church with a golden dome.
Karakilisa Church. Known popularly as Karakilisa (meaning Black Church in Turkish), this very old black and orange stone Armenian church by the river on the north end of town is one of the nicest examples of historic architecture in Vanadzor.
HOW TO REACH
Marshrutnis (minibuses) from Yerevan are inexpensive and will take you to Vanadzor in a couple of hours. They depart from Kino Rosia, above the Zoravor Andranik metro station, across from the national cathedral. Shared taxis leave from the same spot, and are a bit more comfortable, fast and a little more expensive. Virtually any taxi in Yerevan will take you there for 100drams/km (33cents US), which adds up to about 12,500 dram, unless you're a good negotiator.
