About Gyumri
Gyumri, which is the largest city of Shirak province of Armenia, is located 120 kilometers northwest of the capital Yerevan. Gyumri, which is the second largest city of Armenia, has a population of about 150 thousand people according to 2001 data. The first known name was Kumayri and Gyumri, and later it was renamed Alexandropol, Leninakan and Gyumri. Sev Berd Castle, which means "Black Fortress", is a structure catching attention with being a Russian castle built in the 1830s. The castle built on a hill can host 15 thousand soldiers and military officers in case of siege.
Besides the castle, there are many historical churches that can be visited in the city. Church of the Holy Savior and Holy Mother of God Cathedral are among these churches. Shirak International Airport, which was opened in 1961 and is the second largest airport of Armenia, is about 5 kilometers southeast of the city center. There are flights to Moscow and Saint Petersburg from the airport. In addition, the oldest and largest railway junction is located in Gyumri. As of 2013, there are regular services from Gyumri Railway Station to Yerevan and Batum.
