Exploring Charentsavan

Named after the beloved poet Yeghishe Charents in 1967, the city’s layout and distinctive Soviet architecture still testify to its ambitious beginnings, with residential districts carefully separated from vast industrial zones and signature monuments.

Today, Charentsavan’s rich history is reflected in its cultural institutions, public spaces, and the continuing traditions of its residents, even as the city adapts to post-industrial challenges. The legacy of newcomers, workers from across the Armenian SSR, repatriates and refugees has shaped Charentsavan into a vibrant and diverse community, inviting visitors to experience not just the city’s past, but its evolving spirit

But Charentsavan has a lot more to offer than just its economic history. Located only 38 km north of the capital Yerevan, which is roughly a 40-minute drive, it is definitely worth visiting!

When entering Charentsavan, one of the first places that will greet you is most likely going to be Karen Demirchyan square. Gracing its center is a large Iron Fountain surrounded by neat flower beds - a typical sight for an Armenian city center. This is also where you can find the House of Culture.

The Charentsavan train station, originally built in the Soviet era to serve the rapidly expanding industrial settlement of Lusavan, stands as an emblematic example of Soviet modernist architecture in Armenia. The first station building, designed by renowned architect Rafael Israelyan, became a social hub during Charentsavan’s golden years, famously featured in Armenian cinema in the 1960s. In the 1980s, a bold new three-story structure designed by Henrik Arakelyan replaced the original, symbolizing the city’s industrial ambitions and civic pride.

Although the station once thrived as a key link between Yerevan, Sevan, and Ijevan—and on to the Soviet rail network—today its striking building sits largely abandoned, a melancholic but powerful reminder of Charentsavan’s dynamism and rich industrial past. Ownership now belongs to South Caucasus Railway CJSC, and while the structure is no longer in regular use, it remains a distinctive landmark at the heart of the city.

Just like the train station, this monument is another one of Henrik Arakelyan´s works. Depicting a character from one of Yeghishe Charents´ poems, the Curly Boy or Veratsnund (Rebirth) Statue was built in 1980. It's located on the outskirts of the city where it stands as a welcoming symbol of Charentsavan´s cultural spirit.

Originally a settlement for industrial workers, Charentsavan did not have a church until the year 2000. Being the only church in the city, weddings, christenings and, of course, Sunday services are all held here at Holy Savior. Conveniently, there is a banquet hall located right at the other end of the park, which is the spot to host these special events.

Separating the residential area of the town and the industrial zone is the city park, which also includes an Amusement Park. Architect Tiran Marutyan created the master plan for the future industrial town separated from the residential area with recreation borderline, that turned into the city park.

Once a lively meeting point for children and adults alike, it is now slowly being renewed to its original charm even though it was redrawn for some trade and service businesses.

Currently under renovation, the Yeghishe Charents Memorial Hall is expected to be reopened by the end of this year. It was first opened in 1978, tucked away in the city park on Yeritasardutyan Street, where it is easy to find and is a great stop for a cultural experience during a stroll. The Hall is open Monday to Saturday and the entrance is free.

Charentsavan has a huge industrial zone that used to be a work place for not only Charentsavan residents but also from surrounding villages and even Yerevan. Nowadays the majority of that industrial part has become a silent and vanishing memory of those days. If you are interested in remains of the industrial past and are lucky to find someone who will help you legally to enter tho one of those areas you will find humbly saved history.

Charentsavan is enlarged community that unites the town of Charentsavan with several villages. Near the village of Fantan and just 7 km east of Charentsavan, there is an inactive volcano now turned into a popular photo spot for tourists and locals alike. The frozen, now black, lava creates a special and  dramatic view that attracts many tourists as well as locals to the Black Wall. It's also a great spot for hiking and just enjoying nature.

If you decide to take a detour from Charentsavan to the nearby village of Argel, also known as Lusakert, you will be amazed by the beautiful nature on the way.

Reminiscent of the Symphony of stones near Garni, basalt columns and and gorges as well as the Hrasdan river grace the view on the right side of the road. There's also an old monastery to be found on the rivershore. The Karenis monastery was built in the 7th century and housed relics of the apostle Andrew up until the 17th century. It is currently under construction but can still be entered.

After arriving in Argel, the Panosyan Art Center is a must see in the village. It's the former home of renowned woodcarver and Khachkar master Arsen Panosyan. The entry to the house is completely free and offers visitors access to more than 300 woodworks and 150 Khachkars. Thanks to its location it's not a typical tourist sight, which makes the experience even more unique and personal.

The village of Bjni, surrounded by mountains and beautiful nature, can be reached by car in less than half an hour. Above the village is located Bjni Fortress, which was built in the 9th-10th centuries. Climbing up the rocky hill, a panoramic view of the Hrazdan River gorge and the surrounding landscape will open before you. The ruined fortress still preserves its historical atmosphere and captivates visitors to explore these ruins. This place combines cultural heritage and natural beauty, making it a perfect stop for history lovers and travelers.

Bjni Fortress is considered one of the notable structures of medieval fortification architecture and divides the village into two parts (Mets Bjni and Pokr Bjni). The exact time of its founding is not known. However, it is mentioned from the early Middle Ages and it is known that the Pahlavuni princes in the 10th century reconstructed the ancient fortress that stood on the rocky cliffs, turning it into a powerful fortress of medieval Armenia and an important stronghold protecting the capital city of Ani of Bagratid Armenia from the north.

The Holy Mother of God Church was built in 1031 by Grigor Magistros Pahlavuni by order of Catholicos Petros I Getadardz and King Hovhannes-Smbat, and the monastery's diocese extended from Lake Sevan to the Akhurian River, from Gugark to Bjni.