Pemzashen

The village was named Pemzashen in 1940 in tribute to the USSR’s largest mine of pumice, which was opened in this place. The population of the village of Pemzashen obtained the first information on the use of local stones in this area since the first day of their settlement here in the 19th century; i.e. in the period when they started to build apartments next to the church, which was already built of local stone, in the 5th-7th centuries. Pemzashen has been called Karmirkend, Matsmuju, Makhmujukh, Mahiujuk, Mahmughjuk, Mahmutchugh. The operations of the Soviet quarries of Pemzashen were launched within the framework of the public enterprise "Artiktuff." The "Pemzashen Mining Department" was founded in 1967. It was engaged in the production of extractive building stones of the Pemzashen Township.

From Gyumri Bus Station take Minibus N028 to Maralik departing at 13:25, after from Maralik take Minibus N042 to reach Pemzashen village.

• 🌍 Surb Astvatsatsin church (Holy Mother of God). The three-nave church dates back to the period of 5th-7th centuries, was used as a storehouse during the Soviet years and was partially destroyed in the 1988 earthquake. Part of it was reconstructed by the efforts of the population of Pemzashen. A liturgy is offered at the church each Sunday. The wedding ceremonies of the village also take place in that church (17th century). (updated Sep 2021)
• 🌍 Arakelots Monastery. Built in the 11th century. (updated Oct 2021)
• 🌍 Markaravank Monastery (along the road southeast to Lernakan). There's a small church of St. Sion (1001 AD). It has a domed hall composition with only western masonry․ There are Armenian niches on all four fronts. Around the church is the old cemetery of the monastery. Not so far in the gorge you can see Surb Astvatsatsin single-nave, vaulted church. (updated Oct 2021)
• 🌍 Ani overlook. One of the best views in Armenia, is looking across the Akhurian river canyon into Turkey at the ruins of the medieval capital of Armenia. Ani, the city of 1,001 churches. Once an equal to Constantinople, this city saw too many invasions and earthquakes before finally being abandoned. The seemly perfect defensive location on a cape along the river, with cliffs below much of it ended up proving no match for the huge tides of Mongols and Turks sweeping across the steppes. Today much of the monumental construction remains, while the rest of the structures have melted away with time. Huge ramparts, cathedrals, churches, bridges and a mosque stand in varying states, as a testament to the wealth and power once centered here. Even from across the river, the views are incredible, and give you pause to think about the passing of time. The soldiers in this military zone are often friendly and helpful, lending you a strong pair of binoculars, but it's much wiser to get permission from the Ministry of Foreign affairs or have it arranged by a tour guide than to show up and risk being turned away. The road to get there is in very bad condition, so be prepared for a jarring ride. Afterwards, a visit to the 7th-century Yereruyk Basilica a bit further south is worthwhile. 

• 🌍 Harichavank Monastery. A big monastery complex that has survived through the ages, and has been renovated as well, Harijavank has some fun touches. The fortified compound overlooking a river has a tiny chapel on a finger-like rock jutting up from the river. It has split off from the monastery due to an earthquake, and is now impossible to access, except for a rock climber - and a good one at that! Inside are some tiny stairwells hidden in the shadows, leading up to small prayer rooms. The ceilings have different patterns built into stone. Overall a nice, often overlooked monastery, a bit down some bad road off the Gyumri-Yerevan highway. 

• 🌍 Make your own souvenir from Armenian tufa stone, 1st street, 7th Lane, 7th House (at Stone Art Guesthouse), ☏ +37477557374, stoneartarmenia@gmail.com. Daily 08:00-19:00; reservations must be made 48 hours in advance. Class in making a miniature sculpture featuring Mount Ararat with different colors of tufa stone. (updated Sep 2021)

• 🌍 Stone Art Guest House & Camping, 1st street, 7th Lane, 7th House, ☏ +374 93 885 642. The hotel offers comfortable overnights in 6 rooms, camping space and facilities, parking for campers. (updated Sep 2021)