Alaverdi: The Hidden Gem in Armenia's Lori Province

• Helloբարև
  [barev]
• GoodbyeՑտես՝
  [Ts'tes]
• Yesայո
  [ayo]
• Noոչ
  [voch]
• Please/You're welcomeԽնդրում եմ
  [Khndrum em]
• Thank youՇնորհակալ եմ
  [Shnorhakal em]
• Excuse me/SorryՆերում եմ
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• How are you?Ինչպե՞ս եք
  [Inchpes ek]
• Fine. And you?Լավ եմ։ Անդ Դու։
  [Lav em. And Du]
• Do you speak English?Անգլերեն խոսեք
  [Angleren khosek]
• I don't understandԵս չեմ հասկանում
  [Es chem haskanum]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseԽմբագրել՝ խնդրում եմ
  [Khmbagrel, khndrum em]
• I don't eat meatԵս մեխ չեմ ուտում
  [Es mex chem utum]
• Cheers!Գինել։
  [Ginel]
• I would like to pay, pleaseՎճարել՝ խնդրում եմ
  [Vcharrel, khndrum em]

• Help!Օգնեք
  [Ogneg]
• Go away!Հերթ գլությամ
  [Hert glut'yam]
• Call the Police!Թեղում եմ ո՚չ
  [Teghum em voch]
• Call a doctor!Թեղում եմ բժշկի
  [Teghum em bzhshi]
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  [Arants'el]
• I'm just lookingԵս միայն դիտում եմ
  [Es miayn ditum em]
• How much is it?Քանի է դառը
  [Qani e dare]
• That's too expensiveԴա շատ է թանկ
  [Da shat e tank]
• Can you lower the price?Դու կարծիք ես դառնալ
  [Du kartsik es darnal]

• What time is it?Ի՞նչ ժամ է այժմ
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• It's one o'clockԵրկու ժամ է
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• Half past (10)Երկու է մեծածավ
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• MorningԱռավոտ
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• Afternoonառավոտ
  [aparan]
• EveningԵրեկո
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• YesterdayԵրեկ
  [Yerek]
• TodayԱյսօր
  [Aysor]
• TomorrowՎաղը
  [Vage]
• 1Մեկ
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• 2Երկու
  [Yerk'u]
• 3Երեք
  [Yerek']
• 4Չորս
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  [Vets']
• 7Յոթ
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• 9Ինը
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• 10Տաս
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• Where's a/the...?Որտե՞ղ է...
  [Vortegh e]
• What's the address?Ի՞նչ է հասցեն
  [Inch e hascen]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Դու կարկանե՞ս (քարտեզում)
  [Du karkanes]
• When's the next (bus)?Երեք ժամում է մյուսը
  [Yerek' zamum e myusy]
• A ticket (to ....)Մի գրանցում (մինչև ....)
  [Mi gran'tsum]

Alaverdi's roots trace back to ancient times, with evidence of human activity in the region dating to the Bronze Age. The area's strategic location along the Debed River made it an ideal spot for early human settlements and trade routes. Archaeological finds, including tools and pottery, reveal the presence of thriving communities long before modern history was recorded.

The 10th to 13th centuries saw the rise of significant monastic centers in and around Alaverdi. The Haghpat and Sanahin Monasteries, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, were founded during this period and became centers of learning, culture, and spirituality. These monasteries played a crucial role in the development of Armenian architecture, manuscript illumination, and scholarly activity.

The 19th and early 20th centuries marked a transformative period for Alaverdi with the establishment of a major copper smelting plant in 1770 by the Russian Empire. The plant, which utilized the rich copper deposits in the region, became one of the largest in the Caucasus. This industrial boom significantly shaped the town's development, attracting a diverse workforce and fostering economic growth.

Under Soviet rule, Alaverdi underwent extensive industrialization and urbanization. The copper plant was modernized and expanded, becoming a central component of the town's economy. Soviet architects and planners introduced new residential areas, schools, and cultural institutions, transforming Alaverdi into a bustling industrial town. The remnants of this period are still visible in the town's architecture and infrastructure.

The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 brought significant challenges to Alaverdi, including economic instability and deindustrialization. However, in recent years, efforts have been made to revive the town through tourism and cultural preservation. The rich historical and cultural heritage of Alaverdi, along with its scenic landscapes, have attracted visitors and renewed interest in the town's past.

Alaverdi is located in the Lori Province of Armenia. The nearest international airport is Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan, approximately 170 kilometers away. From Yerevan, you can take a taxi or a minibus (marshrutka) to Alaverdi. The journey typically takes around 3 to 4 hours by road. Alternatively, you can take a train from Yerevan to Alaverdi, which offers a scenic route through the Armenian countryside.

Alaverdi is a small town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Public buses and minibuses (marshrutkas) operate within the town and connect to nearby villages. Renting a car can also be a convenient option for exploring the surrounding areas at your own pace.

The official currency in Armenia is the Armenian Dram (AMD). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Alaverdi, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash in Yerevan before traveling to ensure you have enough funds.

Alaverdi is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Alaverdi. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering churches and monasteries. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Alaverdi like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Armenian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Sanahin and Haghpat monasteries, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For a unique experience, take a ride on the Sanahin cable car, offering breathtaking views of the Debed River Gorge.