Urbex Armenia

Shifts in ideological paradigms, political caprice, the desire to break away from a totalitarian past, and acts of vandalism led to the dismantling or destruction of many monuments associated with communist ideology and beyond. This process accelerated after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. In this article, we will explore the statues that once adorned Armenia, only to be lost to history.

Carlus, a traveler from Spain, joined my urban exploration tour in Armenia, during which we explored abandoned places and iconic Soviet-era locations in a Lada Niva he rented locally. This tour was especially nostalgic for me, as our family car was a red Niva, bringing back fond memories. Our journey took us from an abandoned cultural house to the Byurakan Observatory, the ROT54 telescope, abandoned pioneer camp, other Soviet-era sites, and eerie, abandoned copper tunnels, uncovering some of Armenia’s most hidden gems. Here is a brief overview of our tour.

Discover the history of the 1-meter Schmidt telescope, originally commissioned by Adolf Hitler as a gift to Mussolini. After World War II, it was seized by the Soviets and later installed at Armenia's Byurakan Observatory in 1960. This telescope played a key role in the discovery of Markarian galaxies and contributed to significant astrophysical research until its decommissioning in 1991. A modern reconstruction project is now in progress.

We explored the abandoned section of the Yerevan Metro, starting with calming down some aggressive dogs and sneaking through a narrow gap. It was an unforgettable and unusual experience for me—my first time ever inside a metro tunnel. As someone who has always loved traveling around Yerevan by metro, stepping into its unfinished depths felt surreal. The damp smell, eerie atmosphere, and the promise of capturing some truly unique photos made it all worthwhile.

The Kanaz Cultural House, built in 1958, served as a vibrant hub for the Kanaker Aluminium Factory. Designed by architects Sos Manukyan and Vilen Tonikyan, it features Armenian architectural elements, sculptures by Grigor Badalyan, and striking Armavir tuff stone. Despite its rich heritage, the building has faced decades of neglect. Although restoration plans were announced in 2019, as of 2024, it remains closed and untouched, awaiting revival.

This article provides a glimpse into an extraordinary urban explorer tour I led in Armenia with Damien, a talented French photographer. We spent an unforgettable week together, discovering the remnants of Armenia’s Soviet-era past, and his creative perspective left a lasting impression on me.

During the Soviet era, Armenia, like other Soviet republics, was rich in the imagery of Vladimir Lenin. Statues, busts, mosaics, frescoes, and posters featuring the leader of the October Revolution were everywhere, symbolizing the USSR's ideology and governance. However, after the Soviet Union's collapse, Armenia’s new authorities moved swiftly to dismantle these Soviet relics. One of the first and most notable statues to be removed was Lenin’s monument in the Republic Square, yet parts of it have surprisingly endured to the present day. Let’s explore what has survived.

Soviet WWII monuments, found throughout former Soviet republics, honor the immense sacrifice and heroism of soldiers during the Great Patriotic War. Often featuring dramatic sculptures of soldiers, tanks, and eternal flames, they symbolize the victory over Nazi Germany. These monuments serve as enduring tributes to Soviet resilience, commemorating the millions who fought and died for the Soviet Union and shaping the region's collective memory and post-war identity. In Armenia, every city and almost every village has a monument dedicated to WWII. Some have gained popularity among urban explorers and photographers over time. Here is one of them:

The hammer and sickle, a symbol that defined the Soviet Union and became synonymous with communism, carries a powerful historical and ideological meaning. This iconic image, consisting of a crossed hammer and sickle, represents the unity of industrial workers and agricultural laborers, embodying the vision of a classless society built on collective labor. Its appearance on flags, public buildings, and monuments reinforced the Soviet state’s identity and spread its influence globally.

In 2025, Armenia is set to unveil the world's tallest statue of Jesus Christ, an impressive monument that will stand atop Mount Hatis in the Kotayk region. The statue, initiated and funded by businessman Gagik Tsarukyan, will be 33 meters tall and sit on a 44-meter pedestal, bringing its total height to 77 meters. This will surpass the famous Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (98 feet (30 meters) tall, and 2,340 feet (713 meters) above sea level ). Positioned at an altitude of 2,528 meters, the statue is expected to become a significant tourist attraction in Armenia.

This narrative takes you on an urban exploration mission to a Soviet-era intercontinental radio station in Armenia, intertwined with an unexpected discussion about the Duga radar. Discover the site’s historical significance, its role in Cold War-era broadcasts, and its current enigmatic state.

Explore the rich tapestry of Soviet art with this guide to Soviet monuments and statues in Armenia. From the statue of Hayk Nahapet to the statue of Vladimir Lenin, discover how these landmarks reflect the artistic and ideological spirit of their time. Journey through history with iconic Soviet monuments and experience a unique blend of cultural heritage and artistic expression. Perfect for anyone interested in tours in Armenia and exploring its remarkable artistic history.

This striking Soviet monument, officially named "Long Live the Blue and Clear Sky," stands on the shores of Aghbyurak Reservoir in Hrazdan city. When the reservoir level rises, the statue is partially submerged, creating a striking visual effect that further emphasizes its connection to the water and its mythological significance.

This abandoned cable car station is a captivating destination for urban exploration enthusiasts. The stunning views from the station and the intricate machinery inside draw urbexers from around the world. Join my guided tours in Armenia to explore this historic site, now lying in ruins.

Join my guided tours in Armenia to explore an abandoned copper mine. We’ll cross adrenaline-pumping bridges and venture into tunnels that promise an unforgettable experience and incredible photo opportunities.

During my urbex tours in Armenia, particularly in the Lori region, one of our must-see stops is the abandoned mansion of Armenian philanthropist Mikael Aramyants in the town of Akhtala. This mansion, with its rich history and architectural beauty, offers a unique glimpse into Armenia's past and is a key attraction on my urban exploration tours in Armenia. Let's delve into the story of this remarkable place.

I have visited many libraries in Armenia, but this one impressed me the most with its extensive collection of technical literature. Unfortunately, the Scientific and Technical Library of Armenia will be closed due to a highly criticized decision by the Armenian Government. Read more in the article.

Explore the abandoned Culture Palace of Jermuk, an architectural masterpiece by Martin Mikayelyan. A haven for urbexers and urban photographers, this ghostly building with its rich history, intricate sculptures, and vast interiors offers a glimpse into a bygone era.

Inside this cultural house, we discovered busts of Lenin and Shahumyan, along with a huge fresco created in 1965 by the Armenian artist R.S. Mnatsakanyan.

Armenia, a country with a rich history and diverse cultural heritage, boasts an intriguing blend of architectural styles. Among these, the Soviet modernist buildings stand out as bold expressions of a unique period in the nation's architectural and political history. Constructed primarily during the second half of 20th century, these structures reflect the ideals and aesthetics of Soviet modernism, which sought to combine functionality with innovative design.

While exploring abandoned buildings in Armenia, we discovered a looted institute with two striking bas-reliefs and remnants of research on livestock and animal nutrition. This site once played a vital role in advancing Armenia's livestock industry, focusing on animal quality and forage production.

Explore Gyumri Railway Station, Armenia's oldest rail station, known for its Soviet modernist architecture. Established in 1897, it connects Gyumri to major destinations. The station features unique design elements and serves as a historical landmark, reflecting the city's vibrant cultural heritage.

Nestled amidst the picturesque village of Sanahin, Armenia, lies the Mikoyan Brothers' Museum, dedicated to two brothers who left an indelible mark on Soviet history. This museum honors the remarkable achievements of Anastas Mikoyan, a prominent politician who rose through the ranks of the Soviet government, and Artem Mikoyan, a brilliant aircraft designer who co-created the legendary MiG fighter jets.

Karen Aghamyan's "Progress" mosaic, created in 1983, is a well-preserved and even restored work of art. It is located inside “Zangak” book store on Komitas avenue, Yerevan, and I personally find it to be one of the best mosaics of the Soviet period.

Explore Apaga Village's rich cultural heritage and its iconic House of Culture, featuring the monumental "Sasuntsiner" fresco by Sargis Muradyan.

Bas-reliefs, a form of sculpture where figures are slightly raised from a flat background, have been used throughout history to commemorate events, celebrate cultural achievements, and propagate political ideologies. During the Soviet era, these artistic expressions were extensively employed across the Union, including in Armenia, to convey the principles and triumphs of socialism while also decorating buildings to create an inspiring atmosphere.

Behind the thick vegetation, an old and mysterious-looking building stood. An abandoned cinema from a bygone era, a silent sentinel amidst the mineral springs and modern resorts.

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, numerous industrial plants, hotels, pioneer camps, cultural centers, and other establishments fell victim to looting and the ravages of time. Over the years, these sites have acquired an air of mystery and allure, making them increasingly appealing to tourists. In this article, I have selected the top abandoned places in Armenia that I have personally explored and documented, now awaiting your discovery.

Discover the remnants of Gyumri's cultural heritage by visiting this abandoned Palace of Culture, featuring the iconic mosaic Dance of Sassoon by Ferdinand Manukyan. Despite the building's decay, this artistic gem endures, capturing the essence of a bygone era.

The Soviet Union, known for its rigorous and systematic approach to education and training, established a comprehensive network of driving schools to equip its citizens with the necessary skills to navigate the country’s extensive road network. These driving schools were not merely institutions for learning how to operate a vehicle; they were an integral part of the Soviet education system and preparation for army service, reflecting the values and priorities of the era. This article will provide a brief overview of what driving classes and posters looked like in the USSR.

Soviet-era mosaics in Armenia are remarkable relics that offer a vivid glimpse into the country’s artistic and cultural heritage. Created mostly in the second half of the mid-20th century, these intricate works of art reflect the social, political, and ideological narratives of the time. Today, they stand as vibrant testimonies to a complex past, blending traditional Armenian motifs with Soviet symbolism.

Discover the Church of Saint Arsenius in Gyumri, Armenia's largest Russian church. Built in the 1870s, this historic landmark, now an abandoned church in ruins, boasts a unique design and continues to attract visitors from around the world.

Discover the history and nostalgia of a giant Soviet-era thread factory, where original machinery and rare Armenian safety posters remain intact. Experience the thrill of seeing the machines in action and explore parts of the factory that have been modernized in recent years.

The Northern Bus Station, located on the outskirts of Yerevan towards Abovyan, is a masterpiece of regional modernism designed by Armen Aghalyan and Vardan Avetisyan. Despite its damaged roof and half-empty state, this 1988 architectural gem continues to attract architecture and photography enthusiasts. Discover its unique blend of historical and modern design.

Since my earlier post about the abandoned plane located in Ashtarak generated significant interest, with many using my article as a guide to visit that location, here's another post dedicated to an abandoned plane. This time, we are heading to the shore of Tsovinar Lake to see an abandoned Tu-134 plane.

Despite its abandonment and the scattered garbage around it, this rusty iron fountain in Gyumri continues to draw tourists from around the world. Why? The answer is simple: its creator was a visionary architect whose works, even when abandoned, retain a remarkable allure. This unique fountain, with its futuristic design, promises to captivate viewers, ensuring that a photo of it will quickly go viral on the internet.

This giant carpet factory, once bustling with thousands of workers and boasting a capacity to produce 1 million cubic meters of carpet annually, now stands desolate, serving as a solemn reminder of its once illustrious past. The machinery is now being sold for scrap, casting a shadow over its former glory.

Explore the historic Yerevan Children's Railway nestled in the picturesque Hrazdan gorge. Established in 1937, this 2.1 km railway features iconic stations like "Motherland" and "Pioneer." Discover its rich history, from its inception to present-day plans for renovation and revitalization. Experience a piece of Armenia's railway heritage.

While on an urbex mission in the Aragatsotn region, Armenia, we visited this village to see their culture house! It didn’t disappoint, as inside, we saw a huge fresco!

Within the ruins of this Soviet factory lie hidden artworks, which you will discover in this article as we embark on an exploration!

Explore Armenia's World War II memorials, honoring the bravery of its people. These monuments serve as poignant reminders of sacrifice and valor, standing as a testament to their bravery and unwavering dedication to their country.

During this urbex tour, I'm exploring a 14-story building, once a bustling sanatorium during Soviet times. Today, it stands abandoned, stripped of windows and doors. Only a handful of artworks adorn the walls, serving as poignant reminders of its former glory.

This abandoned sanatorium is one of the many buildings constructed by German prisoners of war in Armenia. Let’s explore this marvelous building, which, despite being looted, made a huge impression on me!

We received information from a local stalker that there is a fascinating fresco inside this abandoned glass factory! The time has come for exploration...

Are you someone who has seen photos or videos of abandoned buildings on the internet and wishes to witness them firsthand? Then welcome to the urbex community! This article can serve as a useful guide to those who want to start urbexing! Here we jump over the wall.

Join my guided urban explorer tours to uncover a fascinating time capsule from the Soviet era. Once a thriving sanatorium offering a distinctive combination of leisure and medical services, it now stands as a relic of history, preserving the essence of a bygone era.

Explore the rich history of the Yerevan Clock Factory, founded in 1943. From stylish alarm clocks to commemorative timepieces, discover the legacy of innovation.

Once again, I find myself on an urbex mission. This article serves as a brief reflection on my exploration of the abandoned thermal power plant. It marked my inaugural experience inside such a structure, leaving me profoundly impressed.

Explore the intriguing story of a sports complex frozen in time, constructed over a decade from 1975 to 1986 with the ambition of becoming the largest sports structure in the region.

This cultural house in Armenia serves as a portal to the Soviet past, unveiling a rich architectural and cultural heritage. Remaining unrenovated, it has retained its original appearance, becoming a unique relic from the past that attracts urban explorers worldwide.

"Aragil" is an abandoned building in Victory Park, Yerevan, not far from the "Mother Armenia" monument. Since it sits atop a high hill, it offers a picturesque view of Yerevan. Unsurprisingly, it draws urban explorers, and some budget travelers even pitch tents to spend the night!

After exploring the Gagarin statue in Gagarin village and the local culture house (strangely inside I found no artworks), we delved into nearby abandoned factories. Experience our journey through photos, with a focus on Soviet warning posters that provide a captivating glimpse into the historical context of these industrial spaces.

This abandoned Soviet Culture House in Armenia, with its crumbling facade, ghostly interiors and magnificent frescoes serves as a poignant reminder of a chapter in history that has shaped the collective memory of our nation. Today, this site is featured as a key destination in my urban explorer tours in Armenia.

The time has come! I am now making a visit to one of the most stunning cultural houses in Armenia! This building, built in Soviet times, is an architectural masterpiece and can leave a lasting impression on urban explorers!

During an urbex exploration in the Ararat region of Armenia, we spotted this intriguing house in the distance and couldn't resist the urge to explore its mysteries!

This abandoned hotel on the shore of Lake Sevan, Armenia, hides one of the most amazing mosaics one can see in Armenia! A paradise for art lovers and urbex photographers!

Old Khot, also known as Hin Khot, is often referred to as the Armenian Machu Picchu due to its resemblance to the Inca citadel located in the Eastern Cordillera of southern Peru. Discover this mysterious ghost village hiking along Vorotan Gorge.

Explore the Herouni United Space Center, located in the picturesque village of Orgov, Armenia. At the heart of this serene landscape lies the iconic Radio-Optical Telescope, an engineering marvel by Paris Herouni that promises to leave a lasting impression. Additionally, uncover the story of Arev, a groundbreaking solar thermal power station designed by Herouni during Armenia's 1990s energy crisis. This abandoned site stands as a captivating testament to Armenia's Soviet-era scientific legacy and serves as a highlight of my urban explorer tours.

A visit to this culture house promises a journey into the Soviet past, revealing the charm of old movie projectors, vintage posters, a captivating fresco, and exquisite stage curtains! Join my guided tours for unforgettable impressions.

This abandoned culture house amazed me with the posters I saw inside! So far, I have explored many abandoned buildings, but this one was really good! Take a look at Soviet posters and more that we found!

While on an exploration mission in the Syunik region with G. Mattu, we decided to explore this shoe factory as well. It had a guard, probably living nearby, whom we managed to convince to let us in, and he kindly showed us around.

A true time capsule, this school, built in 1901 with the support of Gaspar Ter-Margaryan, has left an indelible mark. Unlike many abandoned buildings in Armenia, this architectural marvel remains untouched, thanks to the efforts of the locals who have preserved its rich history. Despite the school's closure in 2010, its cultural significance lives on, with hopes for restoration to transform it into a museum.

While exploring abandoned buildings in Armenia, we entered this factory where we saw a fresco of Lenin, many rusty buses, and picturesque posters on 'Civil Defense' and 'Road Safety Rules'! Urbexing in Armenia can reveal lots of interesting stuff about the country's rich industrial history!

Few urban explorers visit this abandoned place in Armenia! We stepped in to explore and found out that not much is left! Only bare walls and a few paintings...

This is a story of one Armenian statue on the Yerevan-Sevan highway, and how it found fame through a Vogue photoshoot with model Jerry Hall.

This abandoned Soviet-Armenian culture house offers a thrilling architectural design which urban explorers will definitely appreciate!

Discover Armenia's aviation history as we tour the Yak-40 aircraft, once a part of Armenian Airlines, now resting in Ashtarak city. Explore and take awesome pics in there...

This abandoned pioneer camp in Armenia is the best-preserved location of its kind that I've ever encountered. A visit to this camp will allow you to discover the striking relics, from majestic reliefs to statues of iconic characters like Buratino and Medz Mher.
The real gem awaits at the well-preserved swimming pool with mesmerizing mosaics. Join me on an unforgettable urbex journey as we unveil the mysteries of Armenia's Soviet past.

This abandoned culture house in Bjni has some of the most amazing frescoes I ever saw.

This is one of the largest Soviet posters that has made its way into modern days! A wanted gem for urban explorers...

This is a culture house from Soviet period which every urban explorer should see! A great relic for those who want to explore the "abandoned side of Armenia" and love artworks!

This historical building of Alaverdi train station not only has a unique design but also many wonderful frescoes inside. A location which is perfect for urbex photography and urban explorations...

Situated on the shore of Lake Sevan, this hotel, built during Soviet times, showcases a unique architectural design that continues to captivate tourists from around the world even in modern times. When visiting Sevan, stop by for a cup of coffee, immerse yourself in the rich history of Armenian architecture and enjoy the view that opens up from the Dining Hall

This abandoned Soviet-era factory in Armenia had a lot to offer! Two notable things we discovered during this urbex tour were a unique fresco and a 'Lenin, Engels, Marx' mosaic.

Few urban explorers have visited this Godforsaken place, we were lucky to find it. An abandoned pioneer camp perched deep in the woods made a huge impression... Today, it is one of the destinations included in my urban explorer tours.