Map of Stepanavan

Surb Nshan
The tiny stone church itself is less remarkable than the panoramic view afforded by the hill on the outskirts of town on which the structure nimbly balances. For very early risers, the manageable walk to Surb Nshan is colored by the stunning palette of an Armenian sunrise. Alternately, dusk invites an outdoor barbeque at the fire-pit just below the trees bedecked with the handkerchiefs and plastic bags that represent the wishes of the faithful who light candles in the church.

Surb Nshan

The tiny stone church itself is less remarkable than the panoramic view afforded by the hill on the outskirts of town on which the structure nimbly balances. For very early risers, the manageable walk to Surb Nshan is colored by the stunning palette of an Armenian sunrise. Alternately, dusk invites an outdoor barbeque at the fire-pit just below the trees bedecked with the handkerchiefs and plastic bags that represent the wishes of the faithful who light candles in the church.

The Dzoraget River
The Dzoraget River divides Stepanavan in half. For the time-strapped traveler the river can be taken in and photographed during a stroll across the bridge. For those with more time and an adventurous spirit, a walk along the river is the best option. Walking from the square, one can find a trailhead to the left of the bridge that switchbacks to the river. Keep left along the river for a scenic hike.

The Dzoraget River

The Dzoraget River divides Stepanavan in half. For the time-strapped traveler the river can be taken in and photographed during a stroll across the bridge. For those with more time and an adventurous spirit, a walk along the river is the best option. Walking from the square, one can find a trailhead to the left of the bridge that switchbacks to the river. Keep left along the river for a scenic hike.

Amenaperkich Church
Amenaperkich Church sits proudly atop a hill to the northwest of Stepanavan. Rent a bike or proceed on foot and a make an afternoon trek out of exploring this quaint little church. If the church doesnt impress you, the scenic view from atop the hill certainly will.

Cafe on the Bridge
This café, perched at the edge of the Dzoraget gorge, offers light refreshments. Traverse the cafés short bridge to enjoy a beer selected from the cooler of Stepanavans most charmingly-located shop while summer rain-clouds race over the gorge or cool off with an ice cream on a sunny day under the umbrellas on the mildly precarious terrace.

Statue
Stepan Shahumyans statue greets you as you enter the town named after this Marxist revolutionary.

Stepanavan Churches
The churches of Stepanavan and surrounding villages provide the opportunity to meditate before the glow of a narrow yellow candle. Step in to any church that happens across your path to enjoy a tranquil moment and refer to the locals for more background information.

Stepanavan Churches
The churches of Stepanavan and surrounding villages provide the opportunity to meditate before the glow of a narrow yellow candle. Step in to any church that happens across your path to enjoy a tranquil moment and refer to the locals for more background information.

Trio Restaurant
The Trio café is a local hangout where a parched traveler can grab a drink and scrumptious french fries.

Shant Cafe
Located on the second floor of an apartment block on the main street, Shant Cafe offers diners traditional Armenian fare, hosts weddings and parties, and can provide visitors with overnight accommodation.

Lori Hotel
For the traveler seeking comfort and familiarity, choose the Lori Hotel. For a reasonable price that includes a tasty breakfast, you can stay at Stepanavans most conveniently-located square-side hotel.

Market Restaurant
Locally known as a venue for weddings and parties, this restaurant offers traditional Armenian fare, including excellent kebab, at a convenient location.

Park Cafes
After visiting the sites, head to Stepanavans summer hotspot, the local park. Park yourself at one of the cafés near the parka rejuvenated Soviet amusement parkto people-watch, sip a beer, and simply appreciate how far you are from home. Here you will find local Armenians socializing, enjoying rides, and promenading in the warm summer air. Buy some sunflower seeds as you stroll through the park to blend in.

Park Cafes

After visiting the sites, head to Stepanavans summer hotspot, the local park. Park yourself at one of the cafés near the parka rejuvenated Soviet amusement parkto people-watch, sip a beer, and simply appreciate how far you are from home. Here you will find local Armenians socializing, enjoying rides, and promenading in the warm summer air. Buy some sunflower seeds as you stroll through the park to blend in.

Kilikia Bar
Adjacent to the former municipal cinema, this Soviet-era communist haunt offers an appropriately dark and symbolically red atmosphere alongside good-quality Armenian pork-chop khorovats and draft Kilikia beer at reasonable prices. Expect a warm welcome and a few shots of vodka from fellow patrons.

Stepan Sahumyan Museum
The Stepan Shahumyan Museum sits proudly at the head of Stepanavans main square. Inside, to a first-time viewer's delight, is Stepan Shahumyans original house, while on the top floor an enthusiastic traveler can enjoy local art exhibitions. It has been rumored that for the right price you can eat at Shahumyans table. You didnt hear this from us.

Stepanavan Information Center
Centrally located and home to a host of helpful resources for the foreign traveler, the Lezvi Kentron (Language Center) will immediately set you at ease with its welcoming atmosphere and staff of fluent English-speakers. Services available at the Center include area tourist information, tour packages, a comfortable homestay suitable for up to four people, a cozy café, internet access, and computer games for a rainy afternoon.

Stepanavan Information Center

Centrally located and home to a host of helpful resources for the foreign traveler, the Lezvi Kentron (Language Center) will immediately set you at ease with its welcoming atmosphere and staff of fluent English-speakers. Services available at the Center include area tourist information, tour packages, a comfortable homestay suitable for up to four people, a cozy café, internet access, and computer games for a rainy afternoon.

Anahit's Retreat
Anahits Retreat, tucked comfortably into the wooded hillside above Stepanavan, offers secluded lodging for traveler seeking to enjoy Stepanavans tranquility. A perfect day could include an early morning hike through the nearby meadows, an afternoon swim in Anahits refreshingly chilly pool, and an evening indulgence in Anahit's enchanting sauna.

Restaurant Lilia
Beautifully restaured using local materials, Restaurant Lilia, part of Anahit's Retreat, offers diners traditional Armenian and Georgian cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere at the edge of the forest. Marvel at the creative use of stone and timber while waiting for your khinkali (Georgian meat dumplings) or khorovats to arrive.

Vahagn's Retreat
Anahits poor cousin, Vahagns Retreat nonetheless offers an appealing location at the edge of the forest, overlooking the gentle valley arc of Stepanavan. In addition to its close proximity to wildflower fields and pastoral picnic sites, Vahagns Retreat offers room and board at reasonable prices.

Fairy Tale Restaurant
Indeed, the towering rock walls, lush sheltering trees, trickling river, and the crisscrossing footbridges of this intimately secluded café will evoke images of a fairy tale. The Fairy Tale Restaurant provides a lovely compliment to an afternoon at Dendropark. Although intimate, expect a lively Armenian crowd letting loose to loud, live music.

Dendropark
Stepanavans remarkable arboretum merits the short trip by taxi on account of its wide range of well-established, well-labeled trees from across Europe and Eurasia. Dendroparks curious history and charmingly untamed lawns and garden beds invite those who are fascinated by botany to explore and everyone else to arrange an impromptu picnic.

Communist Caves
To complete your tour of revolutionary Stepanavan, descend a set of crumbling, nearly-hidden stairs to the caves in the face of the Dzoraget cliffs that once served as a secret meeting point for Shahumyan and his comrades. The water that springs from the back of the largest cave is considered potable by locals and the site encourages the foreign visitor to quench his thirst for conspiracy.

Lori Berd
Refer to your guidebooks to learn more about Lori Berds long history, which helps bring to life the ruins of the 10th century fortress that once loomed above the Dzoraget gorge. The walk or taxi drive provides scenic views of the gorge and as well as shepherds with their flocks, while the vaulted stone bridge and ruins will appeal to your photographic ingenuity.

Bakeries
Been to Lori Berd? Dendropark? Take an hour away from sightseeing and locate one of Stepanavans luscious little bakeries. Stand in line with locals and when its your turn, order a tak khadjapoori (warm cheese pastry). You are sure to be greeted with a warm smile, glorious smells, and delicious food.

Bakeries
Been to Lori Berd? Dendropark? Take an hour away from sightseeing and locate one of Stepanavans luscious little bakeries. Stand in line with locals and when its your turn, order a tak khadjapoori (warm cheese pastry). You are sure to be greeted with a warm smile, glorious smells, and delicious food.

Bakeries
Been to Lori Berd? Dendropark? Take an hour away from sightseeing and locate one of Stepanavans luscious little bakeries. Stand in line with locals and when its your turn, order a tak khadjapoori (warm cheese pastry). You are sure to be greeted with a warm smile, glorious smells, and delicious food.

Bed and Breakfast
Ask the SIC for more details and help arranging accommodation.

Bed and Breakfast
Ask the SIC for more details and help arranging accommodation.

Bed and Breakfast
Ask the SIC for more details and help arranging accommodation.

Square
A central gathering place for the people of Stepanavan, the square affords an excellent view of Stepan Shahumyans back and the bridge that spans the dramatic Dzoraget gorge. It is easy to understand the appeal of the square as a meeting point and backdrop for the occasional summer concert.

Laura’s Bed and Breakfast
Laura’s Bed and Breakfast is set in a quiet Ruminakan neighborhood, a 7 minute walk from the compact and bustling town center of Stepanavan, making this the ideal choice for all visitors, especially backpackers. It has a beautiful view to the town and mountains and is in the perfect location to visit Lori Fortress. Website: www.stepanavan.net

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