Gurdjieff Walking Tour: Gyumri Historic District

Private tour in Gyumri

Tour Price : $100 Duration : 4 hours Languages: English

In the Footsteps of G.I. Gurdjieff: A Stroll Through Gyumri’s Old Streets

Tour Duration: Approx. 2.5 hours
Starting Point: Gyumri Central Square (Vardanants Square)

1. Introduction at Vardanants Square (15 minutes)
Begin the tour at Gyumri’s heart, Vardanants Square. Introduce George Ivanovich Gurdjieff, the enigmatic spiritual teacher, mystic, and philosopher born in Gyumri (then Alexandrapol). Share a brief overview of his early life, influences, and how the unique character of Gyumri's old streets shaped his worldview.
 - Gurdjieff’s formative years in Alexandropol
 - Architectural heritage of the square

2. Abovyan Street Walk (20 minutes) towards the St. Nshan church
Head towards Abovyan Street, known for its cobbled paths and 19th-century buildings. This was a common route where Gurdjieff would stroll as a young boy. Pause at notable landmarks along the street, such as the Church of the Holy Saviour, which reflects the city's resilience and spirit.

Key Talking Points:
 - Gurdjieff’s fascination with religious and mystical traditions
 - The role of Gyumri's churches in his early philosophical inquiries

3. Dzitoghtsyan Museum of Social Life and National Architecture (30 minutes)
Stop at the Dzitoghtsyan Museum, housed in a 19th-century mansion. This museum offers insight into the lifestyle of Gyumri during Gurdjieff’s time. Merkurov’s Museum, where he encountered the accident with Yezidis. Key Talking Points: The daily life of Gyumri residents during Gurdjieff’s youth Armenian family traditions and craftsmanship Reflections on how local customs influenced Gurdjieff’s teachings

5. Black Fortress (Sev Berd) (45 minutes)
Hike or drive to the Black Fortress, overlooking the city. This location, built in the 1830s, offers panoramic views of Gyumri and symbolizes the city's historical strength. Gurdjieff was known to reflect on life’s mysteries while walking here.

Key Talking Points:
 - The strategic importance of the fortress in Gyumri’s history
 - Gurdjieff’s belief in self-mastery and inner fortitude
 - Reflective moments: encourage participants to ponder their own life’s journey
 - Gurdjieff’s lasting influence on spiritual seekers worldwide
 - The symbolic importance of returning to one’s origins

Optional Add-On:
Tea and Reflection at a Local Cafe (30 minutes) End the experience with traditional Armenian tea or coffee at a nearby cafe, fostering further discussions about Gurdjieff’s teachings and Gyumri’s unique charm.

Note: Adjust the route based on group pace and weather conditions. Suitable for all fitness levels with minor uphill walking at the Black Fortress.

Gurdjieff Walking Tour: Gyumri Historic District

In the Footsteps of Gurdjieff
Duration: Approx. 1.5 hours
Starting Point: Vardanants Square, Gyumri

1. Vardanants Square (10 minutes) and the Seven Wounds
Introduce Gurdjieff, the mystic and philosopher born in Gyumri. Share how the city’s culture and architecture shaped his early years. Gurdjieff’s formative years in Alexandrapol Architectural heritage of the square

2. Kumayri Historic Distric
Walking in Gurdjieff’s favorite streets in the historic heart of Gyumri, the way he walked from the city to Arpachay river.

3. Introduction to Gyumri’s historic cultural heritage, its origin and peculiarities.
Gyumri’s 18-19th century buildings are unique and well preserved. We will discover their architectural techniques and the indigenous black tuff stone.

4. Sev-Jiam – The black church
The Sev-Jiam is mentioned in “The Meetings with Remarkable Men” from where the sick woman walked out.

6. Gurdjieff’s Birthplace (10 minutes)
Conclude at Gurdjieff’s house, where he was born and was the house of Ashugh Adash.

Optional:
Tea and Reflection (20 minutes)
End with tea at a local cafe to discuss Gurdjieff’s influence further.

Note:
The tour is adaptable to group pace and weather conditions.

Embark on a captivating journey through the historic district of Gyumri, where the legendary mystic and philosopher George Ivanovich Gurdjieff was born. Stroll along the cobbled streets that influenced his formative years and ignited his quest for deeper understanding. From the central part of the city, we will walk in Kumayri Historic District’s streets where he used to walk. Explore Gurdjieff’s childhood home, some places mentioned in Meetings with Remarkable Men, and pay your respects at his father's grave—a place of profound importance.

Join us to discover the hidden spiritual essence of Gyumri. ✨

Additional information