The Fountain of Gyumri

The fountain of Gyumri was opened in 1982. It was designed by the well-known Armenian architect Arthur Tarkhanyan, and many consider it an architectural masterpiece. The fountain worked until 1988, when the devastating Spitak earthquake struck many towns of the country. After that, the complex mechanism beneath the ground broke down, and the fountain “froze” for good. The abandoned fountain became a symbol of a once flourishing city.

The fountain looks like a giant chandelier made of many metal sheets opened out like butterflies. In this photograph it is still working: jets of water rise around the structure, and 3 cyclists ride past in front.