Vardenik

For the mountain in Serbia, see Vardenik (mountain).

Vardenik (Armenian: Վարդենիկ) is a village in the Martuni Municipality of the Gegharkunik Province of Armenia, that sits along the Vardenis River. The cyclopean fort ruins of Kaftarli are located 3 km south of the village, with petroglyphs being present downhill along the bank of the river, among additional historic monuments [hy]. Some churches and shrines can be found in the vicinity.^[2] The village is the largest rural community in Armenia by population.

Vardenik Վարդենիկ
The entrance to Vardenik
Vardenik Show map of Armenia Vardenik Show map of Gegharkunik
Coordinates: 40°07′59″N 45°26′12″E
Country	Armenia
Province	Gegharkunik
Municipality	Martuni
Founded	1828-29
Elevation	1,994 m (6,542 ft)
Population  (2011)[1]
• Total	9,880
Time zone	UTC+4 (AMT)
Postal code	1418
Vardenik at GEOnet Names Server

Etymology

The village was previously known as Gezeldara, Nerkin Gezaldara, Gyuzeldara and Nizhnyaya Gezaldara.

History

The village was founded in 1828-29 by emigrants from Mush.^[2]

People

Arsen Grigoryan, singer and actor

Gallery

• 
  St. Astvatsatsin Church
• 
  The medieval cemetery of St. Astvatsatsin Church
• 
  Ishkhanavank Church
• 
  Medieval cemetery, Ishkhanavank
• 
  Ruins of the Tsaghkavank Church
• 
  Khachkars
• 
  Natural monument "Stone Fortress"