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. Some churches and shrines can be found in the vicinity. The village is the largest rural community in Armenia by population.

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.

Gallery

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