Astghik Vardanyan

Lori Fortress, one of the most prominent fortresses of medieval Armenia, is once again in the spotlight. Initiated by the RA Ministry of ESCS and designed by the "Research Centre of Historical and Cultural Heritage" SNCO, unprecedented restoration of the fortress walls and site improvement works are underway.

The restoration and reinforcement works of the large and small medieval baths, located within the ancient Lori fortress-city, are nearing completion.

The restoration works of the St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Russian Orthodox Church in Amrakits (Lori region, Republic of Armenia) have been completed.

First-year Master's students of the Department of Theory, History, and Heritage of Architecture at the National University of Architecture and Construction of Armenia, within the "Restoration of Architectural Heritage" educational program, accompanied by lecturer N. Kalantaryan, made an introductory visit to the Restoration Department of Archaeological Finds at the Scientific Research Centre of Historical and Cultural Heritage.

In 2025, during the excavations of the Great Tatev Desert (expedition leader – A. Nalbandyan), an almost complete bat skeleton was discovered in the southern sacristy of the church, which was a rather interesting specimen.

The second issue of the scientific journal “Hushardzan” for 2025 has been published. This issue features articles dedicated to the preservation and restoration of cultural heritage, the study of newly discovered monuments, as well as archival documents pertaining to monuments.

On December 9th, at the initiative of the Social Studies Subcommittee of the "Mkhitar Sebastatsi" Educational Complex, a meeting was organized in the senior school library with specialists from the State Non-Commercial Organization "Research Centre of Historical and Cultural Heritage" of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports of the Republic of Armenia: Arman Nalbandyan, Anna Torosyan and Mher Khechoyan.