Seven Wounds Church

The Church of the Holy Mother of God, better known in Gyumri as Yot Verk or the Seven Wounds Church, stands on the northern side of Vardanants Square. Built from dark Shirak tuff, it is one of the city’s most recognizable religious landmarks and remains closely connected with the spiritual life of Gyumri.
The popular name “Seven Wounds” refers to the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary. Inside, the church preserves a more intimate atmosphere than the monumental Holy Saviour Church across the square, with icons, candles and active worship giving the building the character of a living sanctuary.
During the Soviet period, when many churches across Armenia were closed or repurposed, Yot Verk remained open for religious services. The 1988 earthquake damaged the building and brought down parts of its domes; traces of that history remain part of the church’s story.
Its location directly on the central square makes it impossible to separate the church from Gyumri’s everyday urban life. Worshippers, residents, tourists and events all pass around it throughout the day.
For photographers, the black tuff façade, domes and the contrast with Holy Saviour Church on the opposite side of the square create strong architectural compositions.