Vanadzor (Armenian: Վանաձոր, IPA: [vɑnɑˈd͡zɔɾ]) is an urban municipal community and the third largest city in Armenia, serving as the capital of Lori Province in the northern part of the country.

[3] Following the Sovietization of Armenia, the city was renamed Martunashen (Մարտունաշեն, alternatively Martunakan) in 1926 after Armenian Bolshevik revolutionary Alexander Miasnikian.

[5] The name Vanadzor is composed of the Armenian words vank (վանք, "monastery") and dzor (ձոր, "valley").

"[6] The area of present-day Vanadzor has been settled since the Bronze Age, based on the tombs and other historic remains found on the nearby hills of Tagavoranist and Mashtots.

The vicinity of the town was the site of the Battle of Karakilisa in May 1918, when General Tovmas Nazarbekian's outnumbered troops, led by Garegin Nzhdeh successfully defended the region against the invading Ottoman Army, pushed them back just a few days after the crucial Armenian victory in the Battle of Sardarapat, thus allowing the Republic of Armenia to come into existence.

[7] On the North side of the Spitak-Vanadzor highway, about 2 km (1 mi) west of the city, there is a little shrine in the ruins of a church, the site of a planned monument to that battle.

The first city development plan for Gharakilisa, initiated by architects Karo Halabyan, Mikayel Mazmanyan and Gevork Kochar, was adopted in 1929–1930.

Vanadzor, along with Gyumri and Spitak (25 km (16 mi) west), suffered a considerable amount of damage from the 1988 earthquake when 564 residents died in the city.

[citation needed] Due to the harsh conditions imposed by Soviet intelligence and the Ministry of Interior, many of the immigrants were sent to labor camps in Siberia and elsewhere.

However, many of the immigrants left the city and returned to their diaspora countries, including Cyprus, Lebanon, Syria, Greece, France and the United States.

[citation needed] While the majority of Vanadzor are ethnic Armenians, there are also small communities of Russian, Ukrainian and Greek population.

Vanadzor is the seat of the Diocese of Gougark of the Armenian Apostolic Church, serving the population of Lori province.

Although at that time any religious activity was punishable by law, followers of the Evangelical tradition continued practicing their faith and gathered secretly in basements to avoid deportation to Siberia.

Vanadzor has several archaeological sites including the nearby Mashtots hill which is home to many remains from the 4th millennium BC.

Vanadzor has also produced many famous hard rock bands including Lousnelius, Lav Eli and Vordan Karmir.

In April 2012, a replacement bridge over the Zamarlu gorge just west of Vahagnadzor was opened in order to secure the safe ongoing use of the line to Ayrum.

Many small plants for the production of building materials, mainly tufa, basalt and clay are also operating in Vanadzor.

Vanadzor is a resort center in northern Armenia due to its mild climate, clean air and mineral springs.

Vanadzor is home to many educational institutions serving the population of the city and the residents of Lori and Tavush provinces.

After the independence of Armenia, the team represented the city in domestic competitions until 2006 when was dissolved due to financial difficulties.

In 2017, a new football club named Lori was founded by Tovmas Grigoryan; a native businessman of Vanadzor.

A ski resort near Vanadzor operates during the snowy season, generally extending between December and March.