[6] The ancient name of Vasakashen was in reference to Prince Vasak who built his palace here in the middle ages.

[9] The current territory of Vardenis was part of the Sotk canton of historic Syunik; the 9th province of Greater Armenia.

The most interesting are the Makenats monastery, the basilica in Sotk, the chapels of Ayrk and Karchaghbyur, the tombs of 3rd-1st millennia BC, the Cyclopean masonry, and the medieval khachkars (cross-stones).

In the centre of Vardenis is located the Church of Surp Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God), built in 1905, where the Armenian historian Hovhannes Tsaretsi worked.

[citation needed] Vardenis is 1,943 metres (6,375 feet) above sea level, with mild summers and cold winters.

From a morphological point of view, Masrik represents an intermountain area filled with fluvial-lacustrian deposits.

The major part of the town, i.e. alluvial-proluvial-accumulative plain, is presented by claysands, clays, sands, several subsoils.

The south-eastern part of the town sits on erosion-denudational slopes, presented by slightly eroded, poriferous basalt.

[citation needed] The Zangezur range is made up of paleogenic granitoids, volcanic and sedimentary deposits.

[citation needed] Water in Vardenis is supplied by "Akunk", "Shat Jrer" and "Akner" water-pipe systems.

Deterioration of economic potential, difficult financial situation, high unemployment rates and other problems resulted in decrease of the population.

In comparison with 1996, the population decreased by 14%, mainly due to youth migration, and consequently low birth rates.

The population of Vardenis since 1831 is as follows:[5][6] There are numerous roads to different parts of Armenia passing through the northeast, west and southeast of the town.

The Sotk gold mine which is considered to be one of the largest deposits in Armenia is located 20 kilometres (12 miles) east of the town.

[citation needed] The largest industrial firm in Vardenis is the "Samelon Vardeins Sea-Buckthorn Processing Plant" for alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, founded in 2000.

[citation needed] Lernagorts Vardenis FC was the only football club of that represented the town in domestic competitions.

They played their home games at the Vardenis City Stadium located at the western edge of the town.