By Wally Sarkeesian
The town of Hrazdan is located in the northeastern part of Armenia, within the Kotayk Province. It is bordered by the Pambak mountains range from the north and the Tsaghkunyats mountain range from the southwest. The borders of the town are extended towards the east, crossing the Geghama mountains reaching up to the top of Mount Gutanasar. While passing through the town, Hrazdan River receives its tributaries; Marmarik and Aghveran rivers.

Hrazdan town has an average elevation 1675 meters above sea level. The average temperature is 4,8 °C (-9°C in January to 16,8°C in August).^[3] The annual precipitation is between 715 and 730 mm.

Education and culture

Hrazdan is home to the Humanitarian University of Hrazdan. Owned by the private sector, the university has 3 faculties: law, pedagogy and economics. As of 2009, 13 public education schools, 13 nursery schools, 1 school for special needs and several musical and sport academies are operating in Hrazdan.

The Hrazdan Dramatic Theatre was founded in 1953. The Hrazdan branch of the National Gallery of Armenia and the Geological Museum of Hrazdan are also among the prominent cultural institutions in the town. The History Museum in Hrazdan founded by Armen Aivazyan, features more than 4000 historical remnants and valuable pieces.

Many religious structures in the town are among the favoorite destinations of the visitors:

• Aghbyurak Church of the 10th century.
• Surp Stepanos (Saint Stephen) Monastic Complex of the 10th century.
• Makravank Monastery, consists of 2 churches: Surp Amenaprkich (the Holy Saviour) of the 10th century and Surp Astvatsatsin (the Holy Motehr of God) of the 13th century.
• Surp Karapet Church of Jrarat, built in 1831.
• Surp Khach (Holy Cross) Church of Kojor, built in 1861.
• Surp Mariam Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) Church of Vanatur, built in 1883.