Vedi

Vedi is one of the main towns of the Ararat Region. It is located on the right bank of the Vedi river which flows through the city and is at the western part of the fertile Ararat plain. The town has an average height of 900 meters above sea level. The winters are extremely cold and snowy. 

The city is 35 km south of the capital Yerevan and 18 km southeast of Artashat. The Goravan semi-desert makes a natural border in the south of the town and the Urts mountains form natural borders of Vedi from the north.

History of Vedi 

The name of the city is derived from the Arabic word "wadi" which means valley. The former name of the city was Viti, Veti, but in 1946 it was renamed Vedi and in 1963 the city got a status of an urban settlement.

Probably the territory of Vedi has been settled since the Urartian period. The settlement was first mentioned by Historian Stephen Orbelian in his book called "History of Syunik region". 

There is a monument dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide. Its design reminds of the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial in Yerevan. Not far from the Genocide memorial, you will see another monument dedicated to the victims of World War II.

Another important cultural building of the city is the Church of St Astvatsatsin. They say it was just a small chapel in the past. A city resident (Edgar Shaboyan) built this big church with the help of his family. 

There are many cafés, restaurants and fast food stores in the centre of Vedi. This small city is also famous for its viniculture. 

The most beloved place of the locals is the bank of the Vedi River, where they like to spend their time enjoying barbecue and wine. So, if you come to Vedi, the locals will certainly invite you here.

In 2013 a new palace was built Vedi which includes the town's theatre and other cultural institutions. The theatre has its own group (since 1950), folk instruments ensemble (since 1977), dance group, brass band, and children's orchestra. The Paruyr Sevak public library of Vedi has been working since 1935. The town has also a school of music and a school of art.