On the outskirts of the Armenian city of Yeghegnadzor stands the abandoned Yeghegnadzor Knitting Factory, a remarkable reminder of the Soviet era. Built during the 1970s, the factory became one of the region’s largest employers, with hundreds of workers producing sweaters, socks, gloves, and other textile products for distribution throughout the Soviet Union. According to former employees, the factory also manufactured specialized gloves for the Soviet military.

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the factory lost its markets and production gradually came to a halt. While many former Soviet industrial sites were demolished or stripped of their equipment, this complex remained largely intact. Much of the machinery, offices, documents, and production areas have survived, offering a rare glimpse into Armenia’s industrial past.

What makes this location particularly special is that it was visited legally. During my visit, I was given a personal tour by the owner, who proudly shared the history of the factory and its importance to the local community. Thanks to his efforts, a significant part of the complex has been preserved, allowing visitors to experience what a Soviet textile factory looked like decades after production ended.