This article will focus on the capital of Armenia - Yerevan. I will tell you about the popular attractions of Yerevan with a photo and a description of where to go in Yerevan. I will tell you what to see in Yerevan in 1, 2, 3 days, as well as what to see in Yerevan and the surrounding area in 5 days and a week. The article contains my author's route around Yerevan, as well as a map of Yerevan with sights in Russian.
What to see in Yerevan for1 day
Sights of Yerevan, what to see first? Almost all the sights of Yerevan are compactly located in the city center, that is, in the areas of Freedom Square, Republic Square and the Northern Avenue connecting them.
Although Yerevan is a big city, the most popular attractions are located very compactly in the city center. To see the most interesting sights of Yerevan, you don’t even need transport, almost everything can be easily explored on foot.
I recommend taking 1-2 days to explore Yerevan itself, no more. This time is quite enough to see the main and get an idea of the capital of Armenia. If there is very little time, then you can go on a sightseeing tour of the city with a guide, I can advise (very good reviews, you will quickly see all the most in Yerevan. On the 3rd day, I recommend leaving the city and visiting popular sights in the vicinity of Yerevan.
If you wish, you can purchase a special tourist "Yerevan-card". With it, you can visit many museums for free, including the Ararat brandy factory. It also includes several excursions, discounts in cafes, restaurants and hotels, airport transfers and other goodies. The card can be bought immediately at the airport or already in the center of Yerevan at points of sale. Yerevan-card is available for 1 day, 2 days and 3 days. Prices are $29, $39 and $48 respectively.
Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator
This is the largest cathedral in Yerevan, it is located on the street. Tigran Mets directly opposite the Zoravar Andranik metro station. We just settled in this area in this hostel, so this cathedral was the first place we saw in Yerevan. By the way, the hostel is really cool with an excellent location in the city center and just a couple of minutes from the metro, but it is very budget friendly, I advise everyone.
The Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator looks very fundamental and large-scale, but the interior of the cathedral is extremely restrained and laconic. There is no such pomp as in our churches, there are no luxurious frescoes and gold. Everything is very modest. Near the cathedral there is a small nice recreation park, there are several cafes, a large children's area with attractions and a nice pond. In the photo, the cathedral can be seen just right behind the pond.
Vernissage
Vernissage is a very popular market among tourists. The trading rows here are located in the open air and stretch in four rows. On the opening day, you can find antiques, various souvenirs, crafts, hand-made goods, carpets, dishes, some old records, etc. Lovers of such goods are welcome, we just walked along the rows for the sake of interest, but we didn’t even take a photo.
Republic Square
Republic Square in Yerevan is one of the main attractions of the city. This is the central square of Yerevan, here along the perimeter there are government buildings (the government, the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs), the post office, the exquisite Marriott Hotel, the Museum of History.
The area is very beautiful and photogenic, the main feature is that the facade of the buildings here is finished with pink and white tuff. Looks very elegant.
It was here that the rallies in Yerevan were held in the summer of 2018, it was here that all important decisions were made.
The square of the republic looks especially impressive in the evening, when the lights near the buildings are lit.
Singing fountains work on the square, and they look especially good in the evening. In the dark, the streams of the fountain begin to shimmer with different shades to the music.
If you wish, take a look at state museum history of Armenia. The museum has a large collection of ancient household items, clothing, and in total there are more than 400 thousand items. cultural heritage. You can trace the entire history of the country from primitive to modern times. The cost of visiting the museum is 1000 AMD, the museum is open from 11.00 to 18.00 from Tuesday to Saturday and from 11.00 to 17.00 on Sundays. Monday is a day off.
Dalan Art Gallery
The Dalan Art Gallery in Yerevan is located on 12 Abovyan Street and is interesting because it contains the best works of more than 20 famous artists of the post-Soviet period. There are 2 floors here - on the 1st there is a souvenir shop, here you can buy a bunch of interesting handmade trifles, and on the 2nd floor there is just an art gallery.
And there is also a cafe, it is located in the inner courtyard of the gallery and is not visible from the street. To get to the cafe you need to go through the souvenir shop, at the end there will be a door to the patio. The cafe is very cozy, there is no fuss and noise, there are several tables in the open air, the prices are affordable, and the menu is decent, there is plenty to choose from.
northern avenue
The most popular pedestrian street in Yerevan, a sort of Armenian Arbat. Northern Avenue starts from Abovyan Street (this is very close to Republic Square) and stretches straight to Freedom Square.
It is always crowded here, especially in the evenings, people relax on benches, numerous groups of young people gather.
Expensive boutiques and clothing stores are concentrated on Northern Avenue, there are cafes and souvenir shops. We did not go to the cafes here, but I think that the price tag is too high.
Also, this is where the expensive Notrth Avenue hotel is located, if the budget allows, you can stay here (the rating of the hotel is very high).
And yet, they say that the most expensive and elite real estate in Yerevan is located here.
Freedom Square, Opera House and Swan Lake
This is a very popular holiday destination with locals. Pedestrian Northern Avenue will just lead us to Tumanyan Street, where this square is located. A cozy recreation area has been designed here, many open cafes, a beautiful pond with benches around the perimeter and a photogenic bridge to nowhere, good infrastructure and shops nearby. Often here you can meet mothers with strollers and old people with newspapers.
And next to the lake there is an interesting art object, next to which everyone strives to take a photo.
Cascade
The cascade in Yerevan is, perhaps, the calling card of the city. Most tourists, arriving in the capital of Armenia, rush here. The cascade is a construction of several tiers of stairs, they are built of white tuff and look very photogenic.
Initially, the purpose of the cascade was to connect the Upper and Lower cities. From the very top of the cascade, a stunning panorama of the city opens up with its architecture and picturesque hills on the horizon.
In clear weather, viewing the city from the height of the cascade is a pleasure.
There is a small square in front of the cascade, the decorations of the square are interesting and creative modern sculptures and figures. The area in front of the cascade pleases with well-groomed flower beds, fountains, benches for relaxation and cafes. In general, a cool area to relax, you can leisurely walk and take pictures.
You can climb the cascade on foot to the very top, or you can use a special escalator (it's free).
The entrance to the escalator is located inside the building to the left of the cascade (if you are facing it). You can stop at any of the several spans of the elevator, and go outside, to any tier of the cascade, very convenient.
On the intermediate tiers of the cascade, you can also find entertaining modern art objects. The escalator does not operate in the evenings.
Even if you don’t want to take the escalator up, I still recommend looking inside the building – there are interesting art objects and various installations on each flight, you can visit exhibitions. Well, there is also a free toilet inside the building).
You can come to the cascade both in the morning and in the evening. It is hot here during the day, there is nowhere to hide from the scorching sun (if you are relaxing in Yerevan in the summer). In the evening, a beautiful backlight turns on.
Matenadaran
Matenadaran is a large museum of ancient manuscripts in Yerevan. The building of the Matenadaran seemed to me somehow strict and monumental, the laconic gray colors on the facade already from the threshold seem to tell us about the seriousness and significance of the exhibits stored behind its walls. Matenadaran is one of the largest repositories of ancient manuscripts in the world!
The museum was built in 1920 and now there are more than 2 thousand ancient books and more than 17 thousand ancient manuscripts. The museum is located not far from the Cascade on a small hill on Mashtots Avenue, 53.
The entrance ticket to the Matenadaran costs 1000 drams, you can take an audio guide if you wish. The museum is open from 10.00 to 16.00 from Tuesday to Saturday. The day off is Monday and Sunday. If you like such places and are ready to spend a couple of hours exploring, then be sure to visit the museum.
Victory Park and Mother Armenia Monument
Victory Park is located near the Cascade, and is located high on a hill. This place, as well as the cascade, is an excellent observation deck. The main attraction in the area is a huge 54-meter statue of Mother Armenia. This monument was built in honor of the victory in the Great Patriotic War, inside there is a museum of the Great Patriotic War, and outside you can see samples of weapons. The museum is open from 10.00 to 17.00 from Tuesday to Friday, and from 10.00 to 15.00 on weekends. Admission is free, but if you want to take pictures, you will have to pay 500 AMD.
Next to Victory Park is a cool Radisson Blue hotel, on the top floor of which there is a panoramic restaurant "Ad Astra", the price tag of course bites, but it's definitely worth it.
Lovers park
The Lovers' Park in Yerevan is a cozy city park, which is located on Baghramyan Avenue. For some reason, the park is undeservedly bypassed and not mentioned as part of a walk around Yerevan, but in vain. The park is very well-groomed, there is a lot of greenery and benches, there are several art objects, a small amphitheater, a pond, a cafe, the backlight turns on in the evening. And there is free Wi-Fi. You can walk to the park of lovers on foot from the Cascade, or you can take the metro and get off at the Marshal Baghramyan metro station, the entrance to the park is right next to the metro exit.
In the park of lovers, exhibitions, festivals, and outdoor film screenings are often arranged. The park was founded in the 18th century and changed its name several times during its history (Kozern Garden, Pushkin Garden, Barekamutyun Garden). The park received its current name in 1995.
Interestingly, in the period from 2005 to 2008, the park was completely reconstructed at the expense of the patron, and the French architect was involved in the development of the project. He took into account all the details and even followed the Japanese gardening rules, which is probably why the park blended so well into the urban environment and turned out to be insanely cozy.
House-museums of famous Armenian figures of art and culture
If you wish, you can visit, for example, the house-museums of the artist Martiros Saryan or the house-museum of the writer and poet Hovhannes Tumanyan.
Charles Aznavour Square and Royal Tulip Hotel
Charles Aznavour Square is one of the most beautiful squares in Yerevan. It is located at the intersection of Abovyan and Tumanyan streets and has an interesting semicircular shape. In the center are fountains symbolizing the 12 signs of the zodiac. There is also a large chessboard with chess and interesting sculptures of a bull and a spider. A variety of youth events and concerts are often held on the square.
The square was built back in 1924, but then it was called "Moskva Cinema Square". The square received its current name only in 2001. She was named after the famous singer and composer Charles Aznavour, who is very much loved in Armenia, although he was born and grew up not in Armenia, but in France in a family of Armenian emigrants. By the way, Charles Aznavour was personally present at the opening of this square.
And here is the oldest hotel in Yerevan - the Royal Tulip Grand Hotel Erevan, it used to be called "Hotel Yerevan" and was built already in 1924. “Royal Tulip” is not only the oldest, but also one of the most expensive and most elite 5 star hotels in Yerevan.
What to see in Yerevan for2 days
Where to go in Yerevan? I continue the story about interesting places in Yerevan and where to go what to see in Yerevan on the second day.
Blue Mosque
If I am not mistaken, now this is the only functioning mosque in Yerevan, it is the center of the Iranian community in Armenia. The Blue Mosque is located opposite the City store on Mashtots Avenue, 12. The building is nice, quiet, not crowded, I especially liked the blue mosaic on the walls.
You can look here along the way if you are heading, for example, to the Kond area. The doors of the mosque are open from 10.00 to 18.00.
Brandy factories "Ararat" and "Noy"
Cognac is another visiting card of Armenia. Surely, every tourist, returning home, brings a bottle of branded Armenian cognac from Armenia. There are two popular brandy factories "Noy" and "Ararat" in Yerevan. They are located opposite each other on Admiral Isakov Avenue. You will definitely see them when you drive from the airport to the center.
The factories not only produce, they also conduct tours here, they will tell you the history of the factories, show the process of cognac production. The tour must be booked in advance, all relevant information can be found on the websites of these plants. You can sign up just for a tour, or you can go on a tour with a tasting of cognacs. The price tag is different - 4500 AMD for a tour with a tasting of 3 and 5 year old cognacs and 10,000 AMD for a tour with a tasting of 10, 20 and 30 year old cognacs.
District Kond
The Kond district is the oldest part of the city. When you get here, you understand what Yerevan used to be like many years ago. The Conde district is a labyrinth of narrow woven streets, low old houses, and paved tiles. Many consider the Cond area to be a slum area, but this is not at all the case, it is simply the old part of the city. It was built back in the 19th century, and then in Soviet times they built new town, that is, the Yerevan that we see today.
Ordinary people, ordinary families live in the Kond area, it is absolutely safe here, children play in the streets. If you like such motifs, then you will definitely like it here. Personally, the area seemed to me very colorful, photogenic, I liked watching the local children, the grandmothers on the benches. Even managed to chat with friendly locals.
Tsitsernakaberd
This is a memorial complex to the victims of the Armenian genocide of 1915. Those who are well acquainted with history will remember that at that time it was exterminated over a million innocent Armenians. The place is sad, but very significant for Armenians, people still come here to lay flowers at the memorial.
The most significant place of Tsitsernakaberd is a large 44-meter stele, and next to it is a wall of mourning and an eternal flame where flowers are laid. The Museum of the Genocide is also located here.
Tsitsernakaberd is located on a hill, a little further from the city center. If you have a great desire and a lot of free time, you can walk there, but it takes a long time to walk from the center (more than an hour for sure), it is better to take a taxi. A trip to the Yandex taxi from the center from the station. Zoravar Andranik metro station will take 10 minutes to Tsitsernakaberd and will cost only 700 drams. If you find yourself in the area of cognac factories (and they are the closest to the memorial), then the trip will be even cheaper, about 500 drams.
The territory of the complex is very well-groomed, a lot of greenery. And from the height of the hill, a panorama of the city opens up, although in my opinion, the views from the cascade are much more spectacular. You need to come to Tsitsernakaberd consciously if you want to look here just for the sake of observation deck, then it makes no sense.
Shangri La Casino
I cannot fail to mention this unspoken attraction of Yerevan. We passed this chic casino on the way from Sevan to Yerevan, it is located just 2 km from the city on the Sevan highway. Walking from the center is not an option, a taxi is better.
This is an elite institution, the main contingent here is wealthy people and golden youth. Shangri La Casino consists of two halls: the casino itself and the gaming club, where there are slot machines. Entrance to the gaming club is free, but the entrance to the casino is paid. At the first visit, you will have to pay 24,000 AMD for entry (about $50), and later you need to pay 46,000 AMD for entry in exchange for game chips (about $100). The casino has several bars and an expensive restaurant with Italian and Armenian cuisine. Inside the casino there is a concert stage where various show programs are held, as well as musicians perform here. The interiors of the hall are luxuriously chic.
Erebuni Fortress
Erebuni Fortress, or to be more precise, the ruins of Erebuni Fortress are located on the outskirts of Yerevan. If you have the desire and time, you can ride there, but there is nothing special about this place. A view of Yerevan opens from the hill, but the ruins do not carry any special aesthetics. The Erebuni Museum operates on the territory. The cost of the entrance ticket is 1000 AMD. Open from 11.00 to 17.00 from Tuesday to Saturday. If you are going there, it is better to take a taxi, it is a bit far on foot (about 4 km from the railway station)
What to see in Yerevan for3 days (4 days)
What to see in the vicinity of Yerevan? On the 3rd and 4th day, I recommend leaving the city and seeing popular sights in the vicinity of Yerevan. Many places can be reached independently by bus or taxi. I will soon tell you more about how to get around Armenia by buses and taxis in my blog. You can also book a tour.
I will list interesting places in close proximity to Yerevan, you can safely visit them during the day, and return back to Yerevan for an overnight stay. In general, Yerevan is very convenient to use as a base place from which you can make radial trips to the sights of Armenia.
Route number 1: Yerevan – Etchmiadzin – Zvartnots – Yerevan
(on your own by car / bus you will need half a day or you can visit as part of )
Route number 2: Yerevan – Garni – Geghard – Yerevan
(by car it will take half a day, by public transport it will take a whole day, but you can see everything in frames)
Temple of Zvartnots (15 km west of Yerevan)
This is the brightest monument of medieval Armenian architecture. Beautiful photogenic medieval columns have been preserved here, sometimes local artists sing beautiful songs for groups of tourists.
Etchmiadzin(20 km west of Yerevan)
Holy Etchmiadzin is one of the most important spiritual centers of Armenia and the residence of the Armenian Catholicos (that is, the Supreme Patriarch). Etchmiadzin is located just 5 km from Zvartnots, there is a beautiful cathedral, a well-groomed green area, it's nice to take a walk. Entrance is free.
Temple of Garni(30 km east of Yerevan)
This is a pagan temple of the Hellenistic era, and one of the most popular attractions in Armenia. The temple was built in a picturesque place above the gorge of the Azat River, by the way, you can walk down the gorge and look at the bizarre rocks. Entrance: 1 000 AMD.
Geghard Monastery (40 km east of Yerevan)
This is a beautiful rock monastery, located 10 km from the temple of Garni. Some of the temples are completely hollowed out inside the rocks. And the very area in which the monastery is located is very picturesque - sheer cliffs, a narrow gorge, beautiful views. Public transport does not go there. Entrance: free.
What to see in Yerevan in 5 days (6.7 days)
Sights of Yerevan and environs. What can you see in Yerevan if you have a lot of time left? I suggest several routes:
Route number 1: Yerevan – Khor Virap – Areni-Noravank – Tatev – Yerevan
(by car you can quickly see in 1 day, it is very difficult to do such a route by public transport, you definitely can’t make it in 1 day, you can visit as part of or excursions).
Route number 2: Yerevan – Armenian Alphabet Monument – Amberd Fortress – Lake Kari and Mount Aragats – Bureaukan Observatory – Yerevan
(it will take 1 day by car, it is almost impossible to do such a route by bus, you can visit within the framework)
Route number 3: Yerevan – Tsaghkadzor – Lake Sevan – Yerevan
(by car you will have time in half a day, by public transport 1 day, you can visit within the framework)
Monastery Khor Virap (40 km south of Yerevan)
This place is amazing in its beauty and atmosphere. From here you have the best view of Mount Ararat in all its grandeur. Entrance: free.
Areni village
Not far from Khor Virap there is a small village of Areni, there is a winery there, you can go for a tasting, you can also see the Areni cave. And after we start to the Noravank monastery.
Noravank Monastery (120 km south of Yerevan)
It is located in an amazingly beautiful place high on a hill in the gorge of the Arpa River among the majestic red rocks. The road to the Monastery is very picturesque, at first it winds through the gorge, and then along a small serpentine it climbs the hill right to the foot of Noravank. Entrance: free.
Tatev Monastery (270 km from Yerevan)
After visiting Noravank, we move towards Tatev, in my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful places throughout Armenia. There is amazing nature, beautiful on the mountain and one of the longest cable cars in the world "Wings of Tatev"
Amberd Fortress, Lake Kari and Mount Aragats
Aragats is the most high mountain Armenia, and near the alpine lake Kari Lich. On the way to the lake, we watch the ancient fortress of Amberd, and in the evening we stop by the Burokan observatory to watch the stars.
Lake Sevan(70 km from Yerevan) - this is the largest lake in Armenia, otherwise it is called the Sevan Sea, in the summer you can swim here, sunbathe on the beach, but the rest of the time you should come to taste the delicious fish (Sevan ishkhan) in one of the restaurants.
Tsaghkadzor(60 km from Yerevan) - in winter there is a good ski resort, and in summer you can come just to ride the cable car and take a walk.
Map of Yerevan with sights in Russian
For convenience, you can see the sights of Yerevan on the map in Russian.
Excursions in Yerevan and around
If you do not have time to independently plan a route around Yerevan, then you can easily buy an excursion, since there are more than enough excursions here. I made a selection interesting excursions in Yerevan in Russian from local residents:
That’s all for me, in the article I tried to describe all the sights of Yerevan known to me, which are definitely worth a visit if you are in Armenia for the first time. When you go on a trip, do not forget to insure yourself. Personally, I always insure for , great service with great prices).
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Margaret, thanks for the info.
I'm going to visit this city in the summer.
You probably have the most sensible note on the topic, and even with a “live” map (just what the doctor ordered, otherwise you always have to collect everything yourself, in fact, for this - a deep bow to you :).
I will somehow (I don’t know when) describe my trips, I will definitely take this moment into service. Very sensible.
I’ll dig additional descriptions of objects on the Internet, of course, but there’s not much to see there, as I understand it, so ... take a walk for the soul.
Nevertheless, “for the collection” I will look there, anyway, the hotel is already booked. I was there on a business trip in 1994, but the city was not in the best shape then (but at that time there was little in the country in the "best shape"), and there was no time to walk especially around it.
Hint: on your map, the icon denoting the Erebuni fortress has “flew away” away from the real position of the fortress - correct it when the time comes. I haven't looked at the other objects yet, but this one is just immediately noticeable.
Hint 2 (as you noted in your last “it would be helpful” comment):
Objects from Google maps (from any, including yours) are downloaded in *.kml or *.kmz format - this is a common feature of Google maps.
These are special formats in which the points marked on the map are described in text form (point coordinates, name, description, and a number of other parameters, for example, the icon of the object, or rather, a link to it, etc.).
Sequencing:
1. Open a large Google map (opens in a separate window/tab).
2. Click on the "menu" (three vertical dots) on the red bar at the top left of the window.
3. Select the item "Download KML" (it is lower).
4. Select download options (by default, the KMZ format is downloaded, if you check the box, then KML).
5. Save the file on your computer/smartphone.
6. In the same formats, downloaded points can be imported into many other navigation programs. I don’t know specifically about maps.me (I don’t use it), but most likely there should be such an opportunity, the program is popular (something like “import objects ...” and select the desired (previously saved) file with points).
This is for those who do not know how, but who need it.
In principle, if you don’t mind, then you yourself can download this file (from your own card), upload it to your server and give a link to it to those who wish (right in the note), anyway, it’s not difficult to download it for others.
By the way, you can also number and color your points directly on the maps.
If you need, drop me a line, I'll tell you how at your leisure.
One of the oldest cities in the world. It was founded in 782 BC on an ancient plateau of volcanic origin, the height of which reaches 1300 meters above sea level. Most of the buildings are built of tufa, a pinkish volcanic stone. That is why Yerevan is sometimes called the "pink city".
Probably, the first thing that many associate Yerevan with is Mount Ararat(on the map). It is located about 121 kilometers from the capital of Armenia in Turkey. According to the Old Testament, it was to this mountain that Noah once moored on his ark. Ararat is a huge volcanic massif, which consists of two already extinct volcanoes: Big and Small Ararat. The distance between them is 11 kilometers.
At the foot of Ararat, on the very border with Turkey, there is a monastery Khor Virap(on the map). The first temple appeared here in the 7th century. It was built on the site of a dungeon where, 400 years earlier, St. George the Illuminator, highly revered by the people of Armenia, was imprisoned. Unfortunately, the temple has not survived to this day. The earthquake severely damaged the building, so in the 17th century it was decided to build a new monastery building.
One of the main attractions of Yerevan - (on the map). This is an architectural complex consisting of stairs, sculptures, obelisks, fountains and flower beds, which is located on the slopes of the Kanaker hills. The cascade starts in a small square and goes up. It resembles a multi-tiered pyramid, and from the very top a fabulous view of the city and Mount Ararat opens up. To climb the Cascade, you will have to overcome a staircase of 675 steps. If there is no time for such an ascent, then you can use the elevator inside the complex, which will immediately raise two-thirds of the entire height of the Cascade.
During the period from 1915 to 1917, the Turks killed almost one and a half million Armenians, so it became an important place of memory for all the inhabitants of the country (on the map).
The two-storey museum with three halls is underground. Documents and photographs are exhibited here, which tell in detail about the events of that time. The museum is open every day except Monday. Entrance for each visitor is free.
Republic Square is always crowded in the evenings. Residents of the city and tourists come here to see a bewitching sight - Singing Fountains(on the map). Fountains "dance" both to national music and to popular international hits. The "dance" is accompanied by lighting effects, and the performance always ends with the song "Eternal Love" by Charles Aznavour.
Connoisseurs of strong alcoholic drinks should definitely sign up for a tour Yerevan brandy factory, which takes place twice a day (on the map). During the tour, you can visit the factory museum and learn the history of the world-famous drink. They say that one of the connoisseurs of Yerevan cognac was Winston Churchill.
The city, located in two landscape zones on the left bank of the Araks River, is the oldest city in the world. Its history began with the fortress of Erebuni, which was founded by the king of the ancient state of Urartu - Argishti I. Reliable information about this was discovered during the dismantling of the ruins: a cuneiform text on a massive stone slab contained a message about the construction of the fortress. Judging by the remains of the fortress, Erebuni was in the place where the southern outskirts of Yerevan are now located. The city of unique buildings made of multi-colored tuff, having survived more than one tragedy, began to actively develop and grow after joining the USSR, turning over the decades into the beautiful capital of Armenia. The unique sights of Yerevan, embodying the past and present, attract a keen interest of tourists.
Not every capital of the world can boast of such a unique structure as the Grand Cascade architectural and stair complex. The grandiose construction of incredible beauty and originality is a bright modern landmark of the capital of Armenia. A multi-stage staircase made of tuff of noble shades descends from the top of the Kanaker hills to Tamanyan Street, where a monument to the national architect of Armenia A. I. Tamanyan is installed in the square.
The staircase connecting the upper districts of the city with the lower ones is the center of the entire cultural and architectural complex, which includes fountains of amazing beauty, monuments, obelisks, museums, parks and squares. The construction of the Cascade began in the 80s of the last century and was completed only in 2009. The objective reasons for such a long-term construction were the terrible earthquake of 1988, the collapse of the USSR and the problems that piled on the country. The stopped construction was resumed in 2002, when an American with Armenian roots, J. Cafesjian, acquired the rights to it.
According to his plan, rooms for a gallery of ancient art were equipped under the stairs, and the upper part of the Cascade became a place for demonstrating the works of contemporary artists. Now there are interesting sculptures of modern avant-garde artists, in particular, Fernando Botero (South America). His expressive sculpture "Black Cat" evokes rave reviews from the public.
Blue Mosque
The symbol of Iranian-Armenian friendly ties, the Blue Mosque, so named because of the color of the dome lining, was erected in 1766 by order of the governor of the Erivan Khanate Qajar on an area of 7 thousand square meters. m. Now it is the largest functioning mosque in the entire Caucasus. Initially, the building of the mosque had 4 minarets, of which only 1 has survived to this day.
Three domes rise above the Muslim cathedral, lined with blue faience tiles with majolica. The minaret, 24 m long, is located in the southeastern wing of the mosque, where pavilions (28) are also located; in the northern wing - a library where those who wish to study the Persian language; and an exhibition hall displaying various Muslim arts and crafts.
The southern part of the cathedral is a large prayer hall, where Yerevan Muslims come for festive prayers. The inner courtyard of the mosque, overshadowed by a century-old mulberry tree, a favorite place of the genius of Armenian poetry Yeghish Charents during his lifetime. In Soviet times, the building of the mosque was occupied by the Museum of History and Nature, then by the planetarium, but since 1995 the Blue Mosque has again become an active center of spiritual Muslim culture.
House Museum of Aram Khachaturian
Khachaturian's music has absorbed the Caucasian temperament, oriental sadness, sincere tenderness, fiery passion, majestic restraint and the brightest expressiveness. Suffice it to recall his uniquely exciting waltz to Lermontov's drama "Masquerade". Is it possible to listen indifferently to the truly magical "Saber Dance" from the ballet "Gayane", the striking rhythm of which is combined with the lyrical beauty of sound?!
All the music of the great musical genius will long excite the hearts of listeners. Despite the fact that the composer, conductor, musician and arranger did not always live in Armenia, he did a lot for ancient Armenian folk music, breathing new life into it. Grateful countrymen opened the Khachaturian Museum in the year of his departure (1982) in the house where his older brother Vaginak lived
After the opening, all the years the museum is replenished with exhibits related to Aram Ilyich. Literally from all over the world they are given by admirers of the genius composer's talent. An example is the story of the Pleyel piano. During the composer's tour in Brazil, he was invited to visit by the famous antiquary of Sao Paulo - Mostijyan, who bought a musical instrument on this occasion. Khachaturian played on it, and then, at the request of the owner, he scrawled his autograph on the piano lid.
- – get to know and fall in love with the city in 2 hours (€ 15 per person)
- – get acquainted with the history of paganism and Christianity in Armenia on excursions to religious shrines (€ 17 per person)
- – visit the main squares, see the Swan Lake and look into the Museum of Modern Art (€ 18 per person)
- – the main thing about the history and architecture of the city, a master class in the carpet museum and the secrets of Armenian cognac (€ 22 per person)
- – Khor Virap and Noravank monasteries, Areni cave, wine tasting: historical and scenic trip (€ 25 per person)
Zoo
The most picturesque place with rich flora and fauna is the zoo, founded back in 1941 at the suggestion of Professor Sarkisov. The war stopped large-scale construction for 4 years, but then active work began on equipping the zoo on 25 hectares. As a result, a superbly designed area with enclosures, pools, sculptures, fountains, children's carousels was formed.
About 2,500 various trees, 3,000 ornamental shrubs and perennial flowers were planted here. Now the zoo is a real oasis, where almost 3,000 individuals of three hundred species live, including mammals, birds, reptiles, invertebrates, and fish. The composition of the inhabitants is constantly expanding: in honor of the 70th anniversary of the zoo, ibexes, mandrills (a type of monkey), lemurs, flying dogs from Egypt, which now give healthy offspring, were purchased.
Zookeepers try to create an environment as close as possible to wildlife: treats for animals are hung up or packed in cardboard boxes so that the animals move actively, “getting” food. On holidays, the zoo turns into an arena of interesting performances, attractions, animation performances and various shows. All visitors, regardless of age, expect only positive emotions and unforgettable impressions here.
Erebuni Fortress
Like any city with an ancient history, Yerevan has its ancestral home in the form of the thousand-year-old ruins of the prehistoric Erebuni fortress, located on the Arin-Berd hill and covering an area of 100 hectares. Judging by the remains of fortifications, the city-fortress was created on a scale worthy of a strong and influential ruler, such as King Argishti I (782 BC) in the ancient state of Urartu. Such a conclusion can be drawn from the largest buildings of Erebuni - the royal palace and Susi temple, where luxurious highly artistic murals, exquisite ornaments made with expensive paints have been preserved.
The most valuable exhibit is a piece of a slab on which a text informing about the founding of the fortress is engraved in cuneiform. Many ancient relics illustrating the civilization of Urartu are located in the Erebuni Museum, located on one of the slopes of the hill. In the ancient fortress, everything is imbued with mysterious mysteries that have not been fully revealed, so it attracts thousands of pilgrims.
The way up is not so easy, so you need to calculate your physical capabilities. There is still no developed infrastructure here: you need to take water and food with you when going up to the fortress. Despite these inconveniences, touching the distant past leaves a deep emotional imprint on the soul.
Monument "Mother Armenia"
The Second World War did not bypass Armenia, which sent to the front many of its citizens who gave their lives for the victory in the war against fascism. The Mother Armenia monument is a logical embodiment of the idea of peace, expressed in the theme of majestic sculpture. Once upon a time, on the site of this monument, there was a statue of Stalin, which crowned the avenue of the same name, which replaced Armenian Street.
Unlike the sculpture by Mamaev Kurgan, “Mother Armenia” sheaths the sword, and does not hold it above her. This gesture and the shield lying at her feet are symbols of peace, a conditional call to life without war. Unfortunately, at the end of the 80s of the last century, Armenia again had to go through the horrors of a terrible fratricidal war in Nagorno-Karabakh.
At the foot of the monument, the Museum of the Armenian Ministry of Defense is opened, where military trophies, personal belongings, uniforms and portraits of war heroes are exhibited. Unique archival documents, weapons, front-line letters from soldiers are presented. Next to the sculptural monument is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, on which the Eternal Flame burns. A huge number of people of different ages flock here on memorable dates for Armenia.
Museum of the Armenian Genocide
On one of the green hills in the vicinity, the Genocide Memorial Museum is open, dedicated to the unprecedented atrocities shown by the Turks against the Armenians from 1915 to 1922. Over the years, almost 1.5 million Armenians living in the territory of the Ottoman Empire died in the massacre. It was a cruel revenge of innocent people for the defeat of the Turks in the battles near Sarykamysh with the Russian troops, who were assisted by the Armenians. The whole world recognized that it was genocide by the Turks and condemned the Young Turk government for its insane cruelty.
By the 80th anniversary of the terrible tragedy, a 2-story building was built, symbolically almost completely located underground, like a burial crypt. Allegorical is the form of the internal structure in the form of circles of hell, which the unfortunate victims of the genocide, who died under the knives, had to go through. The semi-basement premises of the first floor are reserved for administrative and technical services, a library, an archive and a storage facility. There is also a conference hall that can accommodate 170 people.
All museum exhibits are placed in 3 halls of the 2nd floor with a total area of 1000 sq. m. It is impossible to see mournful photographs without emotional excitement; read newspaper headlines; flipping through books about brutal executions.
The name of the extraordinary artist and stage director Sergei Parajanov became widely known to the Russian public only at the beginning of perestroika. Prior to this, the avant-garde works of a talented creator with an unusual artistic worldview were not popularized in the USSR. His film Shadows Disappear at Noon was an emotional shock to moviegoers, as was The Color of Pomegranate.
The house-museum is located on a high cliff above the gorge, from where you can see the enchanting surrounding landscapes. The 2-storey building was built specifically for the artist, who did not have time to live in it. One of Parajanov's close friends, Sargsyan, having become the director of the museum, is painstakingly working to expand the collection.
The photographs of the last 14 years of the life of a genius, taken by Sargsyan, give a broad idea of the great son of Armenia. His original collages, paintings, installations reveal the rich inner world of the artist, help to better understand the meaning and ideas of his works. Here, the gray reality, from the angle of the artist's special vision, turns into a bright, joyful, life-affirming atmosphere.
Singing Fountains
A delightful sight in the center is the Singing Fountains, a man-made miracle of Armenian design engineers and architects who decorated the main square of the capital with their brainchild. The water-musical extravaganza, which begins in the evening, attracts crowds of residents and guests of the city. Fascinated by the magical play of light and soulful music, to the beat of which multi-colored jets of water move, people look as if spellbound at the perfect creation of the human mind and hands.
The merit in the creation of a unique structure belongs to a group of enthusiastic engineers led by a well-known professor in the country, Doctor of Technical Sciences Abrahamyan. They took the "singing" fountains of Germany as a basis, adding their technical "zest" and created a real masterpiece of this kind. The musical accompaniment includes magnificent examples of classics, national motives, rock and pop music at its best.
A stunning evening show at the end of the curtain is accompanied by the immortal chanson of the great countryman of the Armenians Charles Aznavour "Eternal Love". We must pay tribute to the French diaspora of Armenians for the restoration of fountains in 2007, in which a lot of money was invested. Thanks to this, the wonderful "Singing Fountains" continue to captivate and enchant the inhabitants.
As in other European capitals, in Yerevan, along with classical monuments of the past, there are avant-garde sculptures by contemporary authors, installed at the foot of the Grand Cascade. One of these sculptures is the “Man of Letters” by the Spanish modernist sculptor and artist Jaume Plensa, already well known in Europe for his unique works. “The Man of Letters” is a reduced copy of a French sculpture 8 m high (there are several such copies in the world).
The sculpture of a seated man is made of metal (stainless steel) letters of the Latin alphabet, chaotically connected into a single whole by welding. An unusual sculpture is irresistibly beautiful when it shines, penetrated by the rays of the sun, like a beacon of reason and knowledge. It is this meaning that the author put into his creation and did not lose. Sculptures installed in Moscow, Paris, Andorra enjoy the constant interest of the public. Residents have a reverent attitude towards their "Man of Letters".
Anyone who has been to Yerevan and seen the main sights, believed that all the interesting things are behind. But when he saw the Temple of Zvartnots, he was shocked to the core by the luxurious architecture of the ruins. The monumental beauty of the structures of the archaeological reserve, which Zvartnots is now, is simply stunning. It seems that there is nothing more beautiful in architecture than these ancient remains of the temple of "Heavenly Angels" (as Zvartnots sounds in translation).
The excavations carried out here revealed the priceless ruins of temple buildings erected under the Catholicos Nerses III in 641-661, known under the nickname "Builder". Judging by the surviving magnificent columns with numerous decorations, this nickname was fully justified. According to legend, during the visit of the Byzantine emperor, he was so struck by the majestic beauty of the temple that he immediately wished to build the same in Constantinople. On the way, the invited architect died, and the emperor's plan did not materialize.
The temple was a round domed building made of light gray and black tuff, with three tiers with a total height of 49 meters and a diameter of the 1st tier of 35 m. The temple was based on a huge stepped pedestal, which has survived to this day in some places. A semicircle of 6 columns formed a cross inscribed in a circle, which symbolized the World. The lower tier of the temple was surrounded by a frieze with an intricate patterned bas-relief depicting pomegranate branches and vines, symbolizing the development of the world and man.
Parts of the premises of the palace of the Catholicos remained, by which one can judge its former grandeur. The ruins of the winery with large ceramic containers testify to the scale of wine production. Archaeological and restoration work is currently ongoing on the territory of the ancient temple so that such beauty does not irrevocably become a thing of the past.
Freedom Square
Freedom Square appeared in the city at the beginning of the 20th century. Its main decoration - the Academic Opera and Ballet Theater - was built in 1933 on the site of the Getsemen Chapel. Opposite the majestic building, whose two-tier facade is decorated with arched ledges with pilasters and columns with capitals, bronze figures of the writer Hovhannes Tumanyan and composer Alexander Spendiarov sit on concrete pedestals.
Swan Lake is located near the Temple of Melpomene. With its shape, the artificial reservoir, named after Tchaikovsky's ballet, resembles the largest Caucasian lake Sevan. Weeping willows frame the shore, clad in granite, and tourists' cameras click on the picturesque humpbacked bridge. In 2015, American rapper Kanye West performed on the embankment, shocking the audience with his sudden jump into clear water.
The peak of the popularity of Freedom Square falls on the cold season. During the New Year holidays, a beautiful Christmas tree rises here, entertainment events are organized nearby. The lake turns into the only outdoor skating rink in the city. The indigenous inhabitants of the reservoir - white and black swans - go to the zoo for the winter, and figure skating enthusiasts take their place.
France Square
France Square is a tribute to the Fifth Republic, which in 1915 provided invaluable assistance to the Armenians fleeing the genocide. The opening ceremony of the square, which took place in September 2006, was timed to coincide with the official visit of Jacques Chirac to the country. After the solemn events, a grandiose open-air concert was given, in which Charles Aznavour took part.
Five years later Nicolas Sarkozy visited Yerevan. The President did not arrive empty-handed. As a gift, the head of France presented the city with one of the immortal masterpieces of Auguste Rodin - a sculpture depicting the artist Jules Bastien-Lepage holding a palette and brushes. The monument is an exact copy of the statue that Rodin installed on the grave of the painter in the village of Damville.
Cast in bronze, Bastien-Lepage rises in the center of the Place de France, one of the busiest intersections of the capital. From all sides, the sculpture is surrounded by the symbols of Armenia: Mesrop Mashtots Avenue, National Theater opera and ballet, the State Conservatory, monuments to Alexander Tamanyan, Aram Khachaturyan, Martiros Saryan, William Saroyan and Komitas.
Republic Square
The heart of the Armenian capital - Republic Square - was the best work of the architect Alexander Tamanyan. The central place of the city, which took 32 years (1926-1958) to build and equip, is famous for its monumental buildings. The festive look of the buildings, combining the style of neoclassicism and national flavor, is given by the decoration of white and pink volcanic tuff.
The basis of the architectural ensemble is the Government House, the Ministry of Energy and Foreign Affairs, the National Historical Museum, the Central Post Office and the Mariott Armenia Hotel. Stately buildings frame the pedestrian zone and the giant swimming pool. Not only tourists, but also locals do not bypass Republic Square.
It is especially crowded here on summer evenings, when the sun hides behind the tops of the mountains, and the beneficial coolness comes. From May to October at 21:00 the show of dancing fountains begins. Water jets shooting up to 50 meters are synchronized with lighting effects and music. The repertoire includes modern motifs and classical works. The colorful performance ends with the immortal masterpiece of Charles Aznavour - the composition "Eternal Love".
Flea market Vernissage
You can buy souvenirs and get to know the unique flavor of “Armenian-style” trade at Vernissage, a flea market located a kilometer from Republic Square. In the 80s of the XX century, a bazaar was opened on this place, where they sold moth-eaten trash: clothes that had long gone out of fashion, rusted utensils, dried up books, hackneyed gramophone records and grandmother's porcelain cups.
Today, Vernissage is a museum of history and a visual aid of folk art. The fair is filled to capacity with ubiquitous magnets, paintings, homespun textiles, traditional dolls, musical instruments, handmade jewelry, antique copper utensils, carpets and memorial tufa cross-stones. Tourist knick-knacks coexist here with truly unique things.
Exclusive cannot be cheap - for example, prices for collectible silver reach $2,000. Vernissage is open on Saturdays and Sundays, trading is conducted from 09:00 to 16:00. To see enough of the colorful curiosities, it is worth setting aside a whole day for a market trip. Numerous tents with drinks and national fast food will not let you get hungry.
Sakharov Square
At the intersection of Pushkin, Vardanants and Nalbandyan streets, there is a small Sakharov Square - a kind of "gallery" of architectural styles that have dominated Armenia over the past 60 years. Thus, the buildings of the Administration and the Fire Bureau, located on the southern and eastern side, absorbed the best features of the “provincial classicism”, popular in the 20-40s of the 20th century.
Until 1990, the square was named after the leader of the Azerbaijani revolutionary movement, Azizbayov. The monument to the Baku commissar erected in 1932 was dismantled in 1988, during the height of the Karabakh movement. A year later, after the death of academician A. D. Sakharov, the city authorities decided to rename the square in honor of the famous scientist and human rights activist.
In 2001, the first monument to Sakharov in the Soviet Union appeared in the center of the square. The authors of the monument are Levon Galumyan, Ferdinand Arakelyan, Nerses Charkhchyan and Tigran Arzumanyan. The opening ceremony was led by the Mayor of Yerevan and the Prime Minister of the country. About 5,000 people came to honor the memory of the great humanist and public figure, who was the first in the USSR to stand up for the legitimate demands of the Karabakh Armenians.
Charles Aznavour Square
“I am French and Armenian,” said Charles Aznavour (Shakhnur Aznavourian) about himself. The musician was born into a family of ethnic Armenians who emigrated to France in 1923. The connection of the artist with his historical homeland has never weakened. During the powerful Spitak earthquake, the singer rallied Western countries that extended a helping hand to those affected by the natural disaster. In 2009, Charles took up the post of Armenian Ambassador to Switzerland.
In 2001, a small but very cozy semicircular square in front of the Moscow cinema was named after Aznavour, an honorary citizen of Yerevan and a national hero of the country. The hero of the occasion himself attended the festive events. And 12 years later, on the Avenue of Stars, which appeared here in 2010, the nominal star of the king of world chanson lit up.
Currently, Aznavour Square is one of the most popular places in the city. In the center there is a two-tiered fountain. It is framed by stone structures resembling flower petals decorated with figures of the signs of the zodiac. Giant chess and huge metal sculptures of a horse, a bull, a spider and a bear also give the highlight of the square.
Lovers park
On one of the largest arteries of the capital - Marshal Baghramyan Avenue - next to the buildings of the National Assembly and the Presidential Residence, there is the Park of Lovers (until 1995 - Barekamutyun (Friendship Park)). The new name of the recreation area was not given by chance. The cozy green corner is often visited by happily cooing couples and newlyweds in the company of wedding photographers clicking the shutter among romantic mini-waterfalls and well-groomed trees.
Silence and grace reigned in the park not always. At the end of the 20th century, this place was in a deplorable state. In 2008, the situation was corrected by philanthropist Albert Poghosyan, who financed the reconstruction of the city oasis. And the French landscape designer Pierre Rambach embodied the beauty of the picturesque landscapes of Armenia and the severity of traditional Japanese architecture in the restored park.
Today everything here is very "European". The area of 2.5 hectares is crossed by comfortable paths covered with fine gravel and tiles. Graceful bridges are thrown across decorative rivers and lakes, neatly trimmed lawns are filled with various sculptures. The park regularly hosts art exhibitions, music festivals and open-air film screenings.
National Gallery of Armenia
One of the most striking structures surrounding Republic Square is a pompous neoclassical building built from volcanic tuff. The upper floors of this architectural beauty are occupied by the National Gallery founded in 1921. Her first exhibits were canvases taken from temporary exhibitions of Armenian painters. Now the collection includes more than 26,000 works of art.
The world of Armenian artists is presented in all its diversity. The National Department has about 7,000 paintings, among which are ancient frescoes, medieval miniatures, works by masters of the New and Newest period. The heart of the exposition is the second largest (after the Feodosskaya Gallery) collection of paintings by Ivan Aivazovsky (Hovhannes Ayvazyan). In addition to the masterpieces of the famous marine painter, the walls of the museum are decorated with canvases by Hakob Kojoyan, Martiros Saryan, Panos Terlemezyan, Gevorg Bashindzhakhyan.
The department of European and Russian masters includes works created by famous masters. The names of Rubens, Donatello, Strozzi, Tintoretto, Levitan, Serov, Bryullov, Chagall sound like heavenly music for fans of world painting. In addition, visitors to the gallery will find extensive expositions of sculptures, graphics, and decorative and applied arts.
English park
The oldest park - the English (Theatre) Park - celebrated its 160th anniversary. A green oasis appeared on the map of the capital in 1860, becoming a fragment of a large public park that extended to the most fashionable part of the city - Astafievskaya Street (now Abovyan). Cozy mansions, private shops, expensive restaurants and luxurious houses created a unique sedate atmosphere of old London.
With the advent of Soviet power, the park was renamed in honor of the valiant Baku commissars. The historical name of the recreation area was returned only in 1991. Today, the English Park makes a double impression. On the one hand, the territory strikes with cleanliness and freshness. There are wide shady alleys, a fragrant rose garden, a children's section, a fountain and the Sundukyan Theater - the largest Melpomene Temple in the country.
Zones reminiscent of shots from old films contrast with European measured and well-groomed areas. These nostalgic corners are a favorite place for pensioners who come to the park to relax, breathe fresh air and chat with peers.
Victory Park
Climbing to the very top of the famous "Cascade", you will find yourself at the entrance to the Akhtanakh Park, which means "Victory Park" in translation. It got its name in the 1950s. In Soviet times, the oasis, overgrown with dense vegetation, was the largest green area in the capital.
As a guardian of the city, the monument “Mother Armenia” rises on a 51-meter tuff pedestal, which in 1967 replaced the statue of Stalin. The copper figure of a woman holding a huge sword in her hand embodies the stamina and masculinity of the Armenian people. At the foot there is a museum, the exhibits of which are dedicated to the years of the Great Patriotic War and the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. Nearby, at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Eternal Flame blazes. To the side stretched the Alley of Heroes.
The second attraction of the park is Arevik Lake. Until 1969, all the townspeople, from young to old, bathed in an artificial reservoir 8 m deep. Chlorinated water was used to irrigate local vegetation. Now you can ride a boat and a catamaran on the mirror surface. There is a recreation area next to the lake. Everything is standard here: well-groomed alleys, small cafes and various attractions.
Matenadaran
Translated from the ancient Armenian language, the word "Matenadaran" means "book depository". That is why the museum was so named, in the archives of which there is one of the largest collections of manuscripts on the planet. The treasure trove of world culture was created in 1921. Its base was the collection laid down in the 5th century by the founder of Armenian writing Mesrop Mashtots.
Even the building itself, whose walls contain the rarest manuscripts, is admirable. Built in 1957, it is designed in the traditional style of medieval architecture. At the foot of the structure, there is a sculpture of Mashtots introducing the alphabet to his beloved student Koryun. The stone facade is decorated with basalt figures of prominent figures of science and art.
The rarities of the Matenadaran will interest those who are not indifferent to the "traditions of ancient times." The museum fund includes about 17,000 manuscripts, 100,000 archival documents and centuries-old folios, as well as ancient samples of fabrics, jewelry and leather embossing. Among the treasures of the collection are the 27.5 kg book "Sermons of Mush" written in 1200 and a matchbox-like 19-gram church calendar of the 16th century.
Opera and Ballet Theatre. A. Spendiarova
An invaluable gift for art lovers will be a visit to the Opera and Ballet Theater, which adorns Freedom Square. The decision to create a stationary opera house was made in 1932. In January 1933, a grand opening took place, marked by the staging of Almast by Alexander Spendiarov.
The theater received its own walls in 1940. The magnificent semicircular building, designed by the architect Tamanyan, is a symbiosis of monumental buildings of the Stalin era and medieval buildings of the East. The interior decoration, designed in light colors, attracts attention with marble square columns and wall panels.
The stage of the Temple of Melpomene hosted the musical "West Side Story" and the operas "Oedipus Rex", "La Traviata", "Faust". The first production of an independent ballet group, organized in 1934, was Swan Lake, after which a picturesque decorative pond nearby was named. However, the theater's repertoire is not limited to masterpieces of world classics. Spectators with great interest accept performances from modern authors of Armenia.
Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator
In 2001, Armenia celebrated an important holiday - the 1700th anniversary of the country's adoption of Christianity. The construction of the largest Christian church in Transcaucasia was timed to coincide with this significant date. The construction, initiated by the Catholicos of All Armenians Galegin I, began in 1997. After 4 years, the church ensemble, designed for 1,700 people, was solemnly consecrated.
Although the cathedral is Orthodox, in its appearance you will not find the usual smooth contours, rounded domes and crosses shining in the sun. The grandiose building, designed by the architect Stepan Kyurkchyan, is distinguished by the strictness of geometric shapes, restraint of the color palette and a minimum of decor. The height of the temple complex consisting of bell towers and three churches is 54 m, the total area is 3,822 m².
Inside the cathedral, parishioners are greeted by spacious ascetic halls. Light enters through narrow Romanesque windows decorated with colorful mosaics. There are very few icons here, and there are no wall frescoes at all. In the vestibule there is a shrine in which the object of worship of Orthodox pilgrims rests - the relics of Equal-to-the-Apostles Gregory the Illuminator.
Yerevan brandy factory
Spicy lively taste, fragrant overflows of oak, prunes, raisins and honey, silky, slightly bitter aftertaste - all this characterizes the famous Armenian cognac. The drink, whose fame has long spread beyond the borders of the country, is rooted in the distant past. According to ancient manuscripts and archaeological finds, the production of the joyful amber elixir in Armenia was carried out as early as the 15th century BC.
The modern history of Armenian cognac began in 1887. Merchant Nerses Tairyan created the first factory of alcoholic beverages in the capital, which in 1953 was named Yerevan Brandy Factory. Over the long years of its existence, its products have won 115 gold and 48 silver medals. Pot-bellied bottles with the label "Ararat" are known in 40 countries of the world.
You can learn the intricacies of the production technology of an authentic drink, taste standard and collection varieties, as well as purchase a coveted bottle with golden contents of various aging during a tour of the factory. English speaking guide will introduce you to interesting facts about the drink, will show fragrant cellars and halls where centuries-old barrels and vessels are stored - witnesses of the birth of the famous production.
Cafesjian Center for the Arts
At the base of the staircase leading to the top of the Cascade is the entrance to an unusual museum. Its collection consists of 5,000 sculptures, paintings and installations, some of which are placed outdoors. Created in 2009, the art complex is very popular with tourists - already 2 years after the opening, it received more than 1.2 million visitors.
The idea of creating the center belonged to US businessman Gerard Levon Cafesjian, who donated to the gallery a part of his personal collection of unique creations by contemporary authors. All exhibits are exhibited in two sections: the internal "Art Galleries" and the external "Sculpture Gardens". In closed rooms, installations, photographic works, avant-garde paintings, gigantic Swarovski pieces and the world's largest collection of glass works are presented.
Opposite the Cascade, the Sculpture Gardens exhibit statues created by Stanislav Libensky, Paul Cox, Barry Flanagan, Fernando Botero, David Martin, Lynn Russell Chadwick. You can admire works of contemporary art every day from 8:00 to 20:00.
Modern Art Museum
Another eldorado for Modern Art lovers is the Museum of Modern Art, located on Mashtots Avenue. You can easily find the entrance to the gallery by looking at the creative graffiti drawings decorating the house built in neo-constructivist style. Inside, there are bright halls lined up one after another, whose white walls and strict lines contrast sharply with the variety of shapes and colors of exhibits.
The creation of the Museum of Modern Art dates back to 1972. At that time, on the territory of the USSR, where the style of socialist realism dominated, the directions of avant-garde, surrealism, modernism and futurism were prohibited, so the opening of an art gallery became a real sensation.
The basis of the collection is paintings and sculptures of the generation of Armenian artists of the "sixties": Vruyr Galstyan, Minas Avetisyan, Ashot Hovhannisyan, Aratyun Kalents, Gayane Khachaturyan. Notable exhibits include Jean Garzou's controversial Red Room, Martin Petrosyan's Friendship and Akop Hakobyan's Railway Station.
Botanical Garden
A wonderful option for a walk on a hot summer day is to visit botanical garden. The green massif, covering an area of about 90 hectares, was founded in 1935. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the further fate of the park was in jeopardy - funding stopped, and the energy crisis forced local residents to cut down trees for firewood. A change for the better was outlined in 1994, after the creation of the Center for Plant Biodiversity Conservation.
The local kingdom of flora impresses with its diversity. About 500 representatives of the tropical and subtropical flora are gathered in the greenhouse. A truly fantastic sight is colorful orchids, fragrant jasmine, unique grape vines and avocados. There are also the rarest exotics here - the Australian macadamia and the hand of the Buddha, whose unusual fruits look like long fingers hanging from the hand.
Gardeners and architects embodied in miniature models of all the natural regions of Armenia. Walking along the picturesque alleys, you will meet the juniper of the Ararat valley, and the juzgun of the Gorovan semi-desert, and the inhabitant of the Sevan basin, calamus. Many representatives of the flora arrived in a blooming oasis from China, Thailand, India and America.
Folk Art Museum
There is a unique art gallery on Abovyan Street, which stores samples of fine and decorative arts. This is the Museum of Folk Art, the formation of the collection of which began in the 30s of the last century. The cultural center received its own building in 1978.
In the unusual gallery there are no creations of professional artists and sculptors. All 12 thousand objects included in the museum fund are the works of amateur masters, for whom creativity is a favorite hobby and a way of self-expression. In their art, folk craftsmen have reached the highest level. This is evidenced by exhibits representing various eras of Armenian culture.
The exposition includes lace, chasing, ceramics, glass crafts, mini-sculptures, paintings in the style of naive art, pile carpets and carpets. Of constant interest is the collection of traditional jewelry made of precious metals, decorated with onyx, turquoise, garnet and obsidian.
House Museum of Martiros Saryan
The outstanding Armenian painter Martiros Saryan (1880–1972) is called a master of color and a luminous artist. The popular recognition of the master and his popularity among art critics were so great that in November 1967 a museum was opened in Yerevan, the collection of which included canvases, sketches, graphic works and book illustrations of the author. Today the gallery's keeper is the artist's granddaughter Sophia Saryan.
Saryan's paintings are an expression of national identity. The entire creative path of the artist was illuminated by love for the Motherland, its centuries-old history, marvelous landscapes, and, of course, people. Armenia occupies a central place in the master's work. The canvases take the viewer to small courtyards, valleys flooded with light, ancient monasteries and to the tops of mighty mountains.
Yerevan is known as one of the oldest cities in the world. A huge number of legends and tales are associated with this place, thanks to which Yerevan has acquired many striking sights. Therefore, while traveling here, you should pay attention to the most famous objects, but before that, it is best to find out important information about them.
History and useful information about Yerevan
On the Ararat plain, in the north-east of Armenia, the country's capital, Yerevan, is located. This city was founded around 782 BC. e. and was originally a fortified city of Erebuni, which was formed thanks to the king of Urartu Argishti I. To found the fortress, the king brought here more than 6,600 prisoners from the western regions - Tsupani and Khati. The appearance of the city was recorded on a special tablet, which is now kept in the Erebuni Museum.
Information about the foundation of Yerevan is imprinted on a special tablet
Now the city is divided into 12 districts, covers an area of 223.28 km 2 and about 1,075,100 people live here. A large number of travelers come to Yerevan every year. They are attracted not only by the rich history of this place, but also by the original culture, the opportunity to immerse yourself in the mysterious atmosphere of the East, see pink stone buildings and much more. At the same time, progress did not bypass the capital of Armenia. Tourists will be comfortable moving around the city on different modes of transport, staying in modern hotels, having lunch in cozy restaurants.
How to get to the capital of Armenia
There are several ways to get to Yerevan, and the most convenient one is easy to choose, taking into account the point of departure:
Traveling to the capital of Armenia will not be exciting without visiting at least a few sights of this city, because there is not only a rich cultural heritage, but also bright modern objects. Some attractions are simply unique and have no analogues in the world.
Architectural and historical
The centuries-old history of the city leaves its mark on the architectural appearance of the capital of Armenia. It is here that you can see the grandiose, elegant and unusual buildings created many centuries ago, as well as modern creations:
The monument is at the top of the hill.
The site next to the Cascade is distinguished by a huge number of flower beds
Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral is the largest in Armenia
The Blue Mosque houses the cultural center of the Iranian community
Ancient city Erebuni is located on a hill
Hayk is considered the progenitor of the Armenian people and is the hero of many legends.
The government building is distinguished by its bright architecture and is located on Republic Square
Sculpture "Backgammon Player" is made of bronze
The monument to the Karabakh woman is made of bronze and is located near the theater
"Tsitsernakaberd" is located on the hill of the same nameCultural sights of Yerevan
When traveling to the capital of Armenia, you should definitely visit at least one museum. This is due to the fact that it is in such places that rich collections of historical artifacts characterizing the culture of the country are collected. And no less interesting are theaters and other places where you can enjoy oriental flavor and a varied cultural program.
The following places are popular in Yerevan:
The Cafesjian Center for the Arts is a major art museum
Thousands of exhibits in the art gallery
"Matenadaran" in Armenian means "repository of manuscripts"
The Opera and Ballet Theater in Yerevan is located in a building built in 1940
The museum provides information about the life and work of Charles AznavourPlaces for rest and walks
The warm climate and beautiful landscapes of Armenia invariably attract tourists every year. When visiting the capital, which is surrounded by majestic hills, you should pay attention to such places for walking as:
Weddings often take place in the English Park
In the Victory Park there are rides and cafes for a comfortable stay.
Youth Park or Ring Boulevard is known for a large number of sculptures and monuments.When is the best time to go to Yerevan
Armenia is especially popular for tourism in summer, when there are many sunny and hot days. The air warms up to +25…+30 °C on average, and the wind is minimal. Such weather is unfavorable for long hikes and walks, which are best done in the evening. At the same time, you can stroll through one of the city's parks or visit the Vernissage flea market. It is located between st. Arama and st. Buzand. Carpets, coins, handmade figurines and much more, connoisseurs of antiques and just lovers of souvenirs prefer to buy here at affordable prices.
In the market you can profitably buy unique handmade products At the beginning of autumn, it is still warm in the capital of Armenia, but there is no longer a debilitating heat. This allows you to make a fascinating excursion to the monastery of Khor Virap, located near Mount Ararat, which appears in biblical stories. According to legend, it was on this peak that Noah and the ark ended up after the Flood. The monastery is known not only for legends, but also for its rich history, because it was founded in the 7th century. It is also interesting that the buildings are located above the underground dungeons, which, according to legend, for 15 years served as the place of imprisonment of St. Gregory the Illuminator by the Armenian king Trdat III. The temple complex is located 40 km from the Armenian capital near the Turkish border.
Khor Virap is known for its underground dungeons and centuries of history. In winter, before the New Year holidays in Yerevan, Republic Square is especially attractive for guests and residents of the city, because the main Christmas tree of the country is placed here. In addition to walking along the central streets, travelers should take a fascinating tour of museums. One of the interesting places is the museum of director Sergei Parajanov, who created such unique films as The Color of Pomegranate and Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors. The museum is located in a two-story building near the gorge on the street. Dzoragyugh, 15/16. On the site you can find the necessary information. Collages, film discs, photographs and much more give an idea of the life and work of the director, who brought a lot of new things to the world of cinema.
The Sergei Parajanov Museum presents to the attention of visitors many exhibits related to the work of the director In the spring, gardens bloom in Armenia, it becomes much warmer and guests of the city have the opportunity for long walks and excursions. On one of these trips, it is worth taking a walk in the Park of Lovers, located on Baghramyan Avenue. It was founded in the 18th century, but it was completely renovated in 2008 at the expense of the philanthropist A. Poghosyan's fund. Initially, this place had the name "Kozern's Garden". In spring and summer, it is very lively here, as various festivals, outdoor film screenings, celebrations and exhibitions are held. Near the northwestern entrance to the park is the Marshal Baghramyan metro station.
The Park of Lovers often hosts festive events and exhibitions. You can visit the capital of Armenia at any time of the year, but it is worth considering that in late autumn and winter, outdoor excursions are overshadowed by rain and cool weather. Before the trip, it is best to get acquainted with the weather forecast in Yerevan, and then plan a vacation plan.
Vacation with children
The Armenian city has attractions for every taste, but the places where you can relax and have fun with children are especially noteworthy:
There are over 204 animal species in Yerevan Zoo
The Water world water park has a huge amount of entertainment
Play City is popular for holidays in any seasonFeatures of excursions in Yerevan
A stay in the capital of Armenia cannot be complete without visiting the main place in the city - Republic Square. It is worth paying attention to this attraction even during a day trip. In addition to the government building, you can see singing fountains here. This color-musical construction was the first in the USSR and was created by A. Abrahamyan in the 1950s. You can admire an unusual and bewitching spectacle in the form of a combination of music, water and colored rays from May to September from 22:00 to 0:00. During your 2-3 days stay in Yerevan, you can truly appreciate the culture of this country. To do this, be sure to include a visit to the Dalan Art Gallery in the tour plan. It is here that the unique works of masters of the post-Soviet space and Armenian artists are presented. Pictures, dishes and handmade figurines, spectacular compositions will surprise visitors with their brightness and originality. There is also a souvenir shop and a cafe, which allows you to slowly explore the exposition. The gallery is located on the street. Abovyan, 14.
In the gallery you can not only see the exhibits, but also visit the cafe The Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex is also a popular attraction. There are two halls: sports and concert. The complex was founded in 1983 and can accommodate about 12,000 people. This center is named after speaker Karen Demirchyan, who was killed in a terrorist attack on the Armenian parliament in 1999. The complex served as a venue for various major competitions, for example, in 1996 the 32nd Chess Olympiad was held here, and in 2011 the Junior Eurovision Song Contest was held. The address of this place: Leningradyan street, 1.
The sports complex has two large halls For a week of rest in Yerevan, you should have time to visit the carpet factory and the Megerian Carpet Museum. This will help you feel the colors of Armenia and learn the secrets of making bright patterns on carpets. The factory was founded in 1917 by the Megerian family, who have been producing carpets for many generations. The plant in the capital of the country was opened in the 1990s and is still operating today. The museum displays more than 50 rare carpets. It is located on st. Madoyan, 9. You can find out more information about the work of the museum on the website.
The museum at the carpet factory presents rare products Worthy of attention of travelers is the legendary Yerevan brandy factory "ArArAt", which is the country's leading enterprise in the production of alcoholic beverages. In 1887 the plant was founded by the merchant Nerses Tairyants. In 1900 the factory was bought by Nikolay Shustov. Now produced here different kinds skate, the exposure of which is from 3 to 25 years. At the same time, the plant has stocks of elite products aged from 30 to 50 years. Cognac of this manufacturer supplies to 25 countries around the world, and the factory has about 115 gold awards, 48 silver and 8 bronze. There is also a museum, the exhibits of which characterize the history of production. The plant is located on Ave. Admiral Isakov, 2 and has a website with detailed information.
Yerevan brandy factory "ArArAt" is considered one of the symbols of Armenia What you need to know when traveling to Yerevan
Armenia has its own cultural traditions and rules of conduct. Before the trip, it will not be superfluous for tourists to familiarize themselves with the important features of their stay in Yerevan:
The countries of Transcaucasia are a great place for family and single recreation, health improvement, acquaintance with ancient history and culture. After looking, the traveler can go to the neighboring Georgia, no less interesting and beautiful country - Armenia, and more specifically - to its capital Yerevan. It is full of magnificent landscapes, monuments, ancient churches and monasteries - the list below will help you not get lost in the city.
The first thing you need is the legendary Mount Ararat, smoothly rising to the sky. It appeared many thousands of years ago as a result of the active displacement of the earth's layers; its highest points, emerging from the same base (Sis and Masis), are visible from a distance of tens of kilometers.
As a result of complex geopolitical transformations, Ararat now belongs to Turkey. Part of the mountain adjoins Armenia, however, in order to climb, the traveler will have to cross another border. There are usually no problems with this, but there is not much point in entering Turkey either: Ararat, like all mountains, is much more beautiful from afar, and the best views are from Yerevan.
According to a well-known legend, it was on this mountain that Noah's ark stopped at the end of the Flood; in the middle of the last century, archaeological research was carried out on the territory of Ararat and even the remains of ancient boards were found, but the legend never received scientific confirmation - which, however, does not prevent it from inspiring hundreds of thousands of pilgrims.
The historical name of Ararat is Agri-Dag; its highest points rise to 5164 meters (Masis) and 3897 meters (Sis). The average height of Big Ararat is 4365 meters; from one peak to another - almost 12 meters. The perimeter of the sole is about 130 kilometers; right under the mountain flows the abundant river Araks.
From time to time, the Holy Mountain of Armenia shows volcanic activity; the last such episode dates back to 1842. Studies show that eruptions occurred as early as the third century BC; during one of them, which took place after the adoption of Christianity, an Armenian village at the foot of the mountain and the ancient monastery of St. James were destroyed. Today there is no threat, and a tourist can quite calmly observe Ararat from afar - or still decide to climb under the supervision of an instructor.
Ararat - how to see and how much it costs:
- visit cost: free.
At the foot of the beautiful Ararat, there is an ancient Khor Virap Monastery, built of hewn stone slabs, or “Deep Penitentiary”. Getting to it from Yerevan is not difficult - you can use the same regular bus or order a taxi, paying the driver extra for waiting.
However, it will be much more useful for a traveler to purchase a comprehensive tour that involves visiting not only the monastery, but also a nearby wine factory and another Armenian shrine - the Noravank monastery. The average cost of a trip accompanied by a guide is 12,000 AMD; you should take approximately the same amount with you to buy souvenirs.
The modern monastery was founded at the end of the 17th century; Simultaneously with the construction of cells, refectories and work premises, a church was erected in the name of the Most Holy Theotokos. The name of Khor Virap is directly related to the history of the Armenian Saint Gregory the Illuminator. Living under Tsar Trdat the Third (back in the days of paganism), he discovered his religion and was imprisoned for almost twenty years.
After this time, Gregory was again brought to the king, but already seriously ill. The saint persuaded Trdat III not only to be baptized, but also to recognize Christianity as the state religion of Armenia; The event, which is of paramount importance both for the country and for the entire Transcaucasia, is dedicated to many wall paintings in the monastery.
The dungeon of Gregory the Illuminator exists to this day; this is a deep (about six meters) and fairly wide pit, into which a spiral staircase leads. The approximate time of the creation of the prison is the second century AD; the chapel in the name of the saint was built in the fifth century. The place is open for inspection: a visitor to the monastery just needs to walk a few meters from the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in a south-westerly direction or ask the monks for directions.
The central temple of Khor Virap itself is also noteworthy. The church, called Surb Astvatsatsin in Armenian, was built at the end of the 17th century and stands in the same place where the first chapel of St. Gregory was located. There is reason to believe that both the non-preserved and the new buildings were built on the model of Armenian pagan temples; one of the proofs of this is the orientation of the altar not to the east, but to the south.
Divine services are held every day in the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in which any visitor to the monastery can participate. The main thing is not to forget about elementary decency: do not wear too open clothes on the tour and do not interfere with other people present with your behavior.
Khor Virap - how to see and how much it costs:
- address: Ararat region, Lusarat village;
- travel: by regular bus from Yerevan, taxi or car;
- visiting time: daily from 09:00 to 18:00;
- visit cost: free.
The ancient fortress, built by order of the Urartian king Argishti the First in the sixth century BC, is located on the outskirts of Yerevan; it is easier to get to it than to Ararat and the monastery adjoining it - it is enough to drive a few stops on municipal transport.
The total area of the complex is about 85 hectares; archaeological research is regularly carried out on the territory of the fortress. During the first of them, in the 50s of the last century, ancient samples of cuneiform were discovered; Based on this find, scientists suggest that in ancient times Yerevan was called the same as the fortress itself - Erebuni.
The main purpose of the building is to control trade routes along Lake Sevan. Resistance to the onslaught of the enemy was guaranteed by walls up to two or three meters thick and an average height of 12 meters. Despite the fact that earthquakes often occurred in Armenia, the masonry of almost three thousand years ago has survived to this day. The fortress is surrounded by a "sentinel path" that allows guards to bypass the walls around the perimeter from the outside. It is also interesting that the inhabitants of Urartu were among the first in the world to use mortar for fixing bricks - for that time it was a truly revolutionary practice.
A palace was built in the northern part of the complex, from the windows of which a view of Ararat opens; on the transition from the first building reserved for the king, one could get into the second - "internal", created in case of deep defense. The chambers of the ruler and the service premises are finished with tuff, which is found in abundance in this area; traces of plaster and even bright blue paint, especially loved by the ancestors of the Armenians, remained on the walls of the buildings. The traveler will be able to see several samples of Urartu painting; inside some of the premises, thousand-year-old floors made of broken clay, covered with straw, have been preserved.
The main sanctuaries of Erebuni are the temple of the supreme god Khaldi, which differs from others in size, a square tower in front of the entrance and a luxurious colonnade. The second most important is the temple of Ivarsh, devoid of windows and illuminated thanks to a hole in the ceiling. The opinions of historians differ: some believe that the temple belonged to a separate nation, which later joined the Armenian nation, while others believe that it was dedicated to a local deity and open to everyone. Be that as it may, today every traveler can visit both temples, as well as Erebuni as a whole - do not forget to look into the museum located under the walls of the fortress on the way. It is strongly recommended to bring water or other soft drinks with you, as there are no shops or cafes on the territory of the complex.
Erebuni - how to see and how much it costs:
- address: Yerevan, Khachik Dashtents street;
- visiting time: daily from 10:30 to 16:30, except Monday;
- cost of visit: for children of preschool age - free of charge; for schoolchildren - 300 drams; for adults - 1000 drams.
The monument dedicated to Armenia and all those who fell for the freedom of the country is located in the central district of Yerevan - in the Victory Park (Hakhtanak). Until the 60s of the last century, a monument to Stalin was erected on the pedestal; after the change of the country's leadership, the old statue was removed, and the work of the sculptor Harutyunyan took its place.
The height of the "Mother of Armenia" is almost 23 meters, and the entire composition as a whole is 50 meters. The pedestal is made of stone blocks; the monument is made of chased copper. One of the prototypes of the monument was the Armenian partisan Sose Mayrik, who participated in the national liberation movement and was especially revered by the residents of Yerevan.
The pedestal was designed by the sculptor Israelian in the form of a traditional Armenian three-aisled church; This is a full-fledged building, which has been in active operation from the very foundation. Now the Museum of the Second World and Karabakh Wars, owned by the Ministry of Defense of Armenia, is open here. Entrance for everyone is free; inside - several hundred exhibits (from samples of weapons and ammunition used by both sides, to original documents, letters from the front and photographs).
Monument, as is customary in countries former USSR, visited by newlyweds; tourists often take pictures next to it. Going down the hill, the traveler will find several excellent cafes and restaurants, as well as souvenir shops. In the latter, in particular, you can buy figurines of the “Mother of Armenia”, calendars, magnets with her image and similar products.
It’s good to walk near the monument late in the evening and at night: the area around the monument is well lit, so that a tourist, even one who is not fully accustomed to Yerevan, can easily find his way to a hotel or hostel - and if he wants, he can spend time in one of the round-the-clock bars.
"Mother Armenia" - how to see and how much it costs:
- address: Yerevan, Azatutyan avenue;
- travel: by bus, trolleybus, taxi or car;
- visit time: around the clock;
- visit cost: free.
Another, probably the most recognizable monument in Yerevan, standing on the Station Square, is dedicated to the legendary David of Sasun, whose deeds are described in the epic "Sasna Tsrer". The monument was erected in 1960; its authors were the sculptor Kochar and the architect Mazmanyan. The idea to immortalize the hero of folk tales appeared much earlier - back in the 30s of the last century, but for a number of reasons it was not implemented before the start of the Great Patriotic War, and later, due to lack of funds, it was repeatedly postponed “for later”.
The pedestal under the monument to David is carved from basalt; for the manufacture of the statue itself, forged copper was used, since there was no shortage of this material at that time. The height of the monument is exactly twelve meters; the horse rider is located in the middle of a pool with a diameter of 25 meters.
You should not leave the monument immediately after the inspection: the traveler can linger on the square at least until the evening, admiring the streams of the fountain beating up, and in the evenings - at the most beautiful multi-colored illumination that gives the water all kinds of shades. The plans of the city authorities to make the fountain musical, but so far the idea has not been implemented.
Near the monument to David of Sasun there is a beautiful green park, open to the public. It is crowded in summer and winter; people come to relax after a hard day, ride bicycles or roller skates, and in winter - play snowballs or warm up with a cup of coffee in one of the covered restaurants.
Monument to David of Sasun - how to see and how much it costs:
- address: Yerevan, Railway Station Square;
- travel: by bus, trolleybus, taxi or car;
- visit time: around the clock;
- visit cost: free.
Not far from the “Mother of Armenia” is the Erebuni-Yerevan 2750 complex, unique both in scale and in the totality of engineering solutions, dedicated to the 2750th anniversary of the founding of the Urartian fortress that gave the city its name.
The complex was opened in 1968 - just in time for the anniversary of Erebuni; it was extremely difficult to obtain permission to start construction - both due to the cost and as a result of the disagreements between the Central Committee and the ASSR that happened at that time. Nevertheless, work started on time; Two considerations played a decisive role. The first is aesthetic: a street with a fountain looks much more beautiful, and this applies not only to Yerevan; the second one is geodetic: the groundwater, with which the local soil was overflowing, did not allow the inhabitants of the lower floors to live in peace. The architect Sadoyan was entrusted with taking them away (and doing it beautifully), and he successfully coped with the task.
In accordance with the general concept, the complex included exactly 2750 fountains, from which clear water spouted for most of the year; not so long ago, reconstruction work began in Yerevan, as a result of which the number of jets should increase to 2800 - by the 2800th anniversary of Erebuni.
The area on which the fountains beat is often called the boulevard by the residents of Yerevan; this name is so firmly entrenched among the locals that it is enough for a traveler to simply ask for directions "to the boulevard" - and he will be shown the right direction. Here they spend their free time, walk, have fun, participate in folk holidays and celebrations; here, at a distance of several meters, are the Central Bank, the Historical Museum, the State Theater and the Art Gallery.
It is especially recommended to look at the fountains in the evening or at night, when the jets shine and shimmer in the light of the spotlights installed around the entire perimeter of Erebuni-Yerevan 2750. Visiting the complex, as well as the adjacent square, is completely free; There are several cafes and eateries nearby.
Fountain complex "Erebuni - Yerevan 2750" - how to see and how much it costs:
- address: Yerevan, Shahumyan square;
- travel: by bus, trolleybus, taxi or car;
- visit time: around the clock;
- visit cost: free.
On the Goght River, among almost sheer cliffs, there is the monastery of Geghardavank, or briefly Geghard, which translates as “Monastery of the Spear”. Like other significant shrines of the country, it belongs to the Armenian-Gregorian Apostolic Church; the ancient building is included in the list of UNESCO cultural heritage sites and is protected by the state.
In addition to monastic cells and ancient temples, the complex includes rock structures that appeared, probably, even before the baptism of the country, and family princely and royal tombs. One of the main decorations of the monastery is a scattering of khachkars (stone stelae with crosses carved into them). Geghard is an active monastery; every attraction is carefully monitored here, especially ancient monuments are taken care of and, if necessary, restored.
The history of the monastery begins in the 4th century; According to legend, it was then that St. Gregory the Illuminator founded the first few cells and consecrated a key spring that gushed nearby. Unfortunately, after five hundred years, the Armenian soldiers did not have the strength to resist the Muslim invaders, who completely destroyed and plundered the old complex. In addition to the first raid on the remains of Geghard, the Turks made a campaign, leaving no stone unturned from the monastery.
The situation changed in the 13th century, when this part of the Armenian land came under the rule of Tamara, Queen of Georgia. It was then that the first restoration work began on the territory of the monastery - in particular, the most beautiful Katoghike chapel was built. At the same time, the complex was equipped with a fairly good plumbing system, fragments of which have survived to this day.
At the end of the same century, new temples and cells were carved into the rocks surrounding the chapel; a few years later, Geghard in its present form acquired the princely family of the Khakhbakyans. The monastery complex until the 18th century was in disrepair, until permanent residents appeared on its territory.
The main church of Geghard continues to be Katoghike; next to it there are two more objects: Avazan and the Most Holy Mother of God. Both of them are carved into the rock and are perfectly preserved to this day. The facade and walls of the temples from the inside are richly decorated with paintings, frescoes and bas-reliefs; in addition, a visitor who finds himself here can admire traditional Armenian and Georgian icons and calligraphy, which is used to make inscriptions under the images of saints.
Before the Muslim invasion, the most valuable relic was kept in Geghard - the spear of the centurion Longin; it was moved closer to the capital, and the most magnificent old manuscripts created in the local library were almost completely destroyed. A tourist can only look at the places where valuables used to be kept, walk to the holy spring and visit relatively new temples - but this is not much.
Geghard - how to see and how much it costs:
- address: 40 km southeast of Yerevan;
- travel: by regular bus from Yerevan, taxi or car;
- visiting time: daily from 10:00 to 19:00;
- visit cost: free.
The second largest Transcaucasian cathedral, also under the jurisdiction of the Armenian Apostolic Church, is located in Yerevan; to visit it, the traveler does not have to shake the bus or buy an excursion. It is enough to use municipal transport or a taxi - after spending from ten minutes to half an hour, the tourist will get to the main temple of Armenia.
Unlike the previously listed St. Gregory's Cathedral is new; it was founded in 1997 on the initiative of the then Catholicos Garegin the First, and completed and consecrated just five years later - in 2001. The laying of the stone is dedicated to the 1700th anniversary of the baptism of Armenia; here are stored several of the most important Christian shrines brought from ancient monasteries and Naples.
The cathedral, being a conceptually integral structure, consists of three churches: St. Trdat, St. Ashkhen and St. Gregory the Illuminator. All of them lived at the same time and were directly involved in the Christianization of the pagan country, which once belonged to the state of Urartu.
The total area of the cathedral is about 3830 square meters; the height along the central dome is 55 meters. The famous Armenian master Kyurchkyan was chosen as the architect. Inside the temple there are paintings made in traditional Armenian technique and even with the use of ancient paint recipes, and icons that fully comply with the canons of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
The temple is active and open for free visits throughout the year; the traveler only needs to remember the rules of conduct in the church and try not to disturb the parishioners both during the service and after it.
Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator - how to see and how much it costs:
- address: Yerevan, Yervand Kochar street;
- travel: by bus, trolleybus, taxi or car;
- visiting time: daily from 08:30 to 18:30;
- visit cost: free.
The complex name of this magnificent, although in terms of the scale of the previous and miniature temple, is directly related to the famous Zoravor Gospel - one of the most important relics of the Armenian Apostolic Church, which was kept here for a long time.
Initially, the church, as follows from the main part of the name, was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Built at the end of the 17th century, it is now the oldest surviving temple in Yerevan. Surb Zoravor is located in the historical quarter of Shahar; earlier, not far from it was the tomb of the Apostle Ananias and a chapel built over it. In addition, the complex, designed by Archimandrite Syunetsi, included several rooms for monks and his own residence.
The premises were enclosed by a low, rather thick fortress wall; now nothing remains of it, as well as of other structures (with the exception of the temple). The reason for this is not the Arabs and the Turks, but one of the earthquakes so characteristic of this area, which happened in 1655. Of course, the church itself suffered from it; it was partially restored at the very end of the 17th century, and after that it was repeatedly restored.
The Church of the Holy Mother of God was built according to the canons of the Armenian Apostolic Church; these are the same three naves - the high central one and the side ones adjacent to it. Above the main entrance, the traveler can see an ancient, miraculously preserved image of the Mother of God with the Child.
At the end of the 19th century, the tomb of the Apostle Ananias was also restored - a new building is located northeast of the church on the supposed site of the old chapel. In addition, already in Soviet times, the choirs were repaired in the temple, and next to them - the priest's house and the chapel of St. Ananias. You can visit the church and the chapel for free; they are open all year round - and a lot of interesting things await the tourist inside.
Surb Zoravor Astvatsatsin Church - how to see and how much it costs:
- address: Yerevan, Lazar Parpetsi street;
- travel: by bus, trolleybus, taxi or car;
- visiting time: daily from 10:30 to 16:30;
- visit cost: free.
The Church of St. Sarkis, or Surb Sarkis, is located in the Kentron district of Yerevan; it, like the Cathedral of St. Gregory, belongs to relatively late churches: the completion of construction work took place in 1841, and the consecration - in 1842.
The church was built on the site of an earlier one, destroyed by an earthquake in 1679. Prior to this terrible misfortune, the complex included the churches of St. Gevorg and St. Akop, as well as several buildings belonging to the local vicar, and a parish school. There was also a luxurious garden with characteristic hanging terraces, partially restored after the earthquake, but soon abandoned.
The restoration of the Church of St. Sargis continued under the Soviet Union under the leadership of the famous architect Israelyan. It was then that the facade was again completely lined with orange tuff and decorated with geometric elements traditional for Armenia. Inside the temple, the ancient wooden choirs were repaired, and the dome was replaced with another one that repeats the shape of the original one, but is higher. The construction of the new bell tower of Surb Sargis was completed only in 2000; a decade later, the roof of the church was equipped with powerful solar panels.
Church of St. Sargis - how to see and how much it costs:
- address: Yerevan, Israelyan street;
- travel: by bus, trolleybus, taxi or car;
- visiting time: daily from 09:00 to 17:00;
- visit cost: free.
Once the richest repository of manuscripts in Armenia, and now the Yerevan Research Center, combined with a museum, is located not far from the Church of Surb Sarkis. The very name "Matenadaran" literally means "The place where the scrolls are stored"; here, according to historians, already in the 5th century, at least one and a half thousand samples of Armenian calligraphy were placed. Now the number of units exceeds twenty thousand, and this is far from the limit: research work continues, new exhibits are constantly brought to the Matenadaran.
There are manuscripts here not only in ancient and new Armenian, but also in Georgian, Greek, Syriac, Persian, Russian, Arabic and other languages. Most of the unique exhibits are closed to the traveler, however, viewing the books and scrolls exhibited in the museum will bring pleasure to the connoisseur of antiquity.
Matenadaran - how to see and how much it costs:
- address: Yerevan, Mashtots street, 53;
- travel: by bus, trolleybus, taxi or car;
- visiting time: daily from 08:00 to 19:00;
- visit cost: 300 drams.
In the Kotayk region (at a distance of about thirty kilometers from Yerevan) there is an ancient pagan temple, built by order of Trdat the First in honor of the sun god. Basalt blocks became the main material: they were carefully polished and stacked one on top of the other, without using burnt bricks and mortar. The blocks were fastened to each other with metal pins and brackets, pre-drilling holes in the stone.
The temple was repeatedly subjected to attempts to destroy and eventually fell into complete decline. You can look at it, climbing up the high steps, on any day of the week for a relatively small fee.
Temple of Garni - how to see and how much it costs:
- address: Yerevan region, Garni;
- travel: by regular bus, taxi or car;
- visiting time: daily from 10:00 to 17:00;
- cost of the visit: 1000 drams, and on the last Saturday of the month - free of charge.
The majestic architectural complex, located in the center of Yerevan, consists of five terraces hanging over each other. The construction, begun back in 1980, has not yet been completed: a traveler who has stepped onto the main alley of the Cascade can observe the work of high-rise cranes and other equipment.
Nevertheless, the views of the Grand Cascade are impressive - and will certainly make the tourist climb the series of steps again to look at the panorama of the city from an eighty-meter height.
Grand Cascade - how to see and how much it costs:
- address: Yerevan, Tamanyan street;
- travel: by bus, trolleybus, taxi or car;
- visit time: around the clock;
- visit cost: free.
The art gallery, one of the largest in the CIS, presents the creations of Armenian, Georgian, Russian and European masters of past eras and modern times. The pride of the collection is the work of Agadzhanyan, Surenyants, Saryan, Kojoyan, Tintoretto, Bassano, Giordano, Panini, Van Dyck, Pourbus, Goltzius, Stommer, Ostade, Velde, Fragonard, Rousseau, Watteau, Rodin, Bryullov, Basin, Benoit, Chagall and many others. others.
National Art Gallery - how to see and how much it costs:
- address: Aram street, 1;
- travel: by bus, trolleybus, taxi or car;
- visiting time: daily from 11:00 to 17:00, except Monday;
- cost of the visit: for children under seven years old - free of charge; for schoolchildren - 300 drams; for adults - 800 drams.
You can finish your acquaintance with wonderful Yerevan at the Opera and Ballet Theater named after Spendiarov. The building, built in 1940, regularly performs singers and musicians from Armenia, as well as world-famous stars. The main stage of the theater is designed for a thousand-odd spectators; To get to a particularly interesting performance, you need to book a ticket in advance.
Yerevan Opera and Ballet Theater - how to see and how much it costs:
- address: Tumanyan street, 54;
- travel: by bus, trolleybus, taxi or car;
- visiting time: daily from 12:00 to 22:00;
- visit cost: free.
Summing up
There are a lot of interesting places worth visiting in Yerevan - and they are in no way inferior. First of all, you should pay attention to the natural beauties of Armenia, the main of which is Mount Ararat, and ancient temples and monasteries - from Khor Virap to the Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator. In addition, the traveler should definitely look at the ancient pagan temple of Garni - once a month this can be done completely free of charge.
After Yerevan, you can go to Sevan, Dilijan or Jermuk; and if there is no desire to continue traveling in Armenia, the tourist should head to neighboring Azerbaijan and one of entertainment centers or the park named after Heydar Aliyev. There are many sights in Transcaucasia - to see them all, you will have to spend more than one month. The main thing is not to forget to prepare the relevant documents and clarify in advance whether the visa legislation has changed in the country chosen for the holiday.
