YEREVAN, historic & vibrant city!

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YEREVAN (AM)
Yerevan is the capital and largest city of Armenia and one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Modern Yerevan, which climbs the hillsides from the deep trench of the Hrazdan, is an attractive city in a fine natural setting framed by the extinct volcanic peaks of Mount Aragats and Mount Azhdaak to the north and Mount Ararat across the Turkish frontier to the south. Many modern buildings along its tree-lined streets have been constructed in traditional Armenian styles and of variously coloured local stone. Yerevan is a major cultural centre, with a university founded in 1919 and many other institutions of higher education. The Armenian Academy of Sciences (est. 1943) is the most prominent of the many research institutions in the city. The Matenadaran archives (founded 1920) hold a rich collection of ancient Armenian manuscripts, such as the Lazarus Gospel of 887. Yerevan also has many theatres and museums.

YEREVAN’s HISTORY
Yerevan, also spelled Erevan, Erivan, or Jerevan, capital of Armenia. It is situated on the Hrazdan River, 14 miles (23 km) from the Turkish frontier. Though first historically recorded in 607 CE, Yerevan dates by archaeological evidence to a settlement on the site in the 6th–3rd millennia BCE and subsequently to the fortress of Yerbuni in 783 BCE. From the 6th century BCE it formed part of the Armenian kingdom.

The city developed as an important focus of trade and has had a long history of siege and storm. At different times it came under the Romans (a ruined fortress remains), Parthians, Arabs, Mongols, Turks, Persians, Georgians, and Russians. In 1582 it fell to the Turks, in 1604 to the Persians, and finally in 1827 to the Russians. In 1920 Yerevan became the capital of the independent Armenian republic. It remained the capital during the periods of Soviet rule and of renewed independence.

MY OPINION
What a nice surprise. I traveled last week to the capital of Armenia, Yerevan, not having high expectations of meeting a city for fun or good food, but wanting to experience a city of history and as always a new country and new city where I had not traveled to past. And finally, to my great joy, I was caught unread. In Yerevan I met a historic city, with impressive buildings in its central square but also a lively city with beautiful squares, greenery and amazing restaurants and cafes. The most impressive of all, the food was fantastic, but so were the people, friendly people, willing to help you in everything. A three days or more in this city is worth it and I promise you, you will have an amazing time

MUST SEE – The Biblical Mountain
Mount Ararat is where Noah’s Ark landed after the Great Flood, marking the beginning of the new life. Although it is not in Armenia’s current territory today, Mount Ararat is considered to be the national symbol of Armenia and also appears in Armenia’s national blazon. Mount Ararat is seen from many corners in Armenia, the most epic ones being from Yerevan Cascade and the other one from the monastery Khor Virap. Seeing Mount Ararat even from this distance is truly an awesome experience. It’s like a mountain sticking out of the sky. It really looks like something divine.

PLACES TO VISIT:
1. Republic Square
Republic Square is the heart of Yerevan. This is where you can see some of the city’s most impressive stone buildings arranged around a large open plaza. When it was constructed between the 1950s and 70s, city planners flattened Yerevan’s old town and erected the square right on top. Originally called Lenin Square, this was once a marching ground for military parades. Now, Republic Square is a gathering place for Yerevanites young and old – and a very popular spot to grab an ice cream cone or a cup of coffee on a sunny afternoon. Every night, the square’s Dancing Fountain lights up for a show. The atmosphere is great.

2. Yerevan Cascade
On the opposite side of the city from Republic Square, the massive limestone staircase that is the Yerevan Cascade rises up to link the lower and upper parts of the city. One of the best things to do in Armenia is climb the Cascade for a view of Yerevan and the twin peaks of Mount Ararat. Start in the Sculpture Garden that skirts the bottom of the stairs. Here’s where you’ll find a collection of provocative and humorous works by Colombian artist Fernando Botero. ‘Smoking Woman’ and ‘Gatto’ (the cat) are my favourites. You then have the option to climb the outdoor Cascade stairs or to head inside to the Cafesjian Museum of Art and ride the escalators to the top. Ascending the massive hillside staircase will give you close-up views of the Soviet-style stone reliefs, fountains and sculptures that decorate every tier. The Cascade is one of the most beautiful places in Yerevan.

3. Genocide Memorial Complex
The events of 1915 cast a long shadow over Armenia and are never too far from people’s memory. The best place to learn about that, reflect and pay your respects is at Tsitsernakaberd, the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex. The main part of the outdoor memorial consists of 12 concrete slabs, each representing a lost Armenian province. The eternal flame laid 1.5 metres deep is a tribute to the victims of the genocide. Located next to the memorial, the Armenian Genocide Museum does an outstanding job of leading visitors through the tragic events of April 24, 1915.

4. Mother Armenia
One of the most conspicuous Soviet-era monuments in Yerevan is Mother Armenia, a 22-metre-high statue set in Victory Park above the Cascade. A statue of Stalin stood here until the spring 1962 when the dictator was replaced with the current statue. A symbol of ‘peace through strength’, Mother Armenia was designed by Ara Harutyunyan and bears a resemblance and similar sentiment to other ‘mother’ statues in former USSR cities (including Tbilisi, where you’ll find Mother of Georgia adjacent to Narikala Fortress). Yerevan’s Victory Park where the monument is located also comprises a war memorial, gardens and the Heroes Alley.