Iran (IMNA) - Long fought over by warring empires, the city of Yerevan survived centuries of foreign occupation, finally becoming independent with the fall of the Soviet Union. This capital city, a center of Armenian culture, has celebrated its freedom with a flurry of construction and a growing population.
The capital city is fast becoming a major tourist destination thanks to its numerous landmarks, extensive nightlife, great museums and lovely parks.
Go on a walking tour of the city centre
A walking tour is the best way to really get immersed in Yerevan’s culture, history and cuisine. The city centre is, of course, the place to do this, as it is home to landmarks like the grand Republic Square, the impressive Opera House, the 18th century Blue Mosque and the famous Cascade complex.
Walking around the city centre is a phenomenal way to see the history of the city, from the Persian times to the Soviet periods. You will also get a glimpse at Yerevan’s modern side, with contemporary architecture, coffee shops and trendy restaurants being found along the alleyways and the main streets.
Watch the city from the top of the Cascade
This giant stairwell sits right in the city centre and is one of its key landmarks. It was built during the Soviet period in 1971 and was completely renovated in 2009.
The Cascade is a giant stairwell that connects the Kentron area with the Monument neighborhood. It has eight levels, all of which are accessible by climbing up the stairwell, though those that would rather not walk can take an elevator.
The views over the city while climbing the stairs are absolutely breathtaking, especially at night when the city lights up. It is certainly not to be missed.
Have a picnic in a park
There are numerous parks throughout the city that are great for kicking back, taking your shoes off and enjoying a picnic. Lovers Park is by far the most popular and also happens to be the oldest park in the city.
Lovers Park boasts a traditional Japanese landscape, which was transformed after recently being renovated. It is a great place for a romantic picnic amongst lovers, what with its ponds, waterfalls and quite spaces.
English park is another excellent place for a picnic and is often the backdrop for wedding photographs. Tumanyan Park and Buenos Aires Park are also great picnic parks.
Learn about the city’s history
Yerevan is a pretty old city that boasts a very long history, some of which is gruesome and some that is not. A great way to learn about the city’s past is to head to its museums.
The History Museum of Armenia has a collection of over 400,000 objects and is arguably the best museum for those that want to learn more about the city, as well as the entire country. It features Ethnography, Archaeology, Numismatics and Modern History departments, with collections in each.
The largest collection of Armenian art can be found at the National Gallery of Armenia, though it also displays work from numerous European and Russian artists. For a look into the country’s not so nice past, check out the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute.
Hang out at Republic Square
Locally known as Hraparak, Republic Square sits in the centre of the city in the Kentron neighbourhood. It is a beautiful square that took nearly 50 years to complete, though most of it was built in the 1950s.
You can easily spend an entire day and evening at Republic Square, as it is home to numerous landmarks, like the History Museum, the National Gallery and the Government House, as well as the iconic Armenia Marriott Hotel. It is beautiful in the day and in the night when it is all lit up.
A truly magnificent thing about the square is its musical fountains. From early spring to late fall there is a fantastic fountain and light show that is accompanied by some great music of various genres.
Step back into medieval times
The medieval monetary of Geghard is a spectacular building, and UNESCO agrees. The UNESCO World Heritage site is partially carved into a mountain and is surrounded by trees and cliffs.
The main chapel was built in 1215, though the monetary complex itself was founded in the 4th century. The cliffs surrounding the magnificent complex are part of the Azat River gorge, with some churches being entirely dug out of them, while others are more like caves.
The monetary is not in Yerevan itself, but just outside of it in Geghard. A day trip to the unique monetary is a must for all visitors.
Delight your taste buds
A type of Caucasian cuisine, Armenian cuisine is quite delicious, with freshness and quality coming before flavour and spices. That’s not to say that Armenian cuisine is not delicious, it is, especially dishes like dzhash (stew), kabob (grilled meat) and pilaf (rice with meat).
Fresh herbs are always used in Armenian dishes, like parsley, dill, coriander, basil, oregano and tarragon. Flavours are also influenced by neighbouring countries, including Turkey and Iran.
A great place to try basic dishes, like barbeque and fish, is at the themed restaurants in the Hrazdan Gorge. There are also restaurants that serve up meals to the sound of traditional folk music, as well as a few upmarket places that offer Armenian-fusion cuisine.
he medieval monetary of Geghard is a spectacular building, and UNESCO agrees. The UNESCO World Heritage site is partially carved into a mountain and is surrounded by trees and cliffs.
The main chapel was built in 1215, though the monetary complex itself was founded in the 4th century. The cliffs surrounding the magnificent complex are part of the Azat River gorge, with some churches being entirely dug out of them, while others are more like caves.
The monetary is not in Yerevan itself, but just outside of it in Geghard. A day trip to the unique monetary is a must for all visitors.
