Major Attractions in Yerevan, Armenia
Yerevan’s Cascade
Yerevan’s Cascade is a well-known landmark. The beauty of this place is enhanced by a variety of fountains. There are carved panels and khatchkars on several of these fountains. A dull plaza sits atop the Cascade, boasting of the 50th Anniversary of Soviet Armenia Monument in the centre. The Cafesjian Museum houses a diverse collection of art and glassware. You may also admire Fernando Botero’s Cat sculpture at the museum’s basement.
Opera House
The Opera House is located in Yerevan’s northern district and is surrounded by a number of parks. There are several cafés, nightclubs, and shops in the neighbourhood for those interested in nightlife. One of the two main venues here is the Aram Khachaturian Concert Hall. The National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre is another option, where you may see operas, Russian pop, MTV music, and more.
Hanrapetutyan Hraparak
On warm nights, Hanrapetutyan Hraparak, formerly known as Lenin Square, is the major meeting area for the public. Polished marbles have been used to decorate the square’s centre. This location is surrounded by a variety of beautiful structures. The Marriot Hotel, the National Art Gallery, and the State Museum of Armenian History are just a few of the notable structures in this region.
Mother Armenia
Mother Armenia is a large statue in Haghtanak Park’s eastern section. It is located on the eastern side of Haghtanak Park, near Mesrop Mashtots Poghota (Avenue). The statue, which stands around 75.5 feet (23 metres) tall, was erected in 1967 on the place of an older Stalin Statue. The statue, which holds a large sword, can be seen from miles away.
Military Museum
In Yerevan, the Military Museum is a fascinating spot to visit. When it was opened, the majority of the exhibits focused on World War II. The majority of the displays describing the stories of the Karabakh War may now be found here. Surp Hripsime at Echmiadzin inspired the museum’s interior design. The museum’s exhibits have all been described in Armenian.
Yerevan Brandy Company
The Yerevan Brandy Company, which is presently owned by the Pernot-Ricard Group and produces the world-famous Armenian brandy, is located on Admiral Isakov Poghota. The firm offers trips that last between 75 and 80 minutes. It involves seeing sights along the Hrazdan River and Haghtanak Bridge, as well as drinking several brands of brandy. You may also see barrel cellars from the nineteenth century here.
Gok Jami
Hussein Ali Khan built Gok Jami, often known as the Blue Mosque, in 1765. The Soviets turned the mosque into a museum after a few decades, but it was restored in the 1990s. A medressa may be found here, where pupils learn about religious customs. Iran Information and Communication Center is located near the mosque. When entering the mosque, visitors are required to wear pants and shirts. The street address is 12 Mesrop Mashtots Poghota.
State Museum of Armenian History
The State Museum of Armenian History is a fascinating venue to learn about Armenia’s rich history. In the Hrazdan Gorge, there are exhibits of stone-age people who lived in caves. Other exhibits include Hellenic Armenia, the Uradu Empire, many conflicts, people’s metallurgical talents in 3000 BC Metsamore, living under various rulers, and much more. Stone crosses, tribal clothing, money, and replicas of numerous structures that were lost long ago may all be found here.
National Art Gallery
The National Art Gallery was founded in 1919 and has the third greatest collection of European masterworks in the former Soviet Union. One of the gallery’s sections depicts the evolution of art in the country. Here you may see works by painters like as Tintoretto, Courbet, Donatello, and others. Models, paintings, sculptures, and graphics created by Russian and Armenian artists may be seen in the History Section.
Matenadaran Library
The old Matenadaran Library, which resembles a cathedral, houses a collection of over 15000 manuscripts, some of which date back to the 9th century. Nearly 100,000 ancient and modern materials are also housed in the library. St. Mesrop Mashtots constructed the first structure here in the 5th century. The current building that you see now was built in 1959. The enormous collection of materials illustrates Armenia’s strong cultural and educational past. The street address is 53 Mesrop Mashtots Poghota.
Tsitsernakaberd (Museum of the Armenian Genocide)
Tsitsernakaberd or the Museum of the Armenian Genocide was founded in memory of the Ottoman Empire’s and Turkish republican forces’ cruel genocide of Armenians from 1915 to 1922. The subterranean museum houses a large collection of pictures. You may also watch the artworks depicting half-dead survivors of the massacre.
Museum of Modern Art
From 1970 onwards, the Museum of Modern Art has a rich collection of artwork by many artists. The museum is a major venue for showcasing modern artists’ work. It lies close to Sarian Poghots street. Apart from this museum, several artists exhibit their work at the Artists Union, which is next to the Hotel Yerevan. The street address is 7 Mesrop Mashtots Poghota.
Erebuni Fortress & Museum
Erebuni Fortress is a significant archaeological site, where excavations started in 1959.
The museum is situated towards the base of the hill. Hundreds of petroglyphs suggest a construction date of circa 782 BC. The fortification is surrounded by a lovely lake. Cuneiform tablets and jewellery discovered in surrounding excavations can also be seen here. The street address is 38 Erebuni Poghots.
Surp Grigor Lusavorich Cathedral
At the intersection of Khandjian Street and Tigran Mets Avenue sits the Surp Grigor Lusavorich Cathedral. The cathedral, which was consecrated in 2001, was built to celebrate the country’s 1700-year history of Christianity. A statue of Zoravar Andranik may be seen near the steps at Tigran Mets Poghota.
Garni Temple
Between Geghard and Yerevan is this massively reconstructed Hellenic temple. Garni Temple is dedicated to the Roman God of the Sun, Helios, and was built in the first century. It was erected by Armenian King Tradat I, with money and slaves sent by Nero. The temple was turned to a summer mansion after Armenia converted to Christianity. The temple included towered walls, an arched entrance, a baths, and other features. However, earthquakes have destroyed the bulk of the ancient construction.
Geghard Monastery
Geghard Monastery is a noteworthy Armenian site located 21.7 miles (35 kilometres) from Yerevan and 5.6 miles (9 kilometres) from Garni. The holy spear or lance that wounded Christ’s side and is currently stored in Echmiadzin gave the monastery its name. The monastery, also known as Ayrivank, was founded in the 4th century. Some of the churches here date from the seventh and thirteenth centuries. Animal sacrifices are performed by the monks on occasion, and visitors can see them.
Zvartnots Cathedral
Zvartnots Cathedral, in Yerevan, is one of the most spectacular cathedrals in the world.
The relics of St Gregory were previously stored in this cathedral, which was built in the 7th century. Catholicos Nerses II the Builder worked tirelessly to construct the church.
The structure, which was devastated in an earthquake, was subsequently repaired and now boasts an arch of ornately carved pillars. The remains of Surp Grigor Lusavorich’s church have a particular air about them.
Holy City of Echmiadzin
The city of Echmiadzin, which is about 12.4 miles (20 kilometres) from Yerevan, is home to Armenia’s most famous cathedral. Mayr Tachar, the city’s largest cathedral, has been devastated by earthquakes on several occasions. It was rebuilt in the 17th century and has Armenian ecclesiastical architecture. The church’s ceiling is covered with exquisite frescos, while the walls are adorned with remarkable artwork. The 2001 Papal Visit Monument, the Gevorgian Seminary, and a bell tower are among the other notable landmarks in the area.
Metsamor Museum
The Metsamor town is around 3.7 miles (6 km) away from this museum. Near the entryway, there are a number of phallus stones on exhibit. These stones were discovered during excavations in the surrounding area. The museum has a collection of early Iron Age artefacts. The primary attractions here include 2600-year-old gold jewellery and stones used in astrological calculations.
War Memorial Site of Sardarapat
Sardarapat’s War Memorial site is around 6.2 miles (10 km) from Armavir. The memorial was built in 1968 to commemorate the May 1918 fight in which Armenian forces led by Zoravar Andranik heroically battled and defeated Turkish invaders. Various statues, including gigantic bulls and eagles, may now be found here. A bell tower, a memorial wall, and a museum with combat artefacts and other old treasures are among the other features.
Mount Aragats
Mount Aragats is located near Byurakan and is said to be the country’s highest peak. The months of July to September are the finest for climbing this mountain. Its southernmost peak is easily climbable by untrained mountaineers. The most difficult to climb is the northern peak. Almost the entire year, the summit of the mountain is covered with snow.
Khor Virap Monastery
The Khor Virap Monastery, located about 18.6 miles (30 km) south of Yerevan near the Araks River, is a major sacred place for Armenians. Pagan King Trdat III is said to have imprisoned St Gregory the Illuminator for several years in a well at this location.
Some of the buildings here are thought to date back to the sixth century. The Surp Astvatsatsin Church is a popular spot for people to attend after a wedding. The monastery has a beautiful location on a small hill at the base of Mt Aragats.
Khosrov Nature Reserve
The Khosrov Nature Reserve is around 30.4 miles (49 km) from Yerevan. The Azat, Votankunk, and Khosrov rivers’ upper valleys make up the reserve. The region near Garni and Geghard attracts the majority of tourists. The Havuts Tar Monastery is a popular tourist destination that can be accessed in under an hour by trekking from the river below Garni. Surp Karapet also has a 13th-century church worth visiting.
