Yerevan

Yerevan is the capital of Armenia. Many historical sights have been preserved in the Old City of Yerevan, and even more temples and monasteries are located outside. Near Yerevan there are Geghard Monastery, Echmiadzin Cathedral and Zvartnots Temple, which were included in the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List in 2000. 

All tours of Armenia begin in Yerevan. At least 3 days should be planned for the visiting of its center and surroundings. Armenia is a small country, so most of the sights can be viewed during day trips from Yerevan. Longer trips should be planned only in Jermuk and Goris. 

History of Yerevan 

In 781, the king of Urartu Argishti I built the Fortress of Erebuni, which became his main outpost in the Ararat Valley, at the foot of the famous Mount Ararat. City blocks began to form around the fortress during the Roman Empire (3rd century AD), however, 781 BC is recognized as the official founding date of Yerevan. 

The 8th century BC is the period of the highest power of the ancient kingdom of Urartu, which occupied vast areas on the territory of modern Armenia, Georgia and Turkey. The name Urartu came from the Assyrian chronicles, and in Persia this kingdom was called Armenia. 

For several centuries, including in the era of Great Armenia and in the Byzantine period, Yerevan was not the capital of Armenia. Different dynasties of Armenian princes declared different cities in the south-west of Armenia as their capitals.  

In 1827, Armenia became part of the Russian Empire after the war between Russia and Persia. However, Yerevan remained a small city of the Transcaucasian province, inferior to Tiflis (Tbilisi) and Baku in terms of population. After the October Revolution in Russia, in 1918, the Armenian Republic was formed as part of the USSR and Yerevan was declared the capital of Armenia. In Armenian historiography, Yerevan is considered the 12th capital. 

Sights of Yerevan 

Yerevan is often called the "pink city", as pink tuff was used in its construction. After the proclamation of Yerevan as the capital, it became the first city in the USSR to be completely reconstructed according to the master plan. In 1924, the master plan was developed by the great Armenian architect Alexander Tamayan. Thanks to him, the modern image of Yerevan was formed. 

For the layout of the streets of the city, he used a ring structure. The sights of Yerevan are located compactly in the historical center of the city. Excursions can be started at Republic Square. On the square itself, visit the National Gallery. To the south of it is the Ararat Brandy Company, the English Park, the Museum of History.  

There are also many attractions to the north of Republic Square. First, take a walk along Abovyan Street. If you go further north from Abovyan Street, you can visit the famous Cascade Architectural Complex and Victory Park there. 

Many interesting sights of Yerevan are located outside of the city. Most often people go on an excursion to the city of Vagharshapat (Echmiadzin), where the Echmiadzin Cathedral is located. In this place, Armenia adopted Christianity as the state religion at the beginning of the 4th century. On the way, you have to make a stop near the ruins of the ancient Zvartnots Temple. 45 kilometers south of Zvartnots is another famous landmark of Armenia – the monastery of Khor Virap. Here you can see the most beautiful view of Mount Ararat. 

Geghard Monastery, listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Lists, is located 40 kilometers east of Yerevan. It was founded in the 6th century. On the way to Geghard, visit the ancient Temple of Garni and the Arch of Charents.