13 places in Yerevan, Armenia that you must visit!
If you are a tourist wondering where to go in Yerevan, Armenia, then this list is for you. You may need 2-3 days to visit all these places, but you won’t regret a second. Yerevan, Armenia has a very rich culture as it is one of the oldest cities in the world. And I will help you explore the cultural treasures of Yerevan, Armenia!
1. Republic Square and National Gallery and Museum of Armenian History
Here in Armenia, the Republic Square is considered one of the 10 most beautiful squares in the world. Well, unfortunately, I couldn’t find the source, but I totally agree with the statement. The Republic Square is really exciting. It was built between 1924 and 1929. Its architect is a great Armenian architect, A. Tamanyan, who also designed Yerevan in general. The square is surrounded by the National Gallery and the Museum of History, the Ministry of Territorial Administration of Armenia, the Government House, the Central Post Office of Armenia, the Armenian Marriott Hotel, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia and the Ministry of Energy. and Natural Resources of Armenia. At night, the square is especially beautiful due to the “Danzantes” fountains. The square is the beloved place of Yerevan couples.
2. Matenadaran
One might think that Matenadaran – The Museum of Ancient Manuscripts might be a boring place. However, it is only the first and false impression. I am only 22 years old and I can say that Matenadaran was amazing. Every book, every page of the books covers a very interesting story. I will bring only one example. The heaviest book in Matenadaran was around 34 kg. During the Armenian Genocide it was carried out from Turkey by two sisters. They cut the book into 2 pieces, each weighing 17 kg, and tied them to their bodies. One of them died during his flight from Turkey and his piece was lost. The other piece was saved. A few years later, the second part was saved by a Russian soldier.
And believe me; other very amazing stories are covered on the walls of Matenadaran. This was just one of them.
Matenadaran is surrounded by sculptures of the great minds of Armenia and Mesrop Mashtots: the inventor of the Armenian alphabet stands in the middle with his student, Koryun.
3. Opera
Opera House is the other great building of the great A. Tamanyan. Located in the heart of Yerevan, it is indeed a work of art from the outside and of course it is magnificent inside. Suffice it to say that it is one of the few Opera Houses in the world that was able to stage Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida, but it should also be known that the Opera has hosted concerts by artists such as Charles Aznavour, John McLaughlin, Emir Kusturitsa and the No Smoking Orchestra, Ian Anderson and many others. The Opera House is surrounded by the Freedom Square, where Armenia celebrated its independence in 1991. Now it is the favorite place of most Armenians, couples, tourists and of course the protesters!
4. Tsitsernakaberd and Genocide Museum
Tsitsernakaberd is the place where Armenians gather to remember the victims of the Armenian Genocide. Every April 24, people from Yerevan, other regions of Armenia and even many representatives of the diaspora walk towards the eternal fire and lay flowers in memory of the millions who died during the tragedy.
For details, photos and other information on the people of the Armenian Genocide, visit the Genocide Museum which is located 30-40 meters from the monument.
However, Tsitsernakaberd is also a wonderful park where Yerevan couples love to spend time. It is a huge park with many trees. And since it is very well located, the view is wonderful from there, especially at night!
5. Arin Berd or Erebuni Fortress
This is where Yerevan and modern Armenia begin. Founded in the 8th century BC. C. and surviving to this day, it is one of the oldest fortresses in the world. And it makes Yerevan one of the oldest cities in the world. Arin Berd in translation from Armenian means Blood Fortress although it is not so scary. In fact, this fortress has great historical value. So if you are interested in archeology or history, this is the place you cannot miss!
6. Cafesjian Waterfall and Museum
Waterfall is my personal favorite. I go there with my friends for a cup of coffee and with my girlfriend for a walk. Cascade is just a masterpiece in terms of architecture. From the top of the waterfall you can see the most beautiful panorama of Yerevan and Ararat if you are lucky because most of Ararat is covered by clouds and invisible. And Cafesjian with the Museum has decorated Cascade in a very beautiful way. There are many original statues there.
And of course do not miss the Museum. It is a very good museum with statues and paintings by local and international artists.
7. Ararat Brandy Factory
Ararat is a symbol of Armenia, but so is Ararat Brandy Factory. Any Brandy lover should know that after France, the best Brandy in the world is produced in Armenia, but some even prefer Armenian Brandy to French. Ararat Brandy Factory is an old school high quality brandy manufacturer, in fact the best in Armenia. And it has a very interesting history that is too long to be covered in this article. I recommend you take the tour of the factory and do a brandy tasting.
8. North Avenue
Built in 2007, Northern Avenue became another beloved spot for Yerevan’s walkers. Northern Avenue was included in Tamanyan’s Yerevan city plan, but he was unable to build it.
It connects the 2 famous squares of Yerevan: Republic Square and Freedom Square (where the Opera House is located).
Due to timing issues, it was modernized and the buildings are too tall compared to the Tamanyan project. Thus, some say that it is changing the face of the city stating that it is the “Avenue of the Desert” due to the lack of trees. Others say that it is very modern and that they would love to have an apartment there. Anyway, everyone loves to walk along this Avenue with their loved ones, friends, children…
9. Parazhyanov Museum
Until now there are many cinephiles who still remember the great Armenian filmmaker Parajyanov as he is one of the world-renowned geniuses in this field… Some great directors like Fellini, Tarkovsky, Vigo, Antonioni, Godard and many others knew and respected Parajyanov as the mastermind of its genre.
Your museum is great. And you can find illustrations, drawings, dolls and scripts of the Artist. After the visit, you will have many good memories.
10. Saryan Museum
Well, everyone who explores the world of art, the world of drawing, should know Martiros Saryan, as he is a great painter. He is famous throughout the world for his ability to display the power of colors. His paintings are very colorful and very beautiful… It is too difficult to convey such beauty in words.
So you should definitely see his museum where you can find many of his paintings. You will not regret a second of the time you spend in its museum.
11. Church of St. G. Lusavorich
Grigor Lusavorich: Gregory the Illuminator is the one who converted the Armenians from paganism to Christianity, which made Armenia the first country to be officially Christian in 301 AD It is our pride to say that even suffering from being Christian for more than 1700 years We are still Christians.
The Church was built in 2001 on the 1700th anniversary of Christianity in Armenia. It is a large and amazing church and is visible from many corners of Yerevan.
12. Surb Sargis Church
Surb Sargis (Saint Sergius) was a brave and noble commander who fought for Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, Armenia, and Persia. He was always rushing to help those in need and was incredibly fast. He won all the battles he participated in. However, he was a Christian and therefore was not accepted by the countries he fought for, except Armenia (Armenia was a Christian country at the time). The leaders of Greece, Rome and Persia tried to kill him and finally Shahpuhr of Persia managed to do it. Many attempts to persuade him to change his beliefs failed as Sargis was very strong both physically and mentally.
He also managed to marry a Greek girl after converting his family to Christianity.
Surb Sargis is one of the most beloved saints of the Armenians. Armenians think that Sargis connects hearts like Valentine. In fact, Surb Sargis is the Armenian Valentine’s party.
His church is not the most beautiful and amazing but it is the most popular church due to the history of Surb Sargis.
13. Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque is the only functioning mosque in Yerevan. It was built by the Persians in the 18th century because at that time Armenia was occupied by the Persians and it was a region of Persia. In the Soviet era, due to its secularist policy, the Mosque ceased to function and became the Yerevan Museum. However, with the independence of Yerevan and with the help of the government of Iran, the Mosque returned to act as a Mosque.
It is a very nice building inside and out. After the restoration, all the decorations and architecture were preserved.
