Yerevan

It is said that whoever visits Yerevan cannot wait to return, not just for the spectacular view over the mountains of Ararat - mentioned in the Bible as the place where Noah’s Ark finally landed - and Ara to the north, and the picturesque expanse of the river Hrazdan to the south, as well as the vineyards, vegetable plots and flower-filled meadows, but also for the rich historic and cultural past that makes the capital of Armenia unique; a capital also known as the ‘pink city’ because of the colour of the tuff stone of many of its buildings.  

 

 

This ancient and elegant city, considered the ‘Paris of the Caucasus’, which today counts one million residents, has been inhabited until since the IV millennium BC and has seen the passage of various civilizations and ethnicities: Persians, Turks, Kurds and lastly Russians, who have all left their mark on the various architectural styles of the buildings.

 

The old military fortress of Erebuni towers over the city. Built in 782 BC to defend against attacks from the Caucasian people, it can be seen from every corner of the city, to which it gave its name (Erebuni, then Erevani, which changed to Erevan and internationalised to Yerevan). Symbolic Mount Ararat also appears on the city’s crest, which features the mountains surrounded by a winged lion, a symbol of courage.

 

A genuine open-air museum, the city also offers numerous large parks, such as Erebuni Park of some 17 hectares, Komitas Park and Pantheon, where famous Armenian personalities are buried, Lovers’ Park and the English Park.

 

 

The history of the country is celebrated in the numerous museums such as the Matenadaran, which is filled with precious manuscripts, the National Gallery of Armenia, which is abundant with works of art, the Erebuni History and Archaeology Museum, which displays ancient artefacts, the History Museum of Armenia, which describes the history of the city, and the very moving Armenian Genocide Museum. Many of these museums are situated in Republic Square, beating heart of the city, where at sunset visitors can enjoy the extraordinary spectacle of the Musical Fountains.

 

 

If you’d like to take a souvenir home of this magical place, visit the vast open-air market of Yerevan Vernissage, which is open on Saturday and Sunday and displays local items, or walk along Albovyan or the luxury shopping streets of Parpetsi and Pushkin.

 

Yerevan also attracts tourists to its various festivals, which take place during the year, such as the Jazz Festival, the International Festival of Classical Music, Yerevan Wine Days, the Golden Apricot Film Festival and the Festival of Water, which combines fun and spirituality with music and religious songs.

Armenia is not just a country that loves music, art and the good life, but is also the heart of Christian spirituality - it was the first country in 301 to proclaim Christianity as its country’s religion - and this is seen in the many churches, which are genuine stone fortresses of similar styles with conical bell towers. One of the most important religious buildings is the solemn Cathedral of Saint Gregory the Illuminator, patron saint of Armenia.  

 

 

Considered one of the safest city in the world, Yerevan at night become alive and its bars and restaurants bustle with groups of friends and tourists drinking, dancing and singing. The hospitality of its inhabitants is well known and is another added attraction for visitors who are made to feel like old friends with whom to share feasts and festivals and taste the famous local brandy, Ararat, which was much enjoyed by Churchill who received it as a gift from Stalin.

 

The cuisine is still inspired by traditional old recipes, in particular dishes of pulses and vegetables flavoured with spices and herbs; but also grilled meat such as pork, lamb and beef, accompanied by flavoursome sauces. Don’t miss tasting the extraordinary apricots, an Armenian fruit par excellence, or trying the famous garlic soup or dolma, a national dish made of meat and rice wrapped in cabbage or vine leaves.

 

Text by Anna Glik

Updated by Alisè Vitri

Avion Tourism Magazine

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