What Are Some of the Most Historical Sites to Visit in Yerevan?

Yerevan, the capital of Armenia and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, is home to a variety of historical sites and monuments that have been preserved and restored over centuries. With a vast array of historical sites and monuments, Yerevan is becoming increasingly popular as a tourist destination, with more and more people visiting the city every year.While it can be difficult to pick which sites in Yerevan are the most interesting, visitors are encouraged to make the most of their time in the city by discovering some of its most iconic landmarks. Below is a detailed guide to some of the most historical sites to visit in Yerevan, Armenia.

The Matenadaran Library

The Matenadaran Library, officially known as the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, is an incredible place to visit for anyone interested in Armenian history and culture. Located in Yerevan, it is one of the oldest libraries in the world and houses some of the rarest manuscripts from centuries ago. The library was founded in 1959 and later expanded in 1993 to house over 17,000 rare manuscripts.The Matenadaran Library is easily one of the most iconic landmarks of Yerevan, and it is definitely worth a visit for those interested in Armenian culture and history. It also houses a number of exhibitions and events related to Armenian culture, which make it even more interesting to visit. Entry is free, so it’s easy to spend some time exploring this unique library.

The Cascade Complex

The Cascade Complex, an architectural marvel located in Yerevan, consists of an impressive stairway that spans over 500 meters and overlooks the city. It was built during the 1970s and 1980s as part of an urban redevelopment project, and consists of a number of terraces and steps leading up to the Cascade Monument, which stands at the very top of the complex. The Cascade Complex is becoming increasingly popular as a tourist attraction, as it offers amazing views of Yerevan and surrounding areas. Visitors can also find numerous art galleries and sculptures throughout the stairway, so it’s really worth checking out. The complex is open from 9am until midnight every day, however entry is free.

The Mother Armenia Monument

The Mother Armenia Monument is a monument located near Victory Park in Yerevan. It was designed by Spanish architect Javis Sotomayor and commissioned by Joseph Stalin in 1945 to commemorate victory against Nazi Germany during World War II. The monument stands at a height of 22 meters (72 feet), and has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Armenia. At the base of the monument there is an eternal flame which is lit every year during a ceremony in remembrance of fallen soldiers. The Mother Armenia Monument is a popular spot among tourists, who come to take pictures at its impressive base or enjoy views from the top.

Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral

The Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral is one of Yerevan’s most iconic landmarks. Completed in 2001, it is currently the largest cathedral in Armenia and stands at an impressive height of 145 meters (476 feet). Located on Mashtots Avenue near Republic Square, it was built as a symbol of Armenia’s historic faith and culture, and features some stunning artworks and huge domes. Visitors can explore the interior of the cathedral for free, where they will find numerous artworks, sculptures, mosaics, frescoes and stained glass windows depicting scenes from the Bible. The Saint Gregory Illuminator Cathedral is definitely one of the most eye-catching architectural buildings in Yerevan, and is definitely worth visiting if you have some spare time.

Erebuni Historical-Archaeological Museum

The Erebuni Historical-Archaeological Museum, also known as the Erebuni Museum-Fortress, is an impressive museum located just outside Yerevan. It was once an Urartu fortress dating back to the 8th century B.C., and excavations have revealed an impressive array of artifacts from ancient times. These include pottery, tools, jewelry and even wall paintings which have been preserved in their original state. For those looking to learn more about Armenian history, the Erebuni Museum-Fortress offers an incredible insight into ancient life in Azerbaijan. Visitors can also explore one of the oldest fortresses in the world if they climb up to its highest level for some fantastic views. Entry tickets for adults cost 1,000 AMD (about 2 USD) per person.

Conclusion

Yerevan is an incredible city filled with historical sites and monuments that have been preserved for centuries. From libraries to monuments, fortresses to cathedrals, this city will give visitors plenty to explore. Those looking to discover more about Armenia’s past should definitely check out some (or all!) of these incredible historical sites throughout Yerevan. For further information on some of the most historical sites to visit in Yerevan, Yerevaan Legends Tours provides detailed guides about each site mentioned in this article above.