Yerevan, another capital on the crossroads of Europe and Asia, is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Its residents have lived through a horrific recent history that beggars believe. Armenians are proud of their identity and legacy as a result of their difficult circumstances, and their capital is an outward representation of that pride in many ways. The majority of the country’s main museums, cultural institutions, and restaurants that preserve Armenia’s gastronomic heritage may be found here. This article will give you the 5 impressive things you must do on your visit to Yerevan.
Visit Yerevan Casacade Complex
The Cascade Complex is the most spectacular and memorable. It is an architectural masterpiece that takes up a huge portion of Yerevan’s central district and is a fantastic free activity for those seeking things to do in Yerevan.
The complex was created by Alexander Tamanyan, a notable Armenian architect who served as the city’s chief architect. Despite the fact that it was conceived by Tamanyan, the Yerevan Cascade Complex was erected after his death in the 1970s and has since become one of Yerevan’s most popular tourist attractions. The Cascade Complex offers visitors a view of Yerevan from one of the highest spots in the city, where the pink city sparkles beneath the Ararat mountains, thanks to its 572 stairs.
Take a Free Walking Tour and Learn About History
Yerevan, like Armenia as a country, has a long and convoluted history. I definitely recommend attending a walking tour if you truly want to get your teeth into local history and culture while ticking off the big landmarks.
Yerevan has a fantastic free walking tour program that includes both general and culturally specialized tours. Tours typically take 2-2.5 hours and depart from Republic Square (although I ended up spending 4 hours with my guide when we did the introductory tour!). Remember to leave a tip.
Taste the Apricot and Pomegranate Wine
Armenian wine is unlike any other, not just because of the grapes used, but also because of the additional goods used to make it. You may pay a visit to the Areni Wine Factory and sample several wines. You will not only learn about the wine factories, but you will also be able to sample a variety of wines, which is a fantastic experience. Armenian wine is quite distinct from that of other countries, and it’s great to see some of the country’s elements in the drink.
Visit Kathogike; Armenia’s Most Beautiful Church
In Yerevan, there are hundreds of churches, most of which are made of stone that match the city’s architecture. They’re easy to overlook, especially when they’re tucked down at the base of tall apartment buildings.
Katoghike Holy Mother of God Church is one of the city’s oldest churches, having been consecrated in 1264. Decades of expansions and repairs have resulted in the current complex. A small chapel, hardly big enough to hold a few worshippers, is overshadowed by the surrounding basilicas. Parts of the complex (including an original 13th-century wall) have weathered a slew of challenges, including Soviet city planning threats and earthquakes.