Yerevan

Yerevan

Armenia’s capital, Yerevan, is one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities—29 years older than Rome. It is highly marked by grand Soviet-era architecture. Throughout its 2,800 years of history which the country experienced all kingdoms, invasions, Communism, and dictatorships, they have come and gone. In 2018, Armenia’s Velvet Revolution, a series of peaceful protests, ushered in government reforms and a newfound sense of optimism.

Yerevan is a city of contradictions starting with simple things like cars, on one corner you can find a Lada which belongs in a museum and on the other a new BMW. Traditional pandoks (bars) serving khoravats (local meat dish) and oghee (vodka made from fruits) sit next to chic European-style wine bars.

There are couple places which are worth your while when exploring the city. If you are a fan of history, you should visit the Matenadaran library, where you will find thousands of ancient Greek and Armenian manuscripts. The History Museum of Armenia on the Republic square's eastern side contains archaeological objects like a circa-3500-B.C. leather shoe.

Republic Square is the city's core, where you can relax if you love outdoors more than museums. There you will find musical water fountains and colonnaded government buildings surrounding it. In summer, locals take to the streets every night, claiming tables at the city's many outdoor cafes, sauntering along its tree-filled boulevards and congregating at the beloved musical fountain.

Only few traces of the city's ancient past remain, usurped by Soviet-era buildings and modern structures with little regard for history. But try wandering into any archway and you will see a different world – you may find a gorgeous 19th century balcony or beautiful church beyond.

Today, Yerevan is a city of one million, with a European ambience, lined with wide boulevards and sidewalk cafes. After independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Armenia became a place of pride and pilgrimage for the world’s 7-10-million strong Armenian diaspora (far larger than Armenia’s population of around 3 million). Now, it welcomes more and more visitors annually. Yerevan is cosmopolitan, safe, and affordable.

Ashtarak, is a town and urban municipal community in the Aragatsotn Province of Armenia, located on the left bank of Kasagh River along the gorge, 22km northwest of Yerevan. The city’s name was first mentioned in the 9th century. The Medieval Monuments are still kept in Ashtarak, that is why it is famous for a lot of historical monuments and outstanding people.

The town has interesting 19th century buildings, including an array of black tuff. Fruit trees grows in the streets which creates pleasant environment and on top of that there are two medieval churches from which you can witness stunning views over the gorge. We believe Ashtarak is a quiet town worth wandering through for a few hours.


Helpful tips


Restaurants. Yerevan as a capital of country has a wide range of restaurants to chose from. Old Zanzegur is great traditional restaurant to try national Armenian food like Dolma or Armenian kebab. Prices are adequate and place itself is nice to sit and have a lunch with good Armenian beer.

If you are beer fan seeking to explore Armenian beer culture, then Beer Academy is a place you need to go! Cozy interior and friendly stuff will offer you to try various kinds of local beers, so you will easily find what is best for your taste.

For sweet lovers we have a special place called Lamo Sweets, located not so far from Saint Anne Church. We were on a hurry to make our visa for Iran and on our way to travel agency we felt tasty sweet vanilla smell which we coundn't pass by. The small bakery we found accidentally had all kinds of Armenian sweets like Gata or Baklava. We liked it so much, that every time we where close to it, we bought new sweets to try.

Markets. In Yerevan and Ashtarak as in every other location on the world enjoyed by tourists you will have a chance to buy overpriced souvenirs. However,s prices in grocery shops are similar as in all country.

Transportation. To get to Yerevan you can use car, bus, train or plane whichever you think is more convenient for you. From Yerevan to Ashtarak is only 22km, thus, you will find it easy to get to either with public transport, or car, or even taxi. We were hitchhiking and it was a pleasant experience. Roads and infrastructure around the city are developed and convenient to use.

To get around the city is best with local buses, sometimes taxi might be a quick option as well. However, if you live near center it is best to explore it on foot!

Best of luck planning your holidays in Armenia!

Is there anything else you would like to visit while in Armenia?

If you have anything in mind, please let us know and let’s discuss it.

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