I visited YEREVAN, Armenia in 2023 - Should you too? Երևան Հայաստան

Hi everyone! This is episode nine of my Caucasus series in which I travel through Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia. As the title suggests, this video should give you valuable information on whether you should put this city on your travel list. Regardless of my comments, suggestions or views, only you can make the final decision!

In this video, I visit Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. The vlog starts with a view of the city and Mount Ararat from the Cascade Complex, the main attraction in Yerevan. Legend has it that Noah's Ark is situated on Mount Ararat, which is actually located in modern Turkey, but is also a symbol of Yerevan as you can see the mountain from the city on a clear day.

The Cascade Complex, made from limestone, was constructed in the Soviet era in two parts, and one can either walk to the top or take the escalator in the Cafesjian Center for the Arts - a handy tip for lazy tourists like myself!

I talk about the history of Armenia as well as the origin of the name 'Yerevan', for which there are various theories. The general consensus amongst modern scholars appear to be that it is derived from the Erebuni Fortress and that Yerevan was established in 782 BC which makes the city older than Rome.

The name of Yerevan during Persian rule was 'Irivan', until the Russians captured Irivan and renamed it 'Erivan'. Yerevan and Armenia was also part of the Russian Empire and later the Soviet Union - it declared independence on 28 April 1918 but the Red Army invaded again in 1920, which started the Sovietisation of Armenia.

Yerevan was a small provincial town during the Russian Empire but grew considerably in the 20th century. Its current population is just over one million. Armenia declared independence from the Soviet Union on 21 September 1991, roughly three months before the Soviet Union completely collapsed.

Yerevan is also nicknamed the 'Pink City' due to the large number of buildings made from volcanic tuff, a type of rock made from volcanic ash. Yerevan still maintains a very Soviet feel in terms of its architecture and statues that are scattered all across the city in parks and other public spaces.

In the area around the complex, there are also beautiful works of art, nice coffee shops and jazz bars. I was told people in Yerevan love coffee!

After visiting the Cascade Complex, we walk towards the center (also known as 'Kentron') and pass various parks and other green spaces, as well as the Armenian National Opera and Ballet Theatre located on Liberty Square (which I mistakenly later refer to as 'France Square' due to misreading my map!). I briefly mention religion and that Armenia is the oldest Christian country in the world, with the Armenian Apostolic Church as the national church in the country. I also mention Vardavar, the summer festival that takes place on the 14th Sunday after Easter and where people drench each other with water during the hot summer.

After visiting Liberty Square (which also features bumper cars!), we head to Northern Avenue, a major pedestrian avenue in the city renowned for its shopping but also luxury residential flats. We are greeted at the outset by a mascot that promotes the 2023 European Weightlifting Championships in Yerevan as well as large buildings that show off the luxurious side of the city. I also visit the Tashir Street Shopping Gallery, which is an underground area, and explain the meaning behind the Armenian flag, also known as the 'Armenian Tricolour'. We also see the symbolic Key of Yerevan.

We then head towards Republic Square, where I talk more about the use of volcanic tuff in the construction of the five main buildings around the square. After our brief visit here, we head to Vernissage, a flea market / open shopping area selling authentic Armenian products. I also have a street lunch here at the end of the market.

After lunch, I head back to the center and pass through Vernissage again, before walking through several streets again including Nalbandyan Street, Tumanyan Street and Abovyan Street. We also pass Saint Anna Church the nearby Yerevan State Puppet Theatre, after which I quench my thirst with a smoothie from one of the smoothie bars. We also pass the Moscow Cinema and the Yerevan Grand Hotel before walking back to the hostel along Pushkin Street, where I show my room and some of the common areas in the hostel.

Throughout the vlog, I make various observations and impressions regarding Yerevan, whilst also offering tips and advice that might be useful should you decide to visit the city. And that is the aim of this video - to help you decide whether Yerevan is the right destination for YOU!

Hope you enjoy this video! If you haven't done it yet, please hit 'LIKE' and 'SUBSCRIBE' - it really helps this channel to grow! :)

Happy exploring!

Willie

"Correction: 2:54 Yerevats means it appeared or is visible"