Summer in Yerevan: Feel the Warmness and Hospitality

Publish Time:2021-06-22 17:22:04Source:Tourism Unit of Yerevan Municipality

【Introduction】:Welcome to Yerevan, a city with rich cultural and historical heritage. Yerevan with its warmest feelings is the city where many, once visited, want to come back again.

Welcome to Yerevan, a city with rich cultural and historical heritage. Yerevan with its warmest feelings is the city where many, once visited, want to come back again. Many tourists acknowledged that the city boasts indescribable force of attraction, which is very often accounted for by the hospitable and friendly attitude of the city and its people. Yerevan is a so-called "base" city for tourists visiting Armenia. This is due to the fact that all major hotels, recreation and culture centers, and the largest airport of the country are in the capital. Here, in this city with a population of more than one million, you can walk at night from the remote suburbs to the city centre and back. In the city centre, in cafes and restaurants, in streets, at any time of day and night you can see young and old people, tourists and locals enjoying the city atmosphere. Yerevan is actually a lot more than presented above. Most tourists say that, beyond the cultural heritage, it is the hospitality and openness of Yerevan people that makes it so special.

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Yerevan is considered to be one of the oldest constantly inhabited cities in the world. Yerevan emerged as a city around the fortress Erebuni, which was founded in 782 B.C. by the Urartian King Argishti the First. Erebuni was declared as the citadel of the Kingdom, serving as religious and administrative center, as well as the residence of the Royals, namely the King and his family. But it also had another strategic mission, that of protecting the Kingdom from the attacks of the enemies. This is evidenced by the cuneiform inscription, which was founded in the ruins of Erebuni fortress. The name of Yerevan derives from the name of "Erebuni".

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Being an old city at the same time it is one of the youngest cities of the world. The city chronology is traced back to the foundation of Erebuni Fortress, whose walls still remain. With Erebuni as a reference point, Yerevan is in fact 29 years older than Rome.

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In addition, many churches and temples have been preserved attesting to the fact that there was life in Yerevan in the middle ages. Nonetheless, Yerevan is a modern city and its current image was formed in the mid-20th century. The next interesting fact of the Armenian capital is that although it was mostly built in its current incarnation during the Soviet era, the city still posses a distinctly Armenian character and its spirit. During a time when a so-called "Universal Soviet style" was the widespread norm across the Soviet Union, contemporary Armenian architects revived medieval Armenian architectural traditions, giving the facades of new buildings a unique flair. Though it cannot be overlooked that during the last decades of the USSR, thousands of unremarkable buildings were built in the typical Soviet style in different districts of Yerevan, if you look closely, you’ll notice that there and here that indestructible passion of Armenians towards their own national style shone through. Even sculptures commemorating important Soviet events took on national and sacred characteristics. Today Yerevan has acquired a unique image. Here the traditional Armenian architecture and the modern style buildings are combined.

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Yerevan is practically a mono-ethnic city. When Armenia gained statehood in the early 20th century after 800 years of existence without an official homeland, the small out of the way town Erivan was deemed the capital. The town quickly grew, with its new streets, avenues and squares. And its population grew due to a massive inflow of Armenian immigrants. In fact, the population of Yerevan has grown almost tenfold during the last years. 

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES

Shengavit settlement

SUMMER IN YEREVAN: FEEL THE WARMNESS AND HOSPITALITY

Shengavit settlement is situated on the left bank of the Hrazdan. In 1930s during excavations ruins of houses with stone fundaments, with many lodgings for a big family to live in, with a cone roof were found. Animals were kept in square annexes with flat roofs. Here the inhabitants cultivated wheat; barley and rye were used as food, the stoned remains of which have come up to present days. From this territory varied pottery and stone, golden, metallic (copper, bronze) objects, domestic and ritual round hearths, anthropomorphic and zoomorphic statuettes were unearthed (the 3rd millennium B.C.)

Karmir Blur

SUMMER IN YEREVAN: FEEL THE WARMNESS AND HOSPITALITY

Karmir Blur (named for its red clay soil) was built for the Urartian king Rusa II in the first half of the 7th century BCE, establishing a bulwark against northeastern Cimmerian and Scythian attacks. He founded the new administrative, economic and military center on the left bank of Ildaruni (Hrazdan) River (modern westen Yerevan) and called it Teishebaini in honor of Teisheba, the Urartian god of storms and war.

The citadel for this fortress-city—surrounded by massive defensive walls, with storage buildings and its own irrigation system, was a two level structure. The lower level had 150 storage rooms, used as wine cellars, workshops, for distilling beer and wine and even a sesame seed oil press. The upper level held chambers and palace rooms for the governor, priests, military officials and other high ranking persons. Temples were also inside the citadel. Teishebaini or Karmir blur (Red hill) referring more to the hill that the fortress is located was the capital of the Transcaucasian provinces of the ancient kingdom of Urartu.

Cradle of Christianity 

Armenia was the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as a state religion in 301 A.D. Christianity has played an immensely important role in the shaping of the Armenian people for over 1,700 years. Religion has been an essential part of Armenian identity and has reshaped the course of history. As a matter of fact, Christian communities were established in Armenia way before Christianity was declared as the state religion. Since 40 AD, the preachings of Thaddeus and Bartholomew, 2 out of 12 apostles, have left the mark on Armenia.

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Even at the bitterest moments in its history the Armenians build churches and made a significant contribution to the world's architectural tradition. They developed the concept of laying out the floor plan of a church in the shape of a cross. This early Christian basilica style was later incorporated into Gothic architecture of European architecture. In Yerevan, churches are the most valuable monuments that have been preserved since medieval times. All of them were severely damaged by the great 1679 earthquake. In different centuries these churches were rebuilt. These entire monuments stand today in many different parts of Yerevan testifying its Christian identity. 

Churches to visit in Yerevan  

SAINT THE BLESSED VIRGIN "POWERFUL" CHURCH

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The pearl of Yerevan 17th century.

SAINT THE BLESSED VIRGIN "KATOGHIKE" CHURCH 

Where we meet old and new mixed harmonious architecture. (17th century)

SAINT GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR   MOTHER CHURCH OF YEREVAN 

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Founded on the occasion of the 1700th anniversary of Christianity as a state religion in Armenia. The church is located on a large platform made of basalt. It has seats for 1700 people and can accommodate 3000 people. The main church has separate entrances on the southern, northern and western sides. 

Feel the city festivals

Annual festivals, held in Yerevan, have an important meaning for Yerevan lifestyle. Yerevan Municipality organizes different interesting festivals during a year, which have a big importance for event tourism development. Each of them truly represents culture and traditions of Armenia.

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If you have the chance to visit Yerevan during spring time (April, Mayor June), don't miss the chance to participate in an impressive event of "Yerevan Wine Day". This festival takes place on Saryan street. The past several years this street became an attractive district when many wine houses has been opened here and it became a lovely place for the citizens and guests of the capital with a unique atmosphere. There are a number of wineries on Saryan Street representing unique wines from all over the world. However, it should be mentioned that Armenia is known as the ancient cradle of winemaking since old times. So if you want to enjoy a nice evening tasting Armenian local or other types of wine, then visit Saryan Street to enjoy your evening. And it's no coincidence that "Yerevan Wine Days" festival is organized right here (May-June).

If you visit Yerevan in June, you can take part in a unique gastronomy festival "Yerevan with flair" or Utest FEST(June), the festival traditional Armenian dishes. There are also two important festivals. The first is "Yerevan Tarazfest" and "Yerevan Beer Fest" which are an integral part of the cultural life of the city.

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Another beloved holiday which is a unique festival is Vardavar which is a holiday not only for Yerevan citizens but it also attracts tourists who take active part in the celebration. Events dedicated to Water fest (Vardavar) are held in all administrative districts of the capital. In the framework of festival evens the parade of water sprinkling trucks and washing of monuments are held. Celebration starts early in the morning at churches with the liturgy dedicated to Transfiguration during which the ceremony of water blessing is served.

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Experience the atmosphere of adventures

YEREVAN ZIPLINE AIRLINES

The longest zip line in the region "Yerevan Zipline Airlines" – a journey to unrepeatable sensations. The zipline is the longest in Armenia. The first line is about 870 meters long. The highest point is in the beginning - 123 meters, which passes under the bridge at 87-90 meters height. The length of the second line is 650 meters, with the height of 60 meters. You can speed up to 120-140 kilometers per hour experiencing unique and dreamlike moments, as well as a huge dose of adrenalin. You can also overcome your fear of height becoming more self-confident. By the way, this urban zipline is the only one in the world, passing under a bridge. 

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HIKING AND CYCLING

​Armenia is undoubtedly an ideal place for hiking and cycling. Not so far from the capital Mount Aragats, Azhdahak  are the most interesting sites for trekking. Some people prefer to take their own unexplored routes and discover something new for themselves which can't possibly be shared with simple words. The extremely diverse terrains all brought together in a limited space gives avid trekkers an overwhelming sensation. Trekkers can also avoid bring overloaded by too much luggage, travel light, and stay overnight at the houses of locals.​

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DISCOVER THE CITY WITH "YEREVAN CITY TOUR"

Yerevan City Tour is an official city tour in Yerevan, coordinated by tourism Unit of Yerevan Municipality. Don't miss the chance to discover Yerevan, a 2803 years old city with rich cultural and historical heritage. Yerevan with its warmest feelings is the city, where many once visited want to come back again. Many tourists acknowledged that the city boasts indescribable force of attraction, which is very often accounted for by the hospitable and friendly attitude of the city and its people. During this two-hour long Yerevan City Tour you are going to ride through Yerevan, to discover and feel the real vibes of the millennia-old city.   

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The Taste of Yerevan

Armenian traditional cuisine has a large variety of richly flavoured dishes. Armenian dishes are tasty because they are enriched by herbs such as parsley, tarragon, mint and others.  Armenian famous dishes barbecue, dolma, kyuftah, ghapama, and harisa are the inseparable part of the Armenian cuisine. Khash (so called garlic soup) is also a very popular dish which is mostly used during cold weather in autumn and winter. Making, serving and eating this dish is a great ritual until the last moment around the table. So, Yerevan is a city of excellent restaurants and street cafes, where you can enjoy food of great quality. In Yerevan there are also many restaurants serving the dishes of different world-known cuisines. Armenia is known for its palatable and succulent vegetable and fruit. 

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VERNISSAGE

Vernissage is open air market in Yerevan where the visitors can do a good shopping even spend a free time just admiring the paintings, handmade stuff and souvenirs and some antique things, carpets.  Here the visitors can also buy Armenian arts and crafts, carvings, pottery, silken scarves and dolls with traditional and mixed costumes and so on. This market is mostly opened on weekends. But there are many other souvenir shops in Yerevan which are open during the week. 

So let's choose a souvenir that is close to us and take it with us as a keepsake.

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Welcome to Yerevan, after visiting which you will get unique warmness and positive memories, with insatiable desire to visit it again and again.

 

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