Armenia is an interesting country that has managed to remain outside the tourist radar of most people. But aside from beautiful views, Armenia also has lots of important cultural artifacts worthy of your attention! Join me as I list down the 7 top tourist attractions in Yerevan, the country’s beautiful capital. [Check out our list of the 7 most beautiful places in Armenia]
Top Tourist Attractions in Yerevan
Republic Square
Every country has its central square, and Armenia places its pride on Yerevan’s neoclassical Republic Square. The beautiful two-part structure consists of a roundabout and a pool with musical fountains, surrounded by important buildings such as the Government House National Gallery, and the History Museum. Completed in the 1950s (pretty modern by the standards of most central squares), this is the melting pot of Armenia’s civic landscape, and also played an important role in public demonstrations.
Cafesjian Centre for the Arts
Located in the Kentron District, this building is part of the famous Yerevan Cascade, one of the top tourist attractions in Yerevan. The latter is a complex of gardens, fountains, and huge staircases. Cafesjian itself is a large museum that opened in 2009. Offering various exhibits from the private collection of its founder Gerard Cafesjian. The exhibits have more than 5,000 pieces, and has one of the biggest glass collections anywhere! Samples from such famous glass artists as Yamano, Chihuly, and Libensky adorn the building. There are also paintings and drawings from many famous artists of different styles.
Opening Hours
Cafesjian Sculpture Garden: Always open.
Escalator Gallery: Everyday, 8:00-20:00.
Exhibition Galleries, Museum Store and Visitor Center: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 10:00-20:00.
The Center is closed on state holidays.
Admission Fee
Gallery One, Museum Store, Khanjyan Gallery, Sasuntsi Davit Gallery, and Swarovski Crystal Palace exhibition are free of charge.
Exhibition Galleries
Members: Free
Adults: 1,000 AMD (USD2)
Seniors: 800 AMD
Youth 13–17: 750 AMD
Children (aged up to 12): Free
Mother Armenia Monument
This 22-meter tall monument is what is to Armenia what the Statue of Liberty is to the US. Located in Yerevan’s Victory Park, this is one of the top tourist attractions in the capital and certainly the most iconic if you’re in for pictures! An interesting note is that this statue replaced that of Joseph Stalin, in itself originally built to commemorate the latter’s victory in World War 2. The Mother Armenia structure was installed in 1962.
Erebuni Museum
Opened in 1968, the museum stands on the foothills of Fortress Erebuni — a structure that has existed since 782 BC. The fortress complex is rich in history and archaeological finds, and the museum contains everything from jars and jewelry to pitches of wine and many others. The museum itself houses more than 12,000 exhibits!
Opening Hours
Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Admission Fee
Adults- 1000 AMD (USD2)
Students – 300 AMD
With guide tour in Armenian -2000 AMD
With guided tour in a foreign language – 2500 AMD
The Armenian Genocide Museum
Stepping through here feels like stepping into the Holocaust Memorial. Opened in 1967, the Museum commemorates the horrors of the 1915 Armenian Genocide. The somber memorial contains films, pictures, and other personal effects of the victims, along with stories of what happened during this fateful event in Armenian history.
Opening Hours
Tuesday-Sunday: 10.00-17.00
The last entrance 16.30
Monday: Closed
The Museum is closed on official holidays (December 30, 31, January 1-6, March 8, May 1, 9, 28, July 5, September 21)
The Museum holds extended hours of operation for April 24th.
Admission Fee
Admission is free of charge but donations are welcomed.
Tickets for a guided tour
Guided tour in Armenian – 2500 AMD (USD5)
Guided tour in Russian, English, French, German – 5000 AMD (USD10)
Yerevan Great Blue Mosque
The center of Islam in Yerevan, this 18th century mosque is a beautiful sight and reminder of the religious diversity in Armenia. This is the only active mosque in the country, but it still maintains its religious services. The structure dates back to the 18th century, and has been the largest of its kind since then in the country.
Matenadaran
The Museum of Ancient Manuscripts, this is the largest of its kind in the world containing ancient text from Armenia’s rich history. The building contains such important works
Opening Hours
Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Admission Fee
Regular admission: 1500 AMD (USD3)
Schoolchildren: 200 AMD
Students (with student cards): 300 AMD
Guided tours in foreign languages (English, French, German, Russian, Italian, Spanish or Polish) for 1-10 visitors: 3000 AMD (USD6)
Guided tours in foreign languages (English, French, German, Russian, Italian, Spanish or Polish) for more than 10 visitors: 5000 AMD.
Free admission for:
Children under seven (with a document), pupils of special schools, pensioners, military men, veterans of the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) War, family members of military casualties of the Artsakh War, members of ICOM.
Audio guides are provided free of charge to groups of 15 and more visitors.
Video and photography (without flash): 2500 AMD.
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