Attractions
Yerevan
The Armenian capital on the banks of the Razdan is one of the oldest cities in the world and was founded almost 2800 years ago. Unfortunately, large parts of the old town were demolished in the 1930s. The new buildings are mostly built in the pink-brown tuff stone typical of Armenia. On a clear day, across the Turkish border, you can see the twin peaks of Mount Ararat, where Noah’s Ark is said to have stranded after the Flood. The Matenadaran in the city center houses a collection of the oldest manuscripts in the world. Also worth seeing is the Church of Saint Hripsime. Yerevan has a number of museums, including the worth seeing State Museum of Folk Art and the Children’s Art Gallery. This gallery exclusively exhibits artworks by children between the ages of 3 and 16, and its art collection now includes over 100,000 images by children from 130 countries. The Historical Museum provides an insight into Armenian history and art history. A collection of tools that includes exhibits from the Stone and Iron Ages up to the 19th century is of particular interest.
- Topmbadirectory: Offers information about politics, geography, and known people in Armenia.
In Sardarapat, 53 km from Yerevan, there is a memorial built in 1968 to commemorate the 1918 victory of the Armenians over the Turks. Architectural monuments and fascinating sculptures make up its charm. History buffs will be interested in Sevan Monastery (9th century). It is said to have once served as an exile for disgraced Armenian nobles. North of Sevan, further in the mountains, lies the popular spa town of Dilizan. Agartsin Monastery, just a few kilometers east of Dilizan, was one of the most important cultural centers in the Middle Ages. This architectural masterpiece is one of the few structures that have survived completely from this period (10th-13th centuries). The magnificent refectory is particularly impressive. Goshavank Monastery (25 km from Dilizan) houses wonderful examples of the stone carvings for which the region was famous in the Middle Ages. Amberd Fortress on Mount Aragats (50 km from Yerevan) is perfect for a picnic.
Shopping
Overview
In Yerevan there are several modern clothing stores with fashion from local designers. Various handicrafts made of silk, ceramics and wood, as well as paintings, are sold in Yerevan galleries. Antiques such as icons, rugs and carpets are very expensive and can only be exported with a special permit. You only get this if the purchase was made in an official shop and not on a market or by a private person. Goods of all kinds are on sale at the Vernisaj flea market in Yerevan, which is very popular with tourists. The shopping hours of the shops are from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., in summer most shops are open longer.
Nightlife
Introduction
There are numerous restaurants and nightclubs in Yerevan where local bands play everything from soft jazz to hard rock. Some of the biggest clubs play techno and trance music until dawn, sometimes with DJs from Russia or Europe. There are a number of deserted looking casinos on the way to the airport. Yerevan has a large concert hall, an opera house and chamber music hall and several theaters. Opera and music performances are of a high standard and tickets are inexpensive. The Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra and the Armenian Chamber Orchestra, founded in 1997, regularly perform in Yerevan and other cities. There are several musical ensembles
Culinary
Overview
Yerevan has a rapidly developing international restaurant scene with specialties from around the world. Along Paronyan Poghots Street (“Grill Mile”) you can order the famous Armenian dish khoravats, which consists of grilled meat. Many cafes are located in parks and are popular with tourists and locals, especially in summer. Grilled veal and lamb soup with pine nuts are among the specialties of Armenian cuisine. Lamb is a traditional part of many Armenian dishes and is often grilled or served as a shish kebab with flatbread. Lamb is also used as a soup base, especially in the bozbash, which comes in countless variations, or as a stew, often together with fruit and nuts. A meal often begins with a large plate of cold appetizers, including peppers and vine leaves stuffed with rice and meat, pickled and fresh vegetables, and various kinds of basturma (cured meat). Dried apricots from the Caucasus are said to have almost magical health-promoting properties. Another dessert specialty is made from thickened grape juice: this is eaten in a solidified form together with nuts. The Ishkan trout from Lake Sevan is hailed as a special delicacy, but it is now rarely available. Beverages: The production of Armenian wine and brandy was severely curtailed in the 1980s as part of Gorbachev’s anti-alcohol campaign. Locals still like to tell visitors today, that Winston Churchill preferred Armenian brandy to French after first tasting it at the Yalta Conference. Coffee is strong, black and offered in small cups.
Accommodation
Hotels
There are several large hotels in Yerevan, the standard of which is about the same as international 3-star hotels. The Hotel Armenia is managed in cooperation with Marriott, the power supply is secured by its own generators. In the Hotel Armenia and in the newly equipped Ani Plaza Hotel there are tourist information offices, through which, among other things, excursions can be organized.
Camping
Camping facilities are not available.
Culture
Religion
Predominantly Armenian-Orthodox, alongside Russian-Orthodox and Muslim (mostly Kurds). The Armenian Church is the oldest Christian church in the world.
Social Rules of Conduct
Social life takes place in one’s own home, and invitations are gladly extended. Armenians are generous and hospitable. Despite the scarcity, lavish meals are served to guests, and glasses are emptied again and again to the well-being of the guests. A little something like flowers, chocolate or a bottle of imported wine is appreciated. They shake hands to greet each other. Business cards are not only handed out at business meetings, but generally also at the first meeting with someone. The talks inevitably revolve around politics, but caution is called for. In view of the rising crime rate, valuables should not be “displayed”. Tip: The staff in restaurants expect tips, sometimes in advance. Fares in taxis should always be agreed before departure. It is advisable to find out about the usual fares in advance. The same applies to market stalls etc.
Climate
Best travel time
Continental climate with hot dry summers and cold winters. The average temperature in January is -6°C, in July 25°C. During the summer it can be hot and dry during the day and bitterly cold at night. The best travel time is May/June and September/October.
Country data
Phone prefix
+374
Area (sq km)
29743
Population
2,963,243 (Source: homosociety)
Population density (per square km)
103
Population statistics year
2020
Main emergency number
112
