Armenian World

YEREVAN

Yerevan is situated in the north eastern part of the Ararat Valley. The upland Yerevan is fringed by mountains on three sides, and only to the south it freely descends down to the Arax River valley. Yerevan is one of the oldest cities of the world, a peer of Rome, Cartagen and Samarqand. Unlike many other cities, the date of the foundation of which is moot or, in the best case, is obscured by myths and legends and thus subject to guesswork, Yerevan has a <birth certificate> the authenticity of which is beyond doubt. During archaeological excavations in the1950s on the Arin Berd hill within Yerevan city limits a cuneiform inscription was uncovered, carved on a rock slate upon the orders of king Argishti first in 782 B.C. The inscription affirms that king Argishti the first built this fortress and called it Erebuni. Yerevan drives its name from the fortress Erebuni. Modern day Yerevan takes up 210 square km, its population is 1.249 thousand people, that is over one third of the country's total population lives in the capital. Yerevan is a major industrial city, a centre of social, political and cultural life of the Republic of Armenia. Relatively few buildings have been survived in Yerevan that date back farther than the 20th century. Today little is left from its ancient, but still we can say that it is mixture of ancient, old and new. Since those times Yerevan has seen and endured a lot before becoming the 13th capital of the Republic of Armenia.The climate in Yerevan is dry and strictly continental. The natural stone used for the buildings has a pale rose tint, and the columns and balconies soften the stark architecture.

The hearth of the city is Republic Square. It is famous for its architecture. The Foreign Office, the hotel Armenia, the Council of Ministers form a beautiful ensemble. In the centre of it towering over it stands a magnificent building. It houses the Museum of History of Armenia, and National Art Gallery. The warm color of tuff and stone-carvings make them really remarkable. In front of the National Gallery there is a beautiful fountain which was built to commemorate 2750 anniversary of the city.

The cultural centre of the city is Theatre Square on the site of which the Opera-house is located. It overlooks a green area of parks. Not far from Theatre Square one of the most impressive landmarks of Yerevan-Matenadaran, the depository of ancient manuscripts and a library is located.

The city is surrounded by hills and mountains. If you climb to the top of the hill you'll see a sweeping panorama.

If shopping gives you pleasure you can visit a department store or a row of fashionable boutiques and shop till you drop. If you are very tired you can call in at any cafe, or Pizza or have tasty ice-cream. There are many working markets in Yerevan. They look like real still-life. if you enjoy oriental markets you will feel the charm of Armenian markets. Yerevan is a city of students. there are more than 20 higher educational institutions in Yerevan. Above all, YEREVAN IS A VERY HOSPITABLE CITY. NOWHERE IN THE WORLD YOU WILL FIND SUCH TRADITIONS OF RECEIVING GUESTS HERE.