Just two weeks in Armenia and we were already able to embark on our first major domestic trip. Traditionally, people living and working abroad are invited to various events by their embassies. Shortly after our arrival in Armenia, we were able to enjoy a trip to Lake Sevan, because we were invited there by the Austrian Ambassador to Armenia. Together with other Austrians abroad, we celebrated the inauguration of the ambassador, Thomas Mühlmann.
In order to get to Lake Sevan, a small detour via the capital Yerevan was necessary, which we used for a first sightseeing tour of the capital.
Yerevan - one of the oldest cities in the world
With just over 1 million inhabitants, about a third of the Armenian population lives in the capital. Yerevan is one of the oldest cities in the world and celebrated its 2,800th anniversary in 2018.
Its strategic location often led to battles for the area and the city in the past. During the reign of the Russian tsars, today's city center was given a chessboard layout. Yerevan owes its current cityscape to the architect Alexander Tamanjan, who made radical changes. Between 1926 and 1941, existing buildings were demolished and a hydroelectric power plant, the opera and ballet theater and Republic Square were built according to his plans. It was built with red tuff, which colors the city in a soft red today. Recurring round arches on houses as well as wide streets and large green areas can also be traced back to Tamanjan. In the numerous parks there are now cafés and children's playgrounds.
Our tip: Yerevan is definitely an insider tip for lovers of city breaks. The city is experiencing a boom in tourism, but is not overcrowded. Cafes, bars, restaurants, markets and boutiques also open here on weekends.
Explore the city on foot
Yerevan has a metro but is easily explored on foot. Taking a taxi is also quite cheap. After we had moved into our hostel near the city center, we went on a discovery tour of the city center.
Cafesjian Center for the Arts - stylish ambience
Since opening in 2009, the Cafesjian Center for the Arts has showcased works of modern and contemporary art. Among them important creations of its founder Gerard L. Cefesjian. Modern sculptures are embedded in a beautiful park. The green area is surrounded by cafés and with a bit of luck you can enjoy the view of the Cafesjian Center with Wiener Melange and apple strudel ;-).
The cascade of the Cafesjian Center for the Arts leads to a high vantage point with breathtaking views over the city. On a clear day you can see as far as Mount Ararat from here.
On the large square at the end of the stairs, an obelisk now commemorates the former Soviet Armenia. This monument was erected to commemorate the 50th anniversary of belonging to the Soviet Union.
A look to the side and we find a familiar statue. Near the obelisk is the statue of Mother Armenia.
Mother Armenia - she watches over the city
Mother Armenia sits atop a hill in Victory Park and watches over the city. It replaces the monument to Stalin erected on this site for the former dictator and dismantled in 1962.
Its 36 meter high base houses a military museum. The monument to Mother Armenia can also be found in the second largest city and our new place of residence, Gyumri. There we visited Mother Armenia just a few days before.
Republic Square or Hraparak
Republic Square is the central square of the capital. The oval roundabout in the center features a stone pattern that looks like a carpet. Behind it is a fountain with a water organ made up of 2750 fountains. In the evening, loud music magically draws us to Republic Square and we experience an exclusive concert with dancing water fountains. As it turns out, there are water features every night from May to October.
The square is bordered by two government buildings, the history museum, the national gallery and the foreign ministry. The buildings made of yellow and red tufa give the square a certain something.
The opera and ballet theater - simple and yet pompous
This is also in the center of the capital and was designed by Alexander Tamanjan. The round arches and the clear architectural style are typical of its architecture. The opera reflects the architectural style of the surrounding buildings.
Blue Mosque - last monument of Persian rule
The Blue Mosque is the last remaining monument from the Persian rule that lasted until the early 19th century. The rose garden in front of the mosque invites you to stroll and relax. The mosque served as a museum during the Soviet era. Since 1999 the gates have been open again for Islamic prayers.
A tour guide and teacher offers us a short tour. As it turns out, her son is studying medicine in Graz. She immediately applies her excellent knowledge of German. How small the world is.
Cathedral of Saint Gregory the Illuminator - modern architectural style
On our tour of the city we will pass the world's largest Armenian Apostolic Cathedral, which is also the second largest church in Transcaucasia.
In this church are the relics of Saint Gregory the Illuminator. Shortly after the church consecration in 2001, Pope John Paul II visited the cathedral.
Circular Park - the green heart of Yerevan
The Cathedral of Saint Gregory the Illuminator stands at the beginning of the 2.5 km long Circular Park. This green area runs through the city center and offers space for sculptures and statues. Small lakes, restaurants, playgrounds and cafes line the green belt.
In sunny, warm Yerevan, the trees in the park are perfect for providing shade.
The old part of town and its charm
In order not only to experience the luxurious city center, we stroll from our hostel towards an old part of the city. Fascinated, we walk through the streets that show a completely different Yerevan.
Breathtaking is the view of Mount Ararat, which can be seen from every free corner of this part of the city.
Mount Ararat - the national symbol of Armenia
Mount Ararat is a dormant volcano and at 5137m the highest mountain in Turkey. Noah's ark is said to have stranded on Mount Ararat after the flood. It is considered the national symbol of Armenia, even though the mountain is no longer in the country.
Since Yerevan is a hilly city, there are beautiful views of Mount Ararat from many parts of the city. Unfortunately, he shows us mostly dressed in a cloud cover.
Too short - a visit to Lake Sevan
Since we were invited to a get-together by the Austrian Embassy in Armenia, we are happy to accept this invitation. After a 50-minute drive from Yerevan to Lake Sevan, we meet other Austrians in the Best-Western Hotel who have ended up in Yerevan on business. During a joint dinner with local specialties we chatted and laughed a lot.
The largest freshwater lake in the entire Caucasus is 1900 m above sea level and, at 11°C, is a bit too fresh for a dip in the cool water. That's why we enjoy the wonderful view of the lake and the excellent food. But it was certainly not our last visit here, because the surroundings in the small Caucasus also invite you to go on beautiful hikes.
The main station - return to Gyumri by train
From Yerevan's main station, our journey goes back to Gyumri the next day. The station is a terminus and represents an important connection to Georgia and to the two Armenian cities of Gyumri and Jerash.
Surprised by the modern wagons with 3-row seats, we enjoy the view of Mount Aragaz during the 3-hour ride and arrive in Gyumri with many new impressions.
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