Also known as Yerevan, Erevan is the capital of the Republic of Armenia, having previously been the capital of Soviet Armenia. Its architecture captivates visitors precisely because it testifies to both its Soviet past and the ascension of an entire nation. To understand the city's history and ensure you don't miss the essentials, discover the must-see sites to visit during your stay in Erevan. The good news? Most of these tourist attractions are concentrated in the heart of the city.

The Armenian Genocide Memorial

It's impossible to imagine a journey to Armenia without exploring its painful history. Also known as Tsitsernakaberd, the Armenian Genocide Memorial and its museum allow you to learn more about the scale of the massacre perpetrated by the Ottomans.

At the center of the memorial, you'll discover an eternal flame commemorating a people who lost more than one and a half million Armenians under atrocious conditions. You'll notice two arrows reaching skyward, symbolizing the resurrection of the Armenian people.

The Museum of History of Armenia

Interested in Armenian history? Continue your visit at the Museum of History of Armenia. You'll find an impressive archaeological, anthropological, and ethnological collection that offers a comprehensive overview of Armenian history and culture over the past three thousand years!

Good to know: the museum shares the same building with the National Gallery, which houses an extensive collection of works by Armenian, European, Russian, and other artists. Plenty to see across multiple visits!

Republic Square and Its Fountains

If you wish to visit the Museum of History of Armenia or the National Gallery, you must head to Republic Square. Beyond the museums it houses, you'll also find the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Armenia Hotel, and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Post.

It features no fewer than 2,750 fountains that enchant visitors once night falls and they come alive. Without a doubt, it ranks among the must-see sites during a stay in Erevan. Envisioned in 1924 by the renowned architect Alexander Tamanian (to whom much of the city's urban design is owed), it was known as Lenin Square before becoming Republic Square upon Armenia's independence in 1991.

The Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque (Goy) is one of the city's eight mosques. It owes its name to its main dome adorned with sublime blue designs and motifs. With an area of 7,000 m² and its numerous rooms, it's all the more impressive. Interestingly, it was built in 1765 and 1766 and was transformed into a planetarium by the Soviet government in 1952!

The Cascade Stairway & Museum

It's the epicenter of Erevan. Indeed, the Cascade is an ensemble of staircases that also houses a contemporary art center, the Cafesjian Center for the Arts. And once again, this gem is owed to architect Alexander Tamanian.

With no fewer than 572 steps, the ascent reveals green spaces and beautiful terraced gardens where you can admire some artistic sculptures and statues, some of which are renowned worldwide (such as those by Colombian artist Botero). The reward at the top? An unobstructed view of the city and the famous Mount Ararat.

The Matenadaran Library

We conclude our list of Erevan's must-sees with a cultural visit: the Matenadaran library. Registered in UNESCO's international "Memory of the World" register, it houses one of the world's most important collections of manuscripts, documents, and archives. It preserves nearly 20,000 manuscripts, some dating back over a thousand years!

For more information about Armenia's capital, consult our Erevan Guide.