Republic Square — Attraction in Yerevan

BARMENIA TRAVEL BLOG – Not Europe and Not What it Seems

Below are my own personal views from a 7 day trip.

Enter Armenia

Upon Landing at the Zvartnots International Airport in its capital City of Yerevan (1 million population, 35% of the country’s total), Immigration is a simple 2 step process for an Indian passport holder having a UAE residence visa. Step 1 - queue up to get the passport stamped and Step 2 – queue up for immigration. At this point I must mention that tourist visas on arrival available at a decent price for up to 6 months stay! I’m surely coming back again with my hard-earned UAE-Dirhams which can be spent in its local Armenian-Drams, at a multiple of 120 and 470 to the US Dollar. Spending thousands of Drams each day for food and coffee did make me feel I was living life Large. It’s a good budget destination getting increasingly popular with tourists. Hotels in Yerevan and other popular spots have a 90% occupancy rates, with the best ones booked weeks in advance.

Armenian People

The very next step for a Commodity Trader like myself with a pulse and his own phone bill expense account, was to get a local SIM Card. There I came across a very charming, friendly and smiling Armenian woman – I can still feel my wife giving me the dagger looks from behind while I write this, just the way she did while I was interacting with the gorgeous SIM-card-providing Armenian eye candy. Did I mention Armenian women look good and really take care of their appearances? Rather they’re a mix of good looks combined with the make up skills of a professional, as my expert makeup-artist-wife pointed out time and again. Getting a coffee at 9:30 AM in the city center of Yerevan, I the Armenian-eye candy coming towards me felt like a model walking the ramp, with a long Expresso in hand and big smile on the layered face. Spending more than 3 hours doing makeup including heavy contouring does deserve some appreciation. Nose jobs are standard, many on the street, including men, walk around with their tapes on their noses, post operation. Get over it.. natural beauty is subjective.

The Scenery:

I must admit, the scenery in Armenia did not overwhelm me with its beauty, it was pleasant and the higher up mountain towns did provide cool and fresh air. Places visited were Yerevan, Jermuk, Geghard, Khor Virap, Tsaghkadzor, Lake Sevan and Dilijan. Beauty is relative, and my baseline comparison with its neighbor Georgia that I visited last year. Armenia, unlike Georgia, does not stun and overwhelm you with its landscapes, in my opinion.

My own experience with Armenian food ranged from below average to pretty-satisfied. Perhaps my very Indian/Asian taste buds were not designed to be blown away by the Russian-Mediterranean-Kebab style Armenian food. Pork Shawarmas please? Yes they exist and taste quite good..

Yerevan

You Tube videos on Yerevan are poorly made and not reflective of the reality of Yerevan and Armenia.

My favorite part about Armenia was Yerevan. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. I did not expect much from the city, if trips to the nearby, Soviet era hung over Baku, Tbilisi and Batumi were anything to go by. Amidst the Republic Square musical fountain surrounded by thousands of people, made me realize what a vibrant and joyful city it is. Again, in relative terms, a kind of buzz and vibrancy I did not experience in the neighboring Georgian capital of Tbilisi. The restaurants, bars, cafes, sheesha joints and open public spaces of Yerevan will continue calling me back to Armenia. Spending time in Yerevan was a delight and we couldn’t get enough of the city..

Yerevan fulfils 2 of the most basic human needs - free drinking water fountains and free Wi-fi all over the city. Armenia is not Europe, it is pure Armenia in the way which can only be interpreted...

Republic Square, Yerevan Republic Square (Armenian: Հանրապետության հրապարակ, Hanrapetut′yan hraparak, known locally as Hraparak, "the square") is the central town square in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. It consists of two sections: an oval roundabout and a trapezoid-shaped section which contains a pool with musical fountains. The square is surrounded by five major buildings built in pink and yellow tufa in the neoclassical style with extensive use of Armenian motifs.This architectural ensemble includes the Government House, the History Museum and the National Gallery, Armenia Marriott Hotel and the ministries of Foreign Affairs and Transport and Communications. The square was originally designed by Alexander Tamanian in 1924. The construction of most of the buildings was completed by the 1950s; the last building—the National Gallery—was completed in 1977. During the Soviet period it was called Lenin Square and a statue of Vladimir Lenin stood at the square. Soviet military parades were held twice (originally thrice) a year until 1988. After Armenia's independence Lenin's statue was removed and the square was renamed. It has been described as Yerevan's "architectural highlight" and the city's "most outstanding architectural ensemble".Travel writer Deirdre Holding suggested that it is "certainly one of the finest central squares created anywhere in the world during the 20th century." As Armenia's and the city's "most important civic space", Republic Square was the main site of demonstrations during the 2018...

Republic Square, located in Yerevan, Armenia, is a significant landmark and a popular gathering place for both locals and tourists. Here's a review of Yerevan's Republic Square:

Republic Square is a magnificent and vibrant square that serves as the heart of Yerevan. The square's centerpiece is the impressive Government House, also known as the Republic Palace, which showcases beautiful architectural details and grandeur. The square is surrounded by other important buildings, such as the National Gallery and the History Museum of Armenia.

The square's layout and design are visually captivating, with wide open spaces, fountains, and lush greenery. It provides an excellent space for people to relax, stroll around, and enjoy the ambiance. During the evenings, the square comes alive with stunning lighting that enhances its beauty and creates a delightful atmosphere.

Republic Square often hosts cultural events, concerts, and celebrations, making it an exciting hub of activity. It's also a popular meeting point for locals and a favorite spot for visitors to capture memorable photos. Surrounding the square, you'll find a variety of cafes, restaurants, and shops where you can indulge in local cuisine or pick up souvenirs.

Overall, Yerevan's Republic Square is a must-visit destination in the city. It combines architectural splendor, cultural significance, and a lively atmosphere, providing a memorable experience for...