Yerevan

Yerevan is Armenia's capital and largest city, set in the Ararat Plain beneath the slopes of Mount Ararat. It is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, founded as the fortress of Erebuni in 782 BC, and today combines layers of history with a lively café culture and a compact, walkable centre.

Much of Yerevan's public face was shaped by Soviet-era planning, seen in wide boulevards and the pink tuff stone facades that give the city its distinctive colour. The Cascade, a monumental stairway and contemporary art centre, links the lower city with hillside viewpoints, while Republic Square anchors the centre with its fountains and government buildings.

Key landmarks include the Matenadaran repository of ancient manuscripts, the Armenian Genocide Memorial and museum at Tsitsernakaberd, the Opera House, and the Erebuni Archaeological Museum. Around the centre, Northern Avenue, Abovyan Street and the Vernissage open-air market offer shopping, crafts and everyday local life.

Neighbourhoods such as Kentron hold many museums, hotels and restaurants, while the areas around Cascade and Saryan Street are known for wine bars, galleries and cafés. The food scene ranges from traditional dishes like khorovats and lavash to modern Armenian and international kitchens.

Yerevan is Armenia's political, economic and cultural hub, with a growing technology sector and a steady calendar of conferences, festivals and cultural events. Its combination of history, hospitality and accessibility makes it relevant for both leisure visitors and business travellers.