Have you heard that Yerevan – Erebuni is older than Rome?
That’s not just a rumor — it’s a fact. Yerevan was founded in 782 BC by Urartian King Argishti I, which is 29 years earlier than the traditional founding date of Rome in 753 BC.
Within the modern territory of Yerevan, you can still find the remains of the Erebuni Fortress — the ancient settlement that gave Yerevan its original name, Erebuni.
The fortress was established as a strategic administrative center, a religious hub, and a royal residence for the Kingdom of Urartu, an ancient Armenian kingdom. A cuneiform inscription left by King Argishti I reads:
“By the greatness of the god Khaldi, Argishti, son of Menua, built this mighty stronghold and proclaimed it Erebuni for the glory of Biainili [Urartu] and to instill fear among the king’s enemies.”
At its height, the Urartian Kingdom was about eight times larger than present-day Armenia. Although much of the fortress has not survived, visitors can still see sections of royal halls, auxiliary structures, and remains of temples and shrines.
From the fortress, which is situated on a small hill, one can enjoy a panoramic view of modern Yerevan. Despite being almost three millennia old, Yerevan was not historically one of the major political or strategic centers of the region. Over time, Yerevan served as a provincial town, suffering from various empires and invasions: Persian, Arab, Mongol, Ottoman and Russian.
In 1827, Yerevan city was taken by the Russian Empire during the Russian-Persian War and soon after became the center of the Erivan Governorate. It was during the late 19th and early 20th centuries — that the foundations for a modern city began to form, with schools, printing houses, and early urban infrastructure.
Yerevan truly began its transformation in 1920, when it was declared the capital of the newly formed Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic. Alexander Tamanyan became the city’s chief architect in 1924 and introduced the “General Plan of Yerevan,” which was originally designed for 150,000 residents. The city quickly evolved into an industrial and cultural center.
What to see in Yerevan?
Many of the buildings constructed according to Tamanyan’s plan incorporate elements of traditional Armenian architecture. The two-story houses along Abovyan Street reflect the spirit of the 19th century, preserving a part of Yerevan’s older charm.
Among the main sightseeing highlights in Yerevan are the Opera and Ballet House, named after the famous Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian, and the Cascade, from the top of which one can enjoy panoramic views of Yerevan and the biblical Mount Ararat.
Republic Square is the center of Yerevan city. Designed by Alexander Tamanyan and completed over a few decades, it is surrounded by elegant government buildings made of pink and white tuff stone.
In the evenings, the square comes alive with its famous singing fountains and colorful light shows.
Northern Avenue is Yerevan’s modern pedestrian street, connecting Republic Square with the Opera House — or, as Tamanyan himself envisioned it, linking the governmental center to the cultural heart of the city. The avenue is lined with stylish cafés, contemporary buildings, and is often filled with street musicians, who create an artistic atmosphere.
Just a few steps from Republic Square, Vernissage is an open-air art and souvenir market where you can find handmade crafts, traditional carpets, antiques, and silver jewelry.
At the end of one of the main avenues of Yerevan, the Matenadaran is a museum and research institute that houses thousands of ancient manuscripts. Its grand grey stone façade and the statues of Mesrop Mashtots, the creator of the Armenian alphabet, reflect Armenia’s deep literary and scholarly heritage.
For those interested in tasting Armenia’s famous brandy, the Ararat Brandy Factory offers tours and tastings. Here, visitors learn about the production of Armenian brandy and its historical significance — even Winston Churchill was a fan and used to order boxes of brandy from Yerevan.
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