What is the Capital of Armenia? Yerevan

Capital City of Armenia: Yerevan

City Overview

Yerevan, the capital and largest city of Armenia, is located on the western edge of the country, near the border with Turkey. Situated at the foot of the picturesque Mount Ararat, Yerevan has been the cultural, political, and economic heart of Armenia for centuries. Founded in 782 BCE as a fortress by the Urartian King Argishti I, the city boasts one of the oldest histories of any city in the world. Yerevan serves as a vibrant cultural hub, where modern life blends seamlessly with ancient history.

Yerevan has undergone significant transformation since Armenia’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Today, the city is a bustling metropolis with a population of over 1 million people, and it plays a crucial role in Armenia’s development. The city’s population reflects a mix of Armenians and smaller ethnic minorities, creating a rich cultural tapestry. Yerevan is known for its Soviet-era architecture, bustling markets, and a thriving arts and music scene.

The city is located on the Hrazdan River, which flows through Yerevan, and is surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Caucasus. Yerevan’s strategic location makes it a key transport hub in the region, with good connectivity to neighboring countries such as Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey. The city is also home to a variety of educational institutions, cultural organizations, and is a major tourist destination for those interested in Armenia’s ancient history, Christian heritage, and vibrant traditions.

Key Facts

• Area: 227 square kilometers
• Population: Approximately 1.1 million (2023)
• Time Zone: Armenia Time (AMT), UTC +4
• Highest Mountain: Mount Ararat (5,137 meters), although it is located in Turkey, it remains a national symbol for Armenia.
• Longest River: The Hrazdan River (approximately 141 kilometers)

Yerevan sits in a highland basin and is surrounded by mountains, providing stunning views of the landscape. The city is also a major center for Armenian culture, with theaters, museums, and galleries that showcase the country’s rich artistic heritage. In addition to its historical significance, Yerevan is also known for its modern infrastructure, bustling cafes, and lively nightlife, making it a dynamic city for residents and visitors alike.

Major Landmarks in Yerevan

1. Republic Square (Hanrapetutyan Hraparak): Located in the heart of the city, Republic Square is one of Yerevan’s most iconic landmarks. Surrounded by grand government buildings and the National History Museum, the square is the central gathering place for public events, festivals, and concerts. At night, the square is beautifully illuminated and features a spectacular musical fountain.
2. The Cascade Complex: A massive stepped structure that connects the city’s downtown with the Monument neighborhood. It offers panoramic views of Yerevan and Mount Ararat. The Cascade is home to the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, which features a wide range of contemporary art exhibitions. Visitors can walk up the cascading steps or take an escalator for a view of the entire city.
3. Erebuni Fortress: The ancient Urartian fortress of Erebuni is considered the birthplace of Yerevan. Founded in 782 BCE, the site contains the remains of ancient buildings, inscriptions, and artifacts. The Erebuni Museum, located on the site, displays findings from the Urartian era.
4. St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral: The largest church in Armenia, St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral was consecrated in 2001. It is dedicated to Armenia’s first official Christian martyr and serves as the mother church of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The cathedral stands as a symbol of Armenia’s Christian heritage.
5. Matenadaran: One of the world’s most important repositories of ancient manuscripts, the Matenadaran holds over 23,000 ancient books and manuscripts in Armenian and other languages. The building itself is an architectural gem, and its collection includes medieval texts on philosophy, history, theology, and science.
6. Victory Park & Mother Armenia: Victory Park is a public park that offers some of the best views of the city, as well as a monument to Mother Armenia, which stands as a symbol of the country’s resilience and strength. The monument, which is similar to the famous Soviet-era “Mother Motherland” statues, overlooks the city and features a large statue of a woman holding a sword.
7. Vernissage Market: A sprawling open-air market in Yerevan that specializes in handicrafts, antiques, and traditional Armenian goods. It’s an excellent place for tourists to purchase souvenirs and experience the local culture.
8. Yerevan Opera House: A grand example of Soviet-era architecture, the Yerevan Opera House is a major cultural venue in the city. The building hosts a wide variety of performances, including opera, ballet, and symphonic concerts.

Climate Overview

Yerevan experiences a continental climate, characterized by hot summers and cold winters. Summers (June to September) are typically dry and very hot, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). Winters (December to February) are cold, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Rainfall is relatively low, especially in summer, but the city can experience occasional snow in the winter months. Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant, making them the best times to visit Yerevan.

Month	Average Temperature (°C)	Average Precipitation (mm)	Sunny Days
January	-2°C	35 mm	10 days
February	-1°C	40 mm	10 days
March	3°C	35 mm	12 days
April	9°C	20 mm	14 days
May	15°C	15 mm	18 days
June	22°C	5 mm	20 days
July	26°C	1 mm	22 days
August	26°C	0 mm	23 days
September	20°C	10 mm	19 days
October	12°C	25 mm	14 days
November	5°C	30 mm	11 days
December	-1°C	35 mm	9 days

Other Cities in Armenia that Have Been Capital

While Yerevan is the capital of Armenia today, the country has had other cities that played a central role in its history and governance.

1. Artashat (2nd Century BCE – 5th Century CE)

Artashat, located along the Araks River, was the capital of the Kingdom of Armenia from the 2nd century BCE to the 5th century CE. The city was founded by King Artaxias I and became a prominent center of commerce, culture, and administration.

• Area: 90 square kilometers
• Population: Approximately 35,000 (modern-day)
• Significance: Artashat was one of the major cities of ancient Armenia and a center of Hellenistic influence.

2. Dvin (5th – 12th Century)

Dvin served as the capital of Armenia during the period of the early medieval Armenian Kingdom, from the 5th to the 12th centuries. The city was an important center for both politics and culture.

• Area: 230 square kilometers
• Population: Estimated to have been around 50,000 at its peak.
• Significance: Dvin was a major cultural and religious center during the early Christian period and the medieval Kingdom of Armenia.

Country Facts: Armenia

Armenia is a landlocked country located in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia. It is bordered by Turkey to the west, Georgia to the north, Azerbaijan to the east, and Iran to the south. Armenia has a rich cultural heritage, with a history dating back thousands of years. It was the first nation in the world to adopt Christianity as the state religion in 301 CE, and its ancient history and culture are a source of great pride for its people.

Key Country Facts

• Population: Approximately 3 million (2023)
• Area: 29,743 square kilometers
• Capital: Yerevan
• Currency: Armenian dram (AMD)
• Official Language: Armenian
• ISO Country Codes: AM (Alpha-2), ARM (Alpha-3)
• Time Zone: Armenia Time (AMT), UTC +4
• Religion: Predominantly Armenian Apostolic Christianity
• Flag: Three horizontal bands of red, blue, and orange
• Largest City: Yerevan

Armenia is known for its ancient monasteries, rich traditions in music and dance, and a profound sense of national identity. Despite a tumultuous history marked by foreign invasions and political struggles, Armenia remains a proud and resilient nation. The economy is based on mining, agriculture, and services, with tourism increasingly playing a significant role in its growth. The country is also known for its wine production, which dates back thousands of years, making it one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world.