Did you know that “Yerevan” is one of the oldest cities in the world?

When you visit Armenia there are monuments and statues that are breathtaking to see. The Memorial dedicated to the victims of the 1915 Genocide, is a monument that consists of two parts: one part has massive basalt steles leaning silently over the Eternal Flame, and near-by is the second part which resembles a pointed mast thrust sharply upward, symbolizing the revival of the Armenian People

The monument of  David of Sassoun, the hero of folk legends is portrayed by the sculptor Ervand Kochar on his faithful steed Dzhalali. In David’s hands he put a sword held ready to fall on the heads of all invaders. Water flows from a bowl over the pedestal, which means that when the patience of the people is at an end, there will be no mercy for the oppressor. His crest of honor was a sword of lightning, belt of gold, immortal flying horse, and a sacred cross. His mission was to free Armenians from foreign bondage.

As you continue touring Armenia, another striking landmark located in the Ararat Valley is the Sardarabad monument and memorial. The monument was built based on the famous battle in May 26, 1918, and the magnificent architectural edifices proclaimed the victory of the battle. There was a major engagement at Sardarabad where the Armenians defeated the Turkish Army. The statues of the ancient bulls, walls, eagles and the Bell Tower monument which were constructed in 1968 is a pilgrim’s shrine to Armenians throughout the world. The entrance to the park is flanked by huge winged oxen made of red tuff. A flight of steps leads to a square from where a 35-meter high bell tower rises.  The beautiful trellis structure with its nine bells can be seen from afar. The bells ring every year on the day of the historic victory. A lane of eagles, symbolizing the spirit of the fearless fighting men, leads to a curved Wall of Victory, with scenes of the battle, and the figure of a woman with a child, signifies a symbol of revival. The complex was designed by the architect Rafael Israelyan, and sculptors Ara Arutyunyan, Samuel Manasyan and Arsham Shaginy.

Representing the world of music and poetry is the monument erected for Sayat Nova, the great ashug (folk singer and story-teller) who lived in Tbilisi in the 18^th century and wrote in three languages: Armenian, Georgian and Azerbaijanian. The monument was designed by the sculptor Ara Arutyunyan.

For painters and art lovers, the statue of Mardiros Saryan was erected in 1986. Painters and Artists gather at the monument on holidays and weekends, where paintings can be bought or portraits commissioned.

The monument dedicated to the architect Alexander Tamanyan stands where Lenin Avenue and Moskovyan Street intersect. The grateful residents of Yerevan have perpetuated the memory of this outstanding town-planner who has done so much for their city. The monument was designed by Artahes Ovsepyan.

As you travel along Abovyan Street and arrive where it crosses Ring Boulevard, in a large square, stands the monument of Avetik Isaakyan, the classic Armenian poet. His works are closely linked with the history of the Armenian people, and permeate with profound humanism and respect for human dignity. . The monument was sculpted by Sergei Bagdasaryan in 1965.

Where Knunyants Street crosses the Boulevard stands the statue of the great army leader and legendary national hero who led the Armenians against the Persian invaders in the middle of the 4^th century, Vartan Mamigonian. The statue was designed by Ervand Kochar in 1975.

The monument erected to Mikael Nalbandyan, Armenian writer, philosopher, and revolutionary democrat, is probably the only one in Yerevan that does not have the traditional pedestal. The statue virtually stands on the ground. The sculptor Nikogaios Nikogosyan gave a very faithful image of this noble champion.

Another beautiful monument we recommend visiting is Mother Armenia located in Akhtanak (Victory) Park, which is only one stop from Abovyan square. It is the statue of a woman placing a sword in its scabbard. It is set on a six-story pedestal 36 meters high which houses the exhibition Soviet Armenia in the great Patriotic War.

As you travel to Etchmiadzin, where the cathedral is the main attraction, there is a monument of Gomidas Vartabed, one of the most renowned Armenian churchmen of modern times.

These are but a few of the magnificent monuments and statues that you will see when you visit Hayastan, 'the cradle of civilisation'.

Excerpts taken from  “Tourist Attractions in Armenia”- Transcaucasia

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