Republic Square

Whether en route to a museum, stopping to watch the musical fountains, or simply passing through town, you’re sure to encounter Republic Square during your stay in Yerevan. It’s an indispensable stop on most city-wide sightseeing tours by car or foot. Designed by famed Soviet-era Armenian architect Alexander Tamanyan in 1924, Republic Square is also the starting point for many day trips to various attractions throughout Armenia—from the millennia-old Garni Temple to the medieval monastery of Khor Virap.

• Plan on spending some time enjoying the ambiance of Republic Square. While there’s not much in terms of activities, it’s the perfect place to grab an ice cream and watch the world go by.

• Pay special attention to the rosy-hued stone used in Republic Square. Yerevan is nicknamed “The Pink City” for a reason. The main building material is a type of pastel-toned lava rock called pink tuff.

• Though called a “square,” part of Republic Square is actually oval-shaped. The other section is where you can find the musical fountains.

Republic Square is a transport hub, making it easy to reach using multiple modes of transport. Most inter-city minibusses and buses stop at Republic Square. If coming by metro, simply get off at the Republic Square stop. The area is also reachable by foot from anywhere within downtown Yerevan. There are plenty of hotels nearby, so chances are you might already be staying around the corner.

While Republic Square always stays open and can be visited whenever the mood strikes, summer nights are the most popular time. The singing fountains typically play music between 8pm and 10pm every day on Mondays from May through September—though be sure to confirm the hours with your hotel or guide in advance. The square also hosts a festive celebration around Christmas and New Year’s, including the city’s Christmas tree.

Yerevan is well-known for its distinctive Soviet-era architecture. Armenian architect Alexander Tamanyan was instrumental in designing the city and creating a new master plan for Yerevan in the 1920s. Aside from Republic Square and the Government House also on the square, he designed one of Yerevan’s most famous landmarks: the stunning, circular-shaped Opera and Ballet Theatre. The exterior is worth a look, and you can still catch a concert, play, or performance inside.