Armenia has a reputation for greeting its visitors with warmth and hospitality. Nowhere is this truer than in Yerevan, one of the most ancient cities in the world, celebrating its 2785-th anniversary in 2003. The capital of Armenia has all the advantages of a modern capital city and boasts numerous historical attractions, together with a friendly atmosphere, which makes visitors feel at home. The city itself is one of the main tourist attractions in Armenia.

Yerevan is set among the Caucasus Mountains at an altitude of 950 to 1200 meters above sea level, on the river Hrazdan. The deep gorge formed by this river, with its picturesque slopes, has been transformed into a recreation area. The climate is dry and strictly continental. Because of its center, surrounded by hills, Yerevan is often likened to an ancient Roman amphitheater. From a strategically located balcony in Victory Park, on one of the hills (the Kanakerskoye plateau), you gain an impressive view of the whole city, with the astonishingly beautiful snow-capped Mt. Ararat as a backdrop. The sunlit "rosy" city is a picture that will impress itself on your memory. The city is pink from the 106 shades of the color of the lava stone, called tufa ubiquitously employed for buildings throughout Armenia. Large squares, broad avenues, old churches, busy markets, shady gardens, parks with attractive fountains, and cozy cafes are just a few of the amenities you will enjoy while visiting numerous historical and architectural sites.

Armenia has many places of interest, but the cultural center of the country is its capital. Most of the theaters, concert halls, museums and exhibitions are concentrated here. For those interested in history, particularly ancient history, Yerevan will be a blessed site with world class museums containing priceless collections. In the State History Museum of Armenia you will see ancient articles, discovered on the territory of present-day Armenia. You may also wish to visit famous Matenadaran - Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, a unique depository and research center with more than 16,000 precious documents in its collection. The famous citadel Erebuni, of both architectural and historical interest, has been partially restored and made into an open-air museum. There are 16 Armenian churches in Yerevan as well as a Russian Orthodox Church and the Blue Shiite Mosque. In 2001 Armenian people are celebrating the 1700th anniversary of adoption of Christianity in Armenia. A special program of festivities has been worked out.

If you have an interest in Arts you will enjoy extraordinary collections of Armenian art Galleries. The exhibitions of the Museum of Modern Art change constantly and are regularly supplemented with new works. It is also worth visiting the Wood Carvings Museum and House-Museums of famous Armenian contributors to world culture, such as Aram Khachatrian, Martiros Sarian, Sergei Parajanov and many others.

Modern concert halls welcome music-lovers. Major stage shows and gala performances as well as sport competitions are held at the Sports and Concert Complex, an interesting structure in itself.

You can also visit the Memorial to the Victims of the Genocide of 1915, which is in the vicinity.

Spendiarov opera in Yerevan is of world class and is housed in a building that is really an architectural delight. The company has a rich repertoire and often features foreign celebrity guest performers. Performances by local artists meet the most exacting standards. The theatrical fare of Yerevan is varied and interesting enough to please the most discriminating connoisseur. The bargain prices will amaze you.

In Yerevan you will find accommodation to match your taste and budget. Modern hotels, cozy bed-and-breakfasts, cottages and apartments are available. You will appreciate the celebrated Armenian hospitality and the interesting combination of national and modern European cuisine. Don't miss the world-famous Armenian cognacs and delightful Armenian wines. Authentic, traditional Armenian food will contribute much to making your visit to Armenia an unforgettable one.

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